TIG Weld / Machine Shop Foreperson

Job Description

Job Description

Thunder Scientific is seeking a highly skilled TIG Welder & Machine Shop Foreperson to lead our Albuquerque fabrication and machining operations, ensuring our high-precision systems continue to meet absolute zero-defect standards.

This dual role position splits time between hands-on, high-precision TIG welding and overseeing daily machine shop workflows. The ideal candidate will manage a skilled team of fabricators and machinists to produce components for sophisticated scientific instruments, ensuring rigid quality control, safety, and production timelines are met.

Key Responsibilities

Shop Leadership & Operations

·         Lead and supervise daily machine shop operations, including fabrication, welding, assembly, and machining tasks.

·         Assign daily fabrication tasks to the machining and welding teams.

·         Enforce safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized machine shop environment.

·         Inspect finished parts and sub-assemblies to guarantee strict quality standards and zero-defects.

·         Mentor and train junior team members on shop best practices and precision techniques.

Precision Welding & Machining

·         Perform high-quality TIG welding on stainless steel, cold roll steel, and copper used in high-precision humidity chambers.

·         Interpret engineering blueprints and complex technical drawings derived from SolidWorks models.

·         Evaluate engineering drawings for accuracy and complete electronic change orders as required.

·         Utilize shop tools such as digital/dial calipers, radius gages, micrometers, go/no go gages, and depth gages.

·         Testing of pressure vessels (hydrostatic testing) using helium mass spectrometers.

·         Set up and operate manual machine shop equipment, including mills, lathes, and saws.

·         Brazing and soldering a variety of materials to include copper, brass, and stainless steel.

·         Utilize fabrication tools such as grinders, brakes, and shears with high accuracy.

·         Proficient in project finishing work to include sanding.

·         Perform routine maintenance on welding gear and machine shop tooling.

Required Qualifications (Required)

·         High school diploma or equivalent GED certificate.

·         10+ years of experience in precision TIG welding (thin-gauge stainless steel, cold roll steel, and copper preferred).

·         5+ years of experience in a supervisory, foreman, or shop lead role.

·         3+ years of experience with manual machining, including independent setup of lathes and milling machines.

·         Expert blueprint reading skills, with a strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

·         Inspect finished parts and sub-assemblies to guarantee strict quality standards and zero-defects.

Physical Requirements

·         Frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.

·         Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation; must be able to climb ladders, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

·         Frequently lift or move heavy instruments, up to 25 pounds for short distances.

Core Traits

·         Dependable: Demonstrates a strong track record of consistent attendance.

·         Problem solver: A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to multitask effectively.

·         Strong Communicator: Excellent interpersonal skills with the confidence to handle difficult conversations and manage performance issues.

·         Safety: Consistently follows established safety, quality, and manufacturing requirements.

Thunder Scientific Corporation has been the world's leading humidity instrument manufacturer for 60+ years. We continually introduce new products to help customers handle their humidity needs. Whether in a metrology lab or in challenging industrial environments, Thunder will continue to provide humidity instruments for years to come.

Company Description

Thunder Scientific Corporation has been the world's leading humidity instrument manufacturer for 60+ years. We continually introduce new products to help customers handle their humidity needs. Whether in a metrology lab or in challenging industrial environments, Thunder will continue to provide humidity instruments for years to come.