Welding Program Manager
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Salary: Starting at $130,000/year (Higher compensation available based on experience, plus annual bonus opportunity)
We are seeking an experienced Welding Program Manager to lead welding operations in a high-volume sheet metal fabrication environment. This role is responsible for improving weld quality, reducing rework, developing welding personnel, and standardizing welding processes while working closely with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams.
Key Responsibilities
Lead welding operations across multiple fabrication departments.
Supervise, coach, and develop welders, fitter/fabricators, supervisors, and team leads.
Develop, maintain, and enforce Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), AWS standards, and welding best practices.
Improve first-pass weld acceptance while reducing weld defects, leaks, and rework.
Evaluate welding processes and implement improvements that increase quality, consistency, and productivity.
Create and manage welder qualification, onboarding, and ongoing training programs.
Perform weld inspections and quality audits using visual inspection methods, weld gauges, fillet gauges, calipers, tape measures, and other inspection tools.
Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to investigate weld failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
Oversee welding equipment, consumables, and production methods to maintain consistent weld quality.
Provide technical leadership for MIG (Spray Transfer/GMAW), FCAW, and other welding processes.
Coordinate welding resources to meet production schedules and manufacturing goals.
Promote OSHA compliance, workplace safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification required.
Experience managing welders, fitter/fabricators, welding supervisors, and multiple fabrication or manufacturing departments.
Strong knowledge of MIG welding (Spray Transfer/GMAW), FCAW, and other welding processes.
Experience developing and maintaining Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
Proven success improving weld quality, increasing first-pass acceptance, and reducing defects, leaks, and rework.
Experience creating and delivering welder training and development programs.
Skilled in weld inspection using AWS standards, weld gauges, fillet gauges, calipers, tape measures, and related inspection equipment.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication specifications.
Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and organizational skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with Production, Engineering, Quality, and leadership teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Welding Educator (CWE) or previous welding instructor/trainer experience.
Experience improving welding quality systems and overall welding program performance.
Background in sheet metal fabrication, structural steel, heavy fabrication, or industrial manufacturing.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.