Weld Shop Manager (Working Lead)

Location: North Suburbs of Chicago, IL

Pay: $65,000–$90,000 - Hourly while under contract period before hired on

Schedule: 1st Shift | Monday–Friday (6:30 AM–3:00 PM) + Half Day Saturdays

Type: Contract-to-Hire (6 months)

A well-established custom industrial equipment manufacturer is seeking a hands-on Weld Shop Manager (Working Lead) to oversee a team of welders while remaining actively involved on the shop floor. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing company with a modern facility, a strong leadership team, and a family-oriented culture where employees are valued and empowered to make an impact.

This is not a desk job. You'll spend the majority of your time leading by example—fabricating, TIG welding, mentoring less experienced welders, ensuring quality, and helping keep production on schedule.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead and mentor a team of welders while remaining hands-on in fabrication and welding
Organize daily work orders and prioritize production schedules
Perform TIG welding and fabrication of stainless steel pipe and square tubing assemblies
Review blueprints, inspect completed weldments, and ensure work meets quality standards
Coordinate with production to maintain workflow and meet customer deadlines
Train and develop junior welders while promoting safe and efficient shop practices
Perform final inspections before assemblies move to the next stage of production

What We're Looking For

5+ years of TIG welding experience in a manufacturing environment
Previous Lead, Supervisor, Manager, or strong mentoring experience
Experience welding stainless steel, pipe, and structural assemblies
Strong blueprint reading and fabrication skills
Familiarity with AWS and/or ASME Section IX welding codes
Ability to pass a 5G pipe weld test and become certified to company procedures
Comfortable using fabrication equipment including grinders, horizontal band saws, drill/mill machines, and other shop tools
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a hands-on manufacturing environment

Why You'll Want This Opportunity

Clean, modern manufacturing facility with updated equipment
Tight-knit, family-oriented culture with approachable leadership and an open-door environment
Opportunity to make an immediate impact leading a skilled welding team
Stable, growing company that designs and manufactures custom industrial equipment serving a diverse customer base
Excellent opportunity for an experienced Lead Welder ready to step into more responsibility or a current Supervisor looking for a long-term home
Full benefits available upon permanent hire

If you're a hands-on TIG welder who enjoys mentoring others and wants to be part of a company where leadership is visible and your contributions matter, we'd love to speak with you.

Aegis Manufacturing & Engineering jobs

Weld Shop Manager (Lead Welder)

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