What are the responsibilities and job description for the Welding Supervisor position at Chicago Metal Fabricators?
Position Summary:
The Welding Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all welding operations in a custom plate fabrication environment, ensuring that jobs are completed safely, accurately, and on schedule. This position manages a team of skilled welders and fitters producing complex, one-off or short-run fabricated components to customer specifications. The supervisor ensures quality workmanship, efficient workflow, and adherence to welding codes and shop drawings while fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise and coordinate daily welding operations across multiple projects, ensuring all work meets specifications, drawings, and quality requirements.
- Assign and monitor work orders to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met for custom fabrication projects.
- Interpret blueprints, layouts, and weld symbols for welders and fitters; provide direction for proper joint preparation, fit-up, and weld sequencing.
- Inspect and verify welds in accordance with AWS and company standards; assist Quality Assurance in documenting weld inspections and repairs.
- Train and mentor welders and fitters, developing team members’ skills in advanced welding, layout, and fabrication techniques.
- Coordinate with engineering and project management to clarify drawings, resolve technical issues, and optimize fabrication methods.
- Ensure all welding machines, torches, and positioners are maintained and calibrated properly; coordinate repairs and preventive maintenance.
- Maintain a safe and organized work area, enforcing company safety policies and OSHA standards.
- Manage materials and consumables, tracking filler metals, gases, and supplies to minimize downtime and waste.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in productivity, weld quality, and workflow efficiency.
- Participate in WPS/PQR development and support qualification testing for new materials and processes when needed.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or GED required; technical or trade school in welding/fabrication preferred.
- Minimum 5–7 years of experience in heavy or custom plate fabrication, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
- Proven experience with carbon steel, stainless, and alloy plate fabrication.
- Strong knowledge of MIG, TIG, FCAW, and SAW processes.
- Familiarity with AWS D1.1, D1.6,D14.1, & D15.1 welding codes.
Skills & Competencies:
- Ability to read and interpret detailed fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and GD&T.
- Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to coach and motivate a diverse team.
- Hands-on understanding of layout, fitting, and assembly for custom fabrication.
- Good problem-solving and decision-making ability under tight schedules.
- Working knowledge of material handling equipment (overhead cranes, forklifts, positioners).
- Computer proficiency for basic production reporting (Excel, ERP systems, etc.).
- Bilingual in English and Spanish is a strong plus.
Certifications (Preferred):
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent.
- OSHA 10 or 30-hour safety certification.
- Forklift and crane operator certifications.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs for extended periods.
- Work in shop conditions involving heat, noise, and fumes.
- Use of appropriate PPE including helmet, gloves, and safety gear.
Compensation and Benefits:
Competitive pay commensurate with experience, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), paid vacation, and opportunities for advancement.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Welding: 10 years (Required)
- Supervising: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Certified Welding Inspector (Preferred)
- Welding Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,000 - $95,000