Welding Operations & Quality Manager

qualdoc
On-site
Posted 1 day ago

AI summary

The Welding Operations & Quality Manager will lead welding quality, workforce development, and process improvement in a sheet metal fabrication operation while managing welders and collaborating with other departments to enhance weld consistency and quality.

Eligible from: US only

Job Description

Welding Operations & Quality Manager

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $130,000/year (Higher compensation available based on experience, plus annual bonus opportunity)

Position Overview

Seeking an experienced Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to lead welding quality, workforce development, and process improvement within a high-volume sheet metal fabrication operation.

This hands-on leadership position oversees welders, fitter/fabricators, welding leads, and supervisors while partnering with Production, Engineering, and Quality to improve weld consistency, reduce defects and rework, and maintain strong safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee welding activities across multiple fabrication departments.
  • Lead, coach, and develop welders, fitter/fabricators, welding leads, and supervisors.
  • Establish and maintain Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and applicable AWS welding requirements.
  • Improve welding performance by increasing first-pass acceptance and reducing defects, leaks, weld failures, and rework.
  • Review welding processes, equipment, consumables, and production methods and implement improvements.
  • Develop and manage welder qualification, onboarding, training, and skills development programs.
  • Perform weld inspections and quality audits using visual inspection methods, fillet weld gauges, weld gauges, calipers, tape measures, and other inspection equipment.
  • Partner with Quality and Engineering to investigate weld problems, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
  • Provide technical direction for MIG (Spray Transfer/GMAW), FCAW, and other welding processes used in the facility.
  • Align welding personnel and resources with production requirements.
  • Promote OSHA compliance, safe work practices, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.
  • Work Environment

    This is a hands-on shop-floor leadership role. The successful candidate should be comfortable working directly with welding teams, evaluating processes, solving technical problems, conducting inspections, and developing employees while supporting a safe, quality-focused manufacturing environment.

    Requirements

    Required Qualifications

  • Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification required.
  • Proven leadership experience managing welders, fitter/fabricators, welding supervisors, and multiple fabrication or manufacturing departments.
  • Strong knowledge of MIG welding, including Spray Transfer/GMAW, plus additional welding processes.
  • Experience developing and maintaining WPS documentation.
  • Demonstrated success improving weld quality, first-pass acceptance, and reducing failures, leaks, and rework.
  • Experience developing and delivering welding training programs.
  • Strong knowledge of weld inspection and quality evaluation using AWS standards and inspection tools.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication specifications.
  • Strong leadership, coaching, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with Production, Engineering, Quality, and leadership teams.
  • Positive, professional approach with a focus on accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Preferred Qualifications

  • Certified Welding Educator (CWE) or previous welding instructor/trainer experience.
  • Background in sheet metal fabrication, heavy fabrication, structural steel, or industrial manufacturing.
  • Experience leading major welding quality or process improvement initiatives.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement programs.
  • Ready to Apply?

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    About the job

    Posted on
    Aug 10, 2026
    Job type
    Full-time
    Location
    Virginia Beach, VAOn-site

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