Welding Hourly Jobs in Decatur, TX (NOW HIRING)

Summary

The Welding Supervisor leads the day-to-day operations ofthe Welding Department within a high-volume steel fabrication and distributionenvironment. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, andoverseeing all welding activities-including code welding, submerged arc welding(SAW), and supporting processes-to ensure safe, efficient, and high-qualityproduction of plate, structural, and pressure vessel components. The WeldingManager works closely with Fabrication, Maintenance, Quality, and Logistics tomeet customer requirements, optimize throughput, and support continuousimprovement in line with steel fabrication industry standards.

EssentialDuties & Responsibilities

       Provide leadership and direction to weldingsupervisors, lead welders, code welders, sub arc welders, roll operators, andhelpers to meet daily production goals.

       Plan, prioritize, and schedule welding workbased on production plans, shop load, and customer delivery requirements;adjust resources and assignments as needed.

       Ensure compliance with welding procedures (WPS),applicable codes (e.g., ASME Section VIII, AWS D1.1), and customerspecifications for pressure vessel and structural work.

       Oversee fit-up, welding, and inspectionactivities for plate, structural, and pressure vessel components; verify thatjoint preparation, preheat, interpass temperature, and weld sequence arefollowed.

       Coordinate closely with the Rolling andFabrication areas to manage flow of material into and out of the WeldingDepartment, including cylinders, shells, cones, beams, and assemblies.

       Monitor quality performance, review welddiscontinuities and nonconformances, and lead root cause analysis andcorrective actions to reduce rework and repair.

       Work with Quality to maintain welderqualifications, procedure qualifications, and required documentation; supportcustomer and third-party inspections when required.

       Drive a strong safety culture in the WeldingDepartment, enforcing PPE requirements, hot work rules, lockout/tagout (LOTO),and safe crane/forklift and rigging practices.

       Review and approve time, overtime, and staffingplans; manage labor to achieve budgeted productivity and cost targets whilemeeting delivery commitments.

       Support equipment reliability by coordinatingwith Maintenance on preventive maintenance, repairs, and upgrades for weldingpower sources, wire feeders, SAW systems, positioners, and manipulators.

       Champion 5S, housekeeping, and organization inwelding bays, flux handling areas, and staging zones to maintain a clean,efficient, and audit-ready department.

       Collaborate with Engineering/Estimating andSales on manufacturability, weld sequence, and joint design to improvethroughput and reduce cost when quoting and planning jobs.

       Track and report key performance indicators(KPIs) such as safety incidents, first-pass yield, repair rates, throughput,on-time delivery, and productivity; use data to drive improvement.

       Participate in hiring, onboarding, training,performance reviews, and coaching/discipline for Welding Department personnel;provide clear expectations and feedback.

       Promote cross-training and skill development tobuild a flexible team capable of operating multiple welding processes andsupporting equipment.

       Support and model WMI values while maintaining ateam-focused, respectful work environment aligned with company policies andgoals.

MinimumQualifications

       5+ years of experience in welding within a steelfabrication, pressure vessel, or structural steel environment.

       3+ years of leadership experience (Lead,Supervisor, or Manager) in a welding or fabrication department.

       Strong working knowledge of industrial weldingprocesses (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW) and associated joint preparation, fit-up, anddistortion control.

       Ability to read and interpret shop drawings,blueprints, flat patterns, weld symbols, and WPSs; solid shop math andmeasurement skills.

       Familiarity with relevant codes and standards(e.g., ASME Section VIII, AWS D1.1, and related customer specifications).

       Experience working in a steel service center orsimilar high-throughput fabrication environment, coordinating with rolling,cutting, and forming operations.

       Proven track record of driving safety, quality,and production improvements through structured problem-solving and teamengagement.

       Experience with overhead cranes, forklifts, andrigging practices for safe movement of heavy plate and structural assemblies.

       Proficiency with basic computer systems,including ERP/production systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

       High school diploma or GED required; additionaltechnical training or certification in welding, fabrication, or industrialtechnology preferred.

PreferredQualifications

       Prior experience overseeing pressure vesseland/or large structural weldments to code requirements.

       Experience managing welder qualificationprograms and working with third-party inspectors or Authorized Inspectors(AIs).

       Background in rolling, forming, and fabricationof heavy plate (A36, A572, AR, and similar grades).

       Exposure to lean manufacturing, 5S, andcontinuous improvement methodologies in a fabrication environment.

       Bilingual (English/Spanish) communicationskills.

WorkEnvironment & Physical Demands

       Work is performed primarily in an industrialshop and yard environment with overhead cranes, forklifts, welding arcs, andheavy steel products.

       Frequent standing, walking, bending, gripping,and climbing onto/around large fabrications and equipment; routine visualinspection at close range and at heights.

       Regular exposure to noise, heat, fumes, dust,sparks, and changing temperatures consistent with welding and steel fabricationoperations.

       Regular use of PPE: hard hat, safety glasses,steel-toe boots, welding hood or face shield as needed, gloves, hearingprotection, and other PPE as tasks require.