Welding Shop Lead

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Since our inception in Valdosta, GA in 1975, Ace has been performing quality electrical installations in a full range of markets including: commercial, mission critical, education, healthcare, institutional, industrial, correctional facilities, hospitality, military bases, retail and others. In the past 15 years, locations have been added in Macon, GA, Atlanta, GA, Jackson, TN, Statesboro, GA, Sanford, NC and Plain City, OH. Ace offers fabrication services, hard bid, design-build, negotiated contracts and fee-based work. We have the resources, professional staff and project management team to handle almost any type of electrical project. Our history of safety and quality has been established through years of successful projects and satisfied customers. Ace Electric is growing bigger in business each year and has no signs of slowing down!

Benefits:

Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Accident and Critical Illness Insurances

401k with Match

Access to Ace University: Apprenticeship Program, Leadership Training, Skill Building Classes and much more!

General Summary:

The Welding Shop Lead is a hands-on leadership position responsible for overseeing daily welding and fabrication operations. This role performs complex welding and metal fabrication work while coordinating shop workflow, supporting team members, and ensuring projects meet established safety, quality, and production standards. The ideal candidate brings extensive welding, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to lead a team in an organized, efficient shop environment. The Welding Shop Lead will report to the Engineering and Fabrication Shop Manager.

Preferred Job Skills:

Ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

Desire to see others succeed by mentoring and sharing knowledge with others.

Ability to develop and follow construction schedules.

Proven experience as a welder, with expertise in various welding techniques and processes.

Experience in fabrication environments.

Experience working closely with drafters, detailers, project managers, and quality inspectors.

Demonstrated experience leading or supervising welding, fabrication, or shop operations.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, project specifications, and tape measurements.

Experience operating metal band saws, chop saws, and CNC plasma cutting equipment.

Strong knowledge of welding safety practices and the ability to consistently follow and enforce established safety procedures.

Ability to coordinate multiple priorities, organize shop workflow, and support project deadlines.

Effective communication, problem-solving, training, and team leadership skills.

Mandatory Hiring Requirements:

References, Background Check, Drug Screen Testing, Valid Driver’s License.

Responsibilities:

Lead and supervise daily welding and fabrication operations, assigning work and organizing workflow to support production schedules.

Perform hands-on welding using MIG, stick, flux-cored, and, when applicable, TIG processes.

Fabricate metal components and assemblies in accordance with project specifications, technical drawings, and blueprints.

Accurately read and use tape measures and other measuring tools to complete precise fabrication work.

Operate metal band saws, chop saws, and CNC plasma cutting equipment safely and effectively.

Collaborate with qualified drafters and detailers; use CAD/CAM software when applicable to support fabrication and plasma-cutting activities.

Manage routine shop functions, including material handling, equipment upkeep, work-area organization, and production flow.

Promote and enforce safety procedures, maintaining a clean and safe work environment for all team members.

Coordinate with project managers, the Shop Foreman or Manager, and quality inspectors to meet deadlines and maintain quality throughout the fabrication process.

Train, coach, and mentor team members to strengthen technical skills, productivity, and adherence to shop standards.

Monitor and maintain inventory levels for welding supplies, fabrication materials, tools, and equipment.

Identify workflow, quality, or equipment concerns and communicate them promptly to the appropriate stakeholders.

Position Requirements:

License: Valid state driver's license as required by job conditions or by the company.

Certification: Welding Certification preferred.

Education: High School Graduate or GED.

Experience: At least 10 years of welding or fabrication experience using MIG, stick, and flux-cored welding processes.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily in an active manufacturing and welding shop environment.

Regular exposure to welding arcs, sparks, hot metal, fumes, dust, airborne particles, moving machinery, sharp materials, and elevated noise levels.

May be exposed to temperature variations, including heat generated by welding and fabrication processes and changing seasonal conditions.

Required to wear and properly use applicable personal protective equipment, including welding protection, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, protective footwear, and other equipment appropriate to the task.

Work areas may include uneven or obstructed surfaces and spaces around large equipment, fabricated assemblies, and stored materials.

Must follow all company safety rules, equipment procedures, and applicable manufacturing and welding safety requirements.

Able to work 40 hours per week plus overtime as required.

Travel may be required to job sites.

Required Physical/Mental Functions:

Comprehend and practice safe work procedures as outlined in Safety Handbook.

Stand and walk for extended periods while working throughout the shop.

Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, and work in varied positions required for welding, fabrication, inspection, and material handling.

Use hands and fingers to handle, position, grip, and operate welding equipment, hand tools, controls, measuring devices, and fabricated components.

Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely push, pull, position, or move tools, supplies, metal components, and fabrication materials. Use team assistance or appropriate material-handling equipment for items weighing more than 50 pounds or when an item's size, shape, or balance makes individual handling unsafe.

Maintain sufficient balance and coordination to work safely around machinery, materials, and active production areas.

Possess the visual ability necessary to read drawings and measurements, inspect welds and fabricated parts, distinguish details, and operate equipment safely.

Possess the hearing and communication abilities necessary to receive instructions, recognize audible warnings, and communicate in a noisy manufacturing environment, with appropriate protective equipment as required.

Read, understand, and apply blueprints, technical drawings, specifications, work instructions, safety rules, and equipment procedures.

Maintain attention to detail and sustained focus while performing welding, fabrication, inspection, and supervisory duties.

Use sound judgment to identify hazards, stop unsafe work, resolve production concerns, and make timely shop-floor decisions.

Plan and prioritize work, coordinate multiple assignments, and adjust workflow in response to changing production needs and deadlines.

Perform accurate measurements and basic calculations related to dimensions, materials, layouts, and fabrication requirements.

Communicate clearly and professionally with team members, managers, project personnel, drafters, and quality inspectors.

Train and provide direction to employees, respond constructively to questio