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Lead Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Welder

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Perform structural and repair welding on vessels, barges, tugs, and shoreside equipment using SMAW, FCAW, GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG) processes. * Fabricate, modify, and install steel and aluminum ...

Lead Welder

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$60/hr

You will perform high-quality custom fabrication and welding while guiding and supporting the ... Lead and provide daily hands-on support to the welding and fabrication team to ensure production ...

Structural Welder

National City, CA

$22 - $29/hr

This Welding job will be working on Naval Bases & Shipyards from 6:00am to 2:30pm and overtime as ... LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. LEAD is committed to ...

Pipe Welder

National City, CA

$26.75 - $32.75/hr

Pipe Welders (San Diego, CA) Lead Marine San Diego, CA, USA Full Time Open to all shifts :1st Shift (6:00am-2:30pm), 2nd Shift (3:00pm-11:30pm) Lead Marine has immediate openings for Journeymen Pipe ...

Pipe Welder

National City, CA

$26.75 - $32.75/hr

Pipe Welders (San Diego, CA) Lead Marine San Diego, CA, USA Full Time Open to all shifts :1st Shift (6:00am-2:30pm), 2nd Shift (3:00pm-11:30pm) Lead Marine has immediate openings for Journeymen Pipe ...

Structural Welder

National City, CA

$22 - $29/hr

Structural Welders (San Diego, CA) Lead Marine San Diego, CA, USA Full Time Open to all shifts :1st Shift (6:00am-2:30pm), 2nd Shift (3:00pm-11:30pm) Lead Marine has immediate openings for Journeymen ...

Robotic Welding Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$77 - $128/hr

Lead robotic weld cell startup activities, process validation, and production release. * Troubleshoot complex welding, robotic, and automation issues. * Optimize cycle times while maintaining ...

Robotic Welding Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$36.25 - $50/hr

Lead robotic weld cell startup activities, process validation, and production release. * Troubleshoot complex welding, robotic, and automation issues. * Optimize cycle times while maintaining ...

Welding Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Lead root-cause investigations for weld defects, distortion, cracking, leakage, and other fabrication nonconformances. * Develop repair and rework procedures and provide technical disposition of ...

Welding Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $150K/yr

Lead root-cause investigations for weld defects, distortion, cracking, leakage, and other fabrication nonconformances. * Develop repair and rework procedures and provide technical disposition of ...

Welding Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Lead root-cause investigations for weld defects, distortion, cracking, leakage, and other fabrication nonconformances. * Develop repair and rework procedures and provide technical disposition of ...

Welding Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Lead root-cause investigations for weld defects, distortion, cracking, leakage, and other fabrication nonconformances. * Develop repair and rework procedures and provide technical disposition of ...

Certified Structural Welder

Downey, CA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Perform structural SMAW (Stick) welding on conveyor systems, platforms, and structural steel ... LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. LEAD is committed to ...

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Lead Welding information

See California salary details

$11

$25

$44

How much do lead welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead welding in California is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead welder?

Lead Welding positions refer to roles in which an experienced welder is responsible for overseeing welding projects and teams. A Lead Welder not only performs advanced welding tasks but also supervises, trains, and coordinates other welders to ensure quality, safety, and project deadlines are met. These professionals often interpret blueprints, inspect completed work, and act as a liaison between management and the welding crew. Strong leadership skills and technical expertise are essential in this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a lead welder?

To thrive as a Lead Welder, you need advanced welding techniques, blueprint reading, and a welding certification such as AWS (American Welding Society) credentials. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety protocols, and systems like MIG, TIG, and arc welding machines is essential. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication help manage teams and ensure quality standards are met. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering precise work, maintaining safety, and leading a welding crew efficiently.

How does a lead welder typically coordinate with other departments on large projects?

As a Lead Welding professional, you'll frequently collaborate with engineering, quality control, and safety teams to ensure project specifications are met and work progresses smoothly. This often involves attending planning meetings, reviewing blueprints, and communicating changes or concerns between welders and other departments. Effective coordination helps prevent delays, ensures compliance with safety standards, and fosters a cohesive team environment. You'll also serve as the main point of contact for resolving technical welding issues that may impact the project timeline.

What is the difference between Lead Welding vs Welder?

AspectLead WeldingWelder
CertificationsTypically requires AWS certifications, leadership trainingRequires AWS or equivalent welding certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervises teams, oversees projects, works on-sitePerforms welding tasks directly, on-site or in workshops
Job ResponsibilitiesCoordinates welding activities, quality control, mentoringPerforms welding, repairs, and fabrication tasks
Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, shipbuildingUsed across manufacturing, construction, repair

Lead Welders oversee welding teams and ensure project quality, requiring leadership skills and certifications. Welders focus on executing welding tasks. While both roles require welding certifications, Lead Welders have additional responsibilities in supervision and project management.

What careers can lead welding to?

Lead welding can lead to careers such as welding supervisor, welding inspector, welding engineer, or quality control manager. These roles often require advanced certifications, technical knowledge, and experience in welding processes and safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Welding jobs in California?

For Lead Welding jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Welding jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Welding jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Lead Welding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,125 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Production Lead - Welding

Parker Hannifin Corp.

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$30 - $46/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 6 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Parker Hannifin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Org Marketing Statement
At Parker Hannifin's Bioscience & Water Filtration Division, we provide reliable clean water solutions using advanced reverse osmosis technology. Our Water makers filter, purify, discharge, recapture, and reuse industrial, process, and sea water to meet the highest standards.
Our Expertise
With over 40 years of experience, we serve diverse sectors including:
  • Commercial Marine
  • Off-Shore Oil & Gas
  • Leisure Marine
  • Clean Technology
  • Disaster Recovery

Our renowned brands, such as Offshore Marine Labs, Village Marine, Sea Recovery, and Horizon Reverse Osmosis, showcase our industry-leading capabilities.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Technology: Work with cutting-edge water purification solutions.
  • Diverse Projects: Engage in various industries from defense to disaster recovery.
  • Professional Growth: Enjoy a culture of continuous learning and development.
  • Meaningful Impact: Help ensure access to clean water globally.

Be Part of Our Mission
Join us in making the world safer for future generations through sustainable water purification solutions.
Position Summary
The Production Lead of Welding supports the execution of the manufacturing plan by guiding welding personnel, ensuring product quality, promoting safe work practices, and helping resolve production issues. This role serves as a hands-on technical leader responsible for training operators, interpreting blueprints, supporting process documentation, and maintaining consistent weld quality in alignment with Parker-Hannifin expectations.
The Production Lead is expected to be self-directed, flexible, and capable of leading by example in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
  • Work with the production team to execute the manufacturing plan and meet daily production requirements.
  • Support an empowered, safe, and productive work environment.
  • Ensure welding operations consistently meet or exceed quality expectations.
  • Diagnose production, welding, or equipment-related issues and help develop effective solutions.
  • Provide hands-on technical guidance to welding operators and production personnel.
  • Interpret and explain blueprints, weld symbols, and production equipment requirements.
  • Assist in creating and maintaining applicable procedures, work instructions, and process documentation used in production.
  • Support continuous improvement efforts related to safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
  • Other duties may be assigned as required.

Responsibilities
Education, Credentials and Previous Experience:
  • High School Diploma required
  • Bilingual English/Spanish Required
  • 8+ years of experience in manufacturing environment, Welding required

Technical Depth and Breadth:
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Operate handheld and barcode scanners
  • Able to follow written/verbal instructions and directions in English.
  • Learn and maintains required skill and proficiency to successfully accomplish full job responsibilities; willingly takes on new assignments.
  • Able to work proficiently (at least 3/4 dot on Skills Matrix) in 75% of the cells in the value stream and perform the most complex processes.
  • Technical troubleshooting with a high sense of independence.

Problem Solving and Analytical Skills:
  • In coordination with team members, initiate contact with other support groups to resolve problems.
  • Apply structured problem-solving skills to help drive improvement activities, Lean and Kaizen projects, HPT and TIB meetings.
  • Provide suggestions for improvement.
  • Consistently open to change and new ideas.
  • Application and knowledge of pareto charts, 5Y, Fish Bone Diagram and 10 Step Problem Solving.

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills:
  • Dependable, prompt and reliable with good overall attendance; present at workstation when required.
  • Demonstrate ability to get along with others; behave professionally; treat all coworkers with respect and dignity consistent with Parker Values and Code of Conduct.
  • Actively participate; gain cooperation and trust; and deal with conflicts effectively.
  • Builds and leverages strong relationships beyond the Shipping and Receiving area to accomplish team goals.

Communication/Contact with Others:
  • Able to read, understand and follow written & verbal instructions and directions in English.
  • Keep others informed, provide accurate and timely feedback, communicate clearly, listen and be receptive to feedback.
  • Able to lead teams, facilitate meetings, and present team results.

Physical and Mental Demands:
With or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Required to sit, stand, bend & reach.
  • May be required to stand, sit or alternate between sitting and standing for 8+ hours at a time, based on business needs.
  • Good hand/eye coordination and manual dexterity.
  • Rotate functions in cells as needed.
  • Frequent lifting or moving of lightweight (<20 lbs.) materials, occasional lifting to 25 lbs. without assistance.
  • Use of Personal Protective Equipment as required, may include safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection, and/or any other equipment deemed necessary.
  • Able to work in a non-air-conditioned plant year-round.

Conditions of Employment
This position is subject to meeting U.S. export compliance and/or U.S. Government contracting citizenship eligibility requirements.
Pay, Benefits, Work Schedule
Competitive Compensation
  • Pay Range: $30/hr to $46/hr
  • Participation in Annual Incentive Program

Benefit & Retirement Plans
Parker offers competitive benefit programs, including:
  • Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost.
  • 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay.
  • Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
  • Career development and tuition reimbursement.
  • Other benefits including paid parental leave, short and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership and financial planning assistance are provided at no cost to you.
  • Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness are available at competitive rates.
  • Paid Time Off and Company-Paid Holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This position is subject to meeting export compliance eligibility requirements.
("Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor")
If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov) and Genetic Information Discrimination
Drug Tests
Drug-Free Workplace
In accordance with Parker's policies and applicable state laws, Parker provides for a drug-free workplace. Therefore, all applicants seeking employment with Parker will be subject to drug testing as a condition of employment.

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