MIG Lead Welder
Company
Creative Staffing Inc.
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Via
via Talents By Vaia
Apply On
Job Description
Job Description
Job Description. A MIG Lead (Welding Team Lead) job involves supervising welders, ensuring quality & safety, managing workflow, and providing technical guidance, focusing on MIG/TIG welding to fabricate and repair metal structures, interpreting blueprints, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with production/engineering for process improvement, while also training junior staff and keeping records. Key Responsibilities
• Team Leadership: Plan, assign, and review work for a team of welders; provide training, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Technical Execution: Perform complex MIG/TIG welding, cutting, brazing, and soldering on various metals (steel, aluminum, copper).
• Quality & Safety: Inspect welds, ensure compliance with industry standards (AWS, ASME), enforce safety protocols, and maintain equipment.
• Process Improvement: Collaborate with engineering to troubleshoot issues, optimize techniques, and improve overall production.
• Planning & Documentation: Read blueprints/schematics, estimate materials/labor, track production metrics, and maintain records.
• Equipment Management: Oversee maintenance of welding machines, tools, and shop equipment.
Powered by ExactHire:191421
Job Description. A MIG Lead (Welding Team Lead) job involves supervising welders, ensuring quality & safety, managing workflow, and providing technical guidance, focusing on MIG/TIG welding to fabricate and repair metal structures, interpreting blueprints, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with production/engineering for process improvement, while also training junior staff and keeping records. Key Responsibilities
• Team Leadership: Plan, assign, and review work for a team of welders; provide training, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Technical Execution: Perform complex MIG/TIG welding, cutting, brazing, and soldering on various metals (steel, aluminum, copper).
• Quality & Safety: Inspect welds, ensure compliance with industry standards (AWS, ASME), enforce safety protocols, and maintain equipment.
• Process Improvement: Collaborate with engineering to troubleshoot issues, optimize techniques, and improve overall production.
• Planning & Documentation: Read blueprints/schematics, estimate materials/labor, track production metrics, and maintain records.
• Equipment Management: Oversee maintenance of welding machines, tools, and shop equipment.
Powered by ExactHire:191421
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Welder Jobs
What is the median hourly wage for welders in the United States as of 2026?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $27.50 as of May 2026. The 10th percentile earns $18.75 per hour while the 90th percentile earns $38.20 per hour in the same period.
How many hours per week can welders legally work before overtime applies in the United States in 2026?
The U.S. Department of Labor requires overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek for non-exempt welders under the FLSA as of 2026. Standard shifts are limited to 8 hours per day in most union contracts covering welders.
What education and certification are required to qualify for welder jobs in the United States in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that a high school diploma plus a 6-12 month postsecondary welding certificate is the typical entry requirement as of 2026. AWS D1.1 certification is mandatory for 78 percent of structural welding positions.
Which documents are needed to apply for welder positions through official U.S. government workforce channels in 2026?
Applicants must submit Form I-9, state-issued photo ID, and Social Security card to DOL-registered employers as of 2026. Welding certifications and OSHA 10-hour card copies are also required for federal contract jobs.
