Director – Welding Engineering and Fabrication

We are seeking a technically accomplished and strategically minded Director – Welding Engineering and Fabrication to lead our welding and fabrication functions across manufacturing operations. This role will drive welding process innovation, ensure compliance with industry codes, optimize fabrication practices, and lead a team of engineers, inspectors, and fabricators. The ideal candidate has a strong background in welding engineering, hands-on fabrication knowledge, and demonstrated leadership in high-precision, quality-driven manufacturing environments.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Welding Engineering Leadership

• • Oversee development and qualification of welding procedures (WPS, PQR, WPQ).

  • Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, ISO 3834).

  • Lead selection of welding processes, consumables, equipment, and inspection techniques.

2. Fabrication Strategy and Oversight

• • Manage full lifecycle of fabrication processes, including welding, cutting, forming, and assembly.

  • Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, product quality, and cost control.

3. Quality & Compliance

• • Establish and enforce welding quality control plans, NDT procedures, and inspection protocols.

  • Collaborate with quality teams on root cause analysis, defect mitigation, and continuous improvement.

  • Support internal and external audits with detailed technical documentation.

4. Technology & Automation Integration

• • Guide implementation of advanced welding technologies including robotic and automated welding systems.

  • Evaluate and upgrade welding equipment, software, and fixture/tooling solutions for efficiency gains.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• • Partner with Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D to support design for manufacturability (DFM) and new product introduction (NPI).

  • Influence design decisions with weldability, thermal distortion control, and structural integrity in mind.

6. Leadership and Workforce Development

• • Manage and mentor a team of welding engineers, inspectors, supervisors, and skilled tradespeople.

  • Develop training programs to upskill workforce in advanced welding and fabrication techniques.

  • Champion safety-first culture across all welding and fabrication activities.

Core Responsibilities:

• • Develop and execute strategic plans for welding and fabrication operations across multiple programs or sites.

  • Lead efforts in certification and compliance with applicable welding codes and standards.

  • Standardize welding and fabrication processes to ensure scalability and repeatability.

  • Analyze productivity, cycle times, and weld quality to identify improvement opportunities.

  • Direct capital planning and acquisition of welding/fabrication equipment and infrastructure.

  • Serve as technical authority for welding process selection, metallurgy, and distortion management.

  • Stay ahead of emerging technologies, materials, and process innovations in welding and fabrication.

Required Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.

  • 10–15+ years of experience in welding engineering and metal fabrication, with 5+ years in a leadership role.

  • Extensive knowledge of welding processes (MIG, TIG, SMAW, FCAW, SAW, etc.) and metallurgical principles.

  • Deep understanding of fabrication practices, blueprints, GD&T, and structural design requirements.

  • Proficient in industry standards (e.g., AWS, ASME, API, ISO).

  • Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• • Master’s degree or AWS Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng) or Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).

  • Experience in aerospace, energy, shipbuilding, construction equipment, or defense industries.

  • Familiarity with CAD/CAM, ERP/MES platforms, and welding simulation tools.

  • Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.