Weld Shop Manager (Working Lead)

Location: North Suburbs of Chicago, IL

Pay: $65,000–$90,000

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.