Lead Welder

Essential Responsibilities

Shop Operations & Coordination

• Own and maintain AISC Shop Certification compliance—understand operational requirements, flag compliance issues, and train crew members on shop standards
• Lead fabrication operations, supervising and working alongside team members to fabricate and weld components to specification
• Read, interpret, and ensure accurate execution of blueprints, technical drawings, shop drawings, and work orders
• Operate welding equipment and fabrication machinery; mentor others on a variety of welding techniques and material applications
• Measure, cut, bend, and fit metal materials using hand tools, power tools, and machinery
• Plan and direct daily work, set production goals, and assign tasks to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget
• Maintain welding equipment, tools, and work area to manufacturer specifications and safety standards
• Manage inventory, schedule work, and coordinate with engineering and field teams to meet project timelines

Quality Assurance & Technical Leadership

• Inspect welds and finished products for quality, accuracy, and compliance with safety, AISC, and project standards
• Provide technical mentorship to junior crew members, conducting training on complex fabrication issues and problem-solving
• Conduct QA reviews and ensure all work meets specification before shipping or field installation
• Flag and communicate scope changes, quality concerns, or technical challenges to Project Managers

Field Leadership & Supervision

• Lead, supervise, and work alongside union crews installing guardrail, attenuators, sign structures, and related highway safety hardware in accordance with DOT specifications and contract documents
• Enforce all safety requirements, conduct daily toolbox talks, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and site safety inspections
• Coordinate site setup, traffic control, material staging, and equipment use
• Verify proper operation and maintenance of crew equipment, including post drivers, skid steers, man lifts, drill rigs, boom trucks, and dump trucks
• Serve as the on-site point of contact and submit accurate daily reports, timesheets, production logs, and equipment records
• Mentor, train, and develop crew members while providing clear direction and constructive feedback
• Administer work in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement; coordinate manpower with the local union hall and address crew issues professionally

Safety & Compliance

• Follow and enforce all safety procedures, including proper use of PPE and safe handling of materials
• Demonstrate expertise in DOT specifications, work-zone traffic control, and OSHA construction safety standards
• Lead from the front, modeling safety behaviors and accountability

Required Skills & Abilities

• Leadership & Communication: Strong ability to lead from the front, work hands-on alongside crews, and mentor junior team members
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of welding techniques, fabrication processes, and metalworking with ability to problem-solve complex technical issues
• AISC Shop Certification Knowledge: Operational understanding of certification requirements and the ability to ensure and train on compliance
• Blueprint & Specification Reading: Proficiency interpreting technical drawings, shop drawings, and construction plans
• Equipment Operation & Oversight: Experience operating and overseeing roadway construction and fabrication equipment
• Time Management & Organization: Ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate schedules, and meet deadlines
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot fabrication and field installation challenges
• Union Experience: Comfort working under collective bargaining agreements and coordinating with union crews
• Technology: Ability to use smartphones and tablets for timekeeping, daily reports, and project communication
• Physical Capability: Ability to regularly stand, walk, bend, twist, climb, and use hands to operate tools and equipment; capacity to lift at least 75 pounds

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of welding and metal fabrication experience; experience with guardrail, bridge beam, or structural steel fabrication is ideal
• Minimum 2 years in a Foreman, Crew Lead, Shop Supervisor, or similar leadership role
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
• Ability to commit to Monday–Friday work schedule with travel to active project sites; willingness to stay out of town during work week

Preferred Certifications & Qualifications

• AISC Shop Certification (or ability to obtain)
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 – Construction
• ATSSA Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) or equivalent
• Flagger certification
• First Aid / CPR certification
• Experience with heavy civil or highway construction
• Union construction background

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must regularly stand, walk, bend, twist, climb, and use hands to operate tools and equipment
• Must be able to lift at least 75 pounds
• Work is performed both in a fabrication shop and outdoors adjacent to live traffic in varying weather conditions
• daily travel to active projects throughout service area
• Night work and occasional overnight travel may be required depending on project location