Weld Shop Manager (Lead Welder)

Weld Shop Manager (Working Lead)Location: North Suburbs of Chicago, ILPay: $65,000–$90,000 - Hourly while under contract period before hired onSchedule: 1st Shift | Monday–Friday (6:30 AM–3:00 PM) + Half Day SaturdaysType: 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 DoingLead and mentor a team of welders while remaining hands-on in fabrication and weldingOrganize daily work orders and prioritize production schedulesPerform TIG welding and fabrication of stainless steel pipe and square tubing assembliesReview blueprints, inspect completed weldments, and ensure work meets quality standardsCoordinate with production to maintain workflow and meet customer deadlinesTrain and develop junior welders while promoting safe and efficient shop practicesPerform final inspections before assemblies move to the next stage of productionWhat We're Looking For5+ years of TIG welding experience in a manufacturing environmentPrevious Lead, Supervisor, Manager, or strong mentoring experienceExperience welding stainless steel, pipe, and structural assembliesStrong blueprint reading and fabrication skillsFamiliarity with AWS and/or ASME Section IX welding codesAbility to pass a 5G pipe weld test and become certified to company proceduresComfortable using fabrication equipment including grinders, horizontal band saws, drill/mill machines, and other shop toolsStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsAbility to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a hands-on manufacturing environmentWhy You'll Want This OpportunityClean, modern manufacturing facility with updated equipmentTight-knit, family-oriented culture with approachable leadership and an open-door environmentOpportunity to make an immediate impact leading a skilled welding teamStable, growing company that designs and manufactures custom industrial equipment serving a diverse customer baseExcellent opportunity for an experienced Lead Welder ready to step into more responsibility or a current Supervisor looking for a long-term homeFull benefits available upon permanent hireIf 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Torrey Holistics