Manager of Welding Technology
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $130,000/year; higher salary available depending on experience
Bonus: 10% Target Annual Bonus
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Manager of Welding Technology to lead and improve welding operations within a large-scale sheet metal fabrication manufacturing environment.
This leadership role is responsible for driving welding quality, improving first-pass weld acceptance, reducing rework and weld leaks, and developing a high-performing welding program. The ideal candidate is an active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) with extensive experience managing welding operations, leading welders and fitter/fabricators, overseeing multiple fabrication departments, and implementing welding best practices.
The Manager of Welding Technology will serve as the technical authority for welding activities while collaborating with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to improve performance, develop employees, and maintain consistent weld quality.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader who enjoys developing people, improving processes, and building a culture of quality, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Essential Responsibilities
Lead and oversee welding operations across multiple fabrication departments in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Manage, mentor, and develop welders, fitter/fabricators, welding leads, and supervisors while promoting a positive and safety-focused workplace.
Develop, maintain, and ensure compliance with Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), welding standards, and applicable AWS requirements.
Improve key welding performance metrics, including first-pass weld acceptance, weld defect reduction, leak prevention, and rework reduction.
Evaluate welding methods and implement process improvements that enhance quality, consistency, productivity, and efficiency.
Develop and lead welder qualification, onboarding, and ongoing training programs to strengthen workforce skills.
Perform weld inspections and quality audits using visual inspection techniques, fillet weld gauges, measuring equipment, and other applicable inspection tools.
Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to investigate weld failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Monitor welding procedures, equipment, consumables, and production methods to maintain consistent weld quality and process control.
Provide technical leadership for MIG (Spray Transfer/GMAW), FCAW, and other welding processes used throughout the facility.
Support production scheduling and manufacturing operations by aligning welding resources and personnel with production demands.
Promote OSHA compliance, safe work practices, and continuous improvement throughout the fabrication operation.
Required Qualifications
Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
Proven experience managing welders, fitter/fabricators, welding supervisors, and multiple fabrication or manufacturing departments.
Extensive knowledge of MIG welding, including Spray Transfer GMAW, with a strong understanding of additional welding processes.
Demonstrated experience developing, maintaining, and implementing Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
Proven success improving welding quality, increasing first-pass weld acceptance, and reducing weld failures, leaks, and rework.
Experience developing and delivering welding training programs to improve employee performance and technical skills.
Strong background in weld inspections and quality evaluations using AWS standards, fillet weld gauges, weld gauges, calipers, tape measures, and other inspection equipment.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication specifications.
Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and organizational skills.
Professional demeanor, positive attitude, and a growth mindset focused on driving change and continuous improvement.
Ability to build strong working relationships across Production, Engineering, Quality, and leadership teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Welding Educator (CWE) certification or previous welding instructor/trainer experience.
Experience leading significant improvements in welding quality and overall welding program performance.
Background in sheet metal fabrication, heavy fabrication, structural steel, or industrial manufacturing.
Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement initiatives.
Why Join Us?
Competitive starting salary with opportunities for higher compensation based on experience.
10% Target Annual Bonus.
Opportunity to lead and develop a high-performing welding team.
A leadership role with a direct impact on manufacturing quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
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