Lead Welder Jobs
Lead Welder jobs are open across manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, and shipbuilding, from journeyman to senior and supervisory levels, with specializations in MIG, TIG, and structural welding. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Lead Welder JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 40+ Lead Welder jobs
SUMMARY
Lays out, fabricates, assembles, installs and maintains piping systems, pipe supports, fixtures, and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water fixtures and equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling and production and processing systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Selects type and size of pipe and related materials and equipment, such as supports, hangers, and hydraulic cylinders, according to job specifications.
- Inspects worksite to determine presence of obstructions.
- Plans sequence on installation to avoid obstructions and activities of other workers.
- Cuts pipe using hacksaw, pipe cutter, hammer and chisel, cutting torch and pipe cutting machine.
- Threads pipe using threading machine.
- Bends pipe by hand or with pipe-bending tools and machine.
- Mounts pipe hangers and brackets on walls and ceiling to hold pipe.
- Assembles and installs a variety of metal or nonmetal pipes and pipe fittings, using threaded caulked, soldering, brazen, fused, or cemented joints, and hand tools.
- Secures pipes to structure with bracket, clamps, and hangers, using hand and power tools.
- Installs and maintains refrigeration and air conditioning systems, including compressors, pumps, meter, pneumatic and hydraulic controls and piping,
- Test piping systems for leaks by increasing pressure in pipes and observing gauges attached to pipes for indication of leaks.
- Welds pipe supports to structural steel members.
- May observe production machines in assigned area of manufacturing facility to detect machinery malfunctions. May operate machinery to verify repair.
- Loads, transports and unloads material, tools, equipment and supplies.
- May assist in lifting, positioning and securing of material and work pieces during installation.
- Performs minor maintenance of cleaning activities of tools and equipment.
- Respiratory protection is common and may be required.
- Responsible for observing and complying with all safety and project rules. Perform other duties as required. Requirements: JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy.
- Make decisions based on measurable criteria.
- Apply shop mathematics to solve problems
- Plan work and select proper tools.
- Visualize objects in three dimensions from plans and drawings.
- Work at heights without fear.
- Compare and see differences in the size, shape and form of lines, figures and objects.
May require a high school diploma or its equivalent with previous years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Strength:
a. Standing 60% Walking 20% Sitting 20%
b. Lifting 50 lb.
Carrying 50 lb.
Pushing 70 ft-lb.
Pulling 70 ft-lb.
2. Climbing F
Balancing F
3. Stooping O
Kneeling O
Crouching O
Crawling O
Reaching C
Handling C
Fingering F
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
NP Not Present
O Occasionally (0-33%)F Frequently (34-66%)C Constantly (67-100%)
Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
BENEFITS: Brown and Root offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, and flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
SUMMARY
Lays out, fabricates, assembles, installs and maintains piping systems, pipe supports, fixtures, and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water fixtures and equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling and production and processing systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Selects type and size of pipe and related materials and equipment, such as supports, hangers, and hydraulic cylinders, according to job specifications.
- Inspects worksite to determine presence of obstructions.
- Plans sequence on installation to avoid obstructions and activities of other workers.
- Cuts pipe using hacksaw, pipe cutter, hammer and chisel, cutting torch and pipe cutting machine.
- Threads pipe using threading machine.
- Bends pipe by hand or with pipe-bending tools and machine.
- Mounts pipe hangers and brackets on walls and ceiling to hold pipe.
- Assembles and installs a variety of metal or nonmetal pipes and pipe fittings, using threaded caulked, soldering, brazen, fused, or cemented joints, and hand tools.
- Secures pipes to structure with bracket, clamps, and hangers, using hand and power tools.
- Installs and maintains refrigeration and air conditioning systems, including compressors, pumps, meter, pneumatic and hydraulic controls and piping,
- Test piping systems for leaks by increasing pressure in pipes and observing gauges attached to pipes for indication of leaks.
- Welds pipe supports to structural steel members.
- May observe production machines in assigned area of manufacturing facility to detect machinery malfunctions. May operate machinery to verify repair.
- Loads, transports and unloads material, tools, equipment and supplies.
- May assist in lifting, positioning and securing of material and work pieces during installation.
- Performs minor maintenance of cleaning activities of tools and equipment.
- Respiratory protection is common and may be required.
- Responsible for observing and complying with all safety and project rules. Perform other duties as required. Requirements: JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy.
- Make decisions based on measurable criteria.
- Apply shop mathematics to solve problems
- Plan work and select proper tools.
- Visualize objects in three dimensions from plans and drawings.
- Work at heights without fear.
- Compare and see differences in the size, shape and form of lines, figures and objects.
May require a high school diploma or its equivalent with previous years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Strength:
a. Standing 60% Walking 20% Sitting 20%
b. Lifting 50 lb.
Carrying 50 lb.
Pushing 70 ft-lb.
Pulling 70 ft-lb.
2. Climbing F
Balancing F
3. Stooping O
Kneeling O
Crouching O
Crawling O
Reaching C
Handling C
Fingering F
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
NP Not Present
O Occasionally (0-33%)F Frequently (34-66%)C Constantly (67-100%)
Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
BENEFITS: Brown and Root offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, and flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Lead Welder Jobs by Experience Level
See All 40 Lead Welder Jobs
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Find Lead Welder JobsLead Welder Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lead welder jobs.
- AWS Certified Welder credential or equivalent third-party weld certification
- Proficiency in MIG, TIG, or stick welding across multiple positions and materials
- Five or more years of welding experience with demonstrated lead or supervisory responsibility
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and engineering drawings
- Experience with weld inspection, quality control, and documentation of weld procedures
- Physical ability to lift heavy materials, work in confined spaces, and stand for extended periods
Tips for Your Lead Welder Job Search
List your certifications by process
Employers scan resumes for specific weld processes first. Break your certifications out by process, position, and base material, so a hiring manager can confirm your AWS or ASME qualifications in under ten seconds without reading your whole work history.
Quantify your team and project scope
Lead roles are evaluated on how many welders you've supervised and how complex your projects were. State headcount, material types, and whether you held sign-off authority on weld procedures, because those details separate a lead from a senior journeyman.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lead welder openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter by industry to target your search
Lead welder duties vary significantly between structural steel, pressure vessel, and pipe welding environments. Search for openings in the sector where your certifications are current, since crossing industry lines often requires requalification tests that slow your start date.
Bring your weld log to interviews
Carry a physical or digital weld log that documents procedure specs, material thicknesses, and inspection results from past projects. Hiring managers and welding inspectors routinely ask leads to walk through completed jobs, and a log gives you concrete answers instead of estimates.
Negotiate shift differential before accepting
Many lead welder positions run rotating or night shifts with differential pay built into the offer. Confirm the base rate and the differential separately before signing, so you can accurately compare offers that use different shift structures.
Lead Welder Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lead welders?
The most active employers for lead welders right now are Sabre Industries, ARCOSA, and SpaceX, and the most openings are in Texas, Minnesota, and Ohio, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially high in heavy manufacturing and energy infrastructure projects.
How many lead welder jobs are remote?
About 0% of lead welder openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most welding environments. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid flexibility include weld inspection coordination, procedure documentation, and quality assurance roles that have a significant administrative component.
How do you become a lead welder?
Start by completing a welding program at a trade school or community college, then enter an apprenticeship or entry-level fabrication role to build hands-on hours. Earn process-specific certifications through AWS or a comparable body, specialize in a high-demand process such as TIG or pipe welding, and take on progressively larger projects. Lead roles typically require demonstrating that you can train others, hold sign-off authority on weld procedures, and manage production quality without direct supervision.
Can you get hired as a lead welder with little experience?
Moving directly into a lead welder role with little experience is uncommon because employers expect you to train and evaluate other welders, so hands-on credibility matters. A realistic path is to build several years in a journeyman or senior welder role, pursue AWS certification, volunteer to mentor newer welders on your current team, and then apply for lead positions at smaller shops where the step up is shorter.
What does the lead welder interview process look like?
Most lead welder interviews include an initial phone or video screen focused on your certification history and supervisory background, followed by an in-person interview with a welding supervisor or plant manager. Many employers also require a hands-on skills test where you weld a sample to a specified procedure. Be ready to discuss how you handle weld defects, enforce quality standards with your crew, and read a weld procedure specification.
Where can I find and apply to lead welder jobs?
You can find and apply to lead welder jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your certifications and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 40 Lead Welder Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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