Senior Welding Engineer / Coordinator

Job Title:        Senior Welding Engineer / Responsible Welding Coordinator
Salary:            Competitive and dependent on experience
Location:        Levenshulme Fabrication Facility
Contract:        Permanent / Full Time

About IES

IES Utilities Group is a leading UK utility provider delivering end-to-end multi-discipline solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, providing survey, design, construction and maintenance services nationwide. With a commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability, IES supports clients in building and maintaining resilient, future-ready infrastructure networks across the UK.

About the Role

IES is seeking an experienced and technically competent Senior Welding Engineer to support the continued growth of its fabrication and manufacturing operations.

Based at our Levenshulme fabrication facility, the successful candidate will act as the Responsible Welding Coordinator, providing technical leadership for welding, fabrication quality, certification and compliance activities. The role will ensure adherence to National Gas specifications, ISO 3834, ISO 1090 and CE Marking requirements while supporting tendering activities, operational delivery and business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Welding Engineering and Technical Authority

• Act as the Responsible Welding Coordinator for all fabrication activities.
• Develop, qualify and maintain Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs) and associated documentation.
• Provide welding engineering support across workshop and project operations.
• Review drawings, specifications and client requirements to ensure manufacturing compliance.
• Manage welder qualification, approval and competency programmes.
• Oversee welding procedure qualification testing and approval activities.
• Provide guidance on welding processes, material selection and fabrication methodologies.
• Investigate welding-related issues and implement corrective actions.

Quality, Compliance and Certification

• Maintain compliance with ISO 3834, ISO 1090 and CE Marking requirements.
• Ensure fabrication activities comply with National Gas and UK utility client standards.
• Manage welding quality documentation, traceability records and manufacturing records.
• Liaise with certification bodies, auditors and third-party inspectors.
• Support inspection and test planning activities.
• Lead internal and external quality audits.
• Review material certification and ensure full product traceability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across quality and compliance systems.

Tendering and Commercial Support

• Provide technical support during tender and bid submissions.
• Review specifications and contract requirements to develop compliant fabrication solutions.
• Assist with estimating fabrication costs, welding resources and inspection requirements.
• Support project planning and delivery strategies during bid stages.
• Identify technical risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions.
• Attend client meetings and technical reviews as required.
• Support the growth and development of fabrication services across the business.

Operational Leadership

• Support the management of engineering, quality and fabrication support resources.
• Assist with workforce planning, recruitment and competency development.
• Coordinate specialist subcontractors and inspection providers.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Support workshop planning, productivity and manufacturing efficiency initiatives.
• Contribute to capability development and succession planning within the fabrication business.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as a Welding Engineer within utilities, fabrication, manufacturing, energy or related sectors.
• Experience developing and qualifying welding procedures.
• Strong knowledge of National Gas specifications and utility standards.
• Detailed understanding of ISO 3834 and ISO 1090 requirements.
• Experience managing quality systems and certification compliance.
• Good understanding of welding metallurgy, fabrication processes and NDT methods.
• Experience leading technical teams and supporting operational delivery.
• Commercial awareness and experience supporting tendering activities.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Experience within a large fabrication or manufacturing facility.
• Experience delivering projects for National Gas or UK utility clients.
• Knowledge of pressure systems and high-integrity pipework fabrication.
• Understanding of PED requirements.
• Familiarity with structural steel fabrication and Lean manufacturing principles.

Qualifications

Essential

• HNC, HND or Degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
• CSWIP Welding Inspector qualification or equivalent.
• Demonstrable experience in welding engineering, fabrication quality and compliance management.

Desirable

• International Welding Engineer (IWE).
• Senior CSWIP Welding Inspector.
• Lead Auditor qualification.
• NDT certification.
• ISO 3834 implementation or assessment experience.
• ISO 1090 Responsible Welding Coordinator experience.
• Project Management qualification.

Key Competencies

• Welding Engineering Expertise
• Responsible Welding Coordination
• Quality & Compliance Management
• Leadership & Team Development
• Commercial Awareness
• Client Relationship Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Continuous Improvement

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel to Manchester Head Office and project sites across the UK.
• Occasional overnight stays may be required depending on project location and operational requirements.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Long-term and stable career opportunities.
• Exposure to major utility and infrastructure projects across the UK.
• Professional development and ongoing training support.
• Opportunity to work within a growing and ambitious engineering business.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment focused on safety, quality and innovation.
• Clear progression pathways into Senior Engineering, Design Management and Technical Leadership roles.