Manager of Welding Technology

Qualdoc • Full-time • Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States • $130,000 / year • 3d ago

Manager of Welding Technology

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $130,000 annually (Higher compensation available based on experience.)

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Manager of Welding Technology to lead welding operations within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This leadership role is responsible for improving welding quality, reducing defects and rework, developing welding personnel, and implementing best practices across multiple fabrication departments.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader who is passionate about developing teams, improving processes, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and oversee welding operations across multiple fabrication departments.
Manage, mentor, and develop welders, fitter/fabricators, supervisors, and team leads.
Develop, maintain, and enforce Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and AWS standards.
Improve first-pass weld acceptance while reducing weld defects, leaks, and rework.
Evaluate current welding processes and implement improvements to increase quality, consistency, and productivity.
Create and lead welder qualification, onboarding, and skills development programs.
Conduct weld inspections and quality audits using appropriate measuring and inspection tools.
Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to investigate welding issues and implement corrective actions.
Monitor welding equipment, consumables, and production methods to ensure process control.
Provide technical expertise for MIG (Spray Transfer/GMAW), FCAW, and related welding processes.
Support production schedules by ensuring appropriate staffing and welding resources.
Promote OSHA compliance, workplace safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification required.
Experience managing welders, fitter/fabricators, supervisors, and multiple fabrication or manufacturing departments.
Extensive experience with MIG welding, including Spray Transfer (GMAW), and other welding processes.
Strong knowledge of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) development and maintenance.
Proven success improving welding quality, reducing defects, and increasing first-pass acceptance rates.
Experience developing and delivering welding training programs.
Strong background performing weld inspections using AWS standards, weld gauges, calipers, tape measures, and related inspection equipment.
Ability to read blueprints, engineering drawings, weld symbols, and fabrication specifications.
Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and organizational skills.
Strong problem-solving abilities with a continuous improvement mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Welding Educator (CWE) certification or previous welding instructor/trainer experience.
Background in sheet metal fabrication, heavy fabrication, structural steel, or industrial manufacturing.
Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Demonstrated success improving welding quality and developing high-performing welding teams.

Why Apply?

Direct hire opportunity with a growing manufacturing organization.
Leadership role with significant influence on quality, operations, and employee development.
Opportunity to build and enhance a best-in-class welding program.
Collaborative environment focused on safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Pay: From $130,000.00 per year

Benefits: