Interpret and apply engineering drawings, weld symbols, specifications, bills of material, and fabrication instructions.
Verify proper fit-up, alignment, dimensional accuracy, and weld preparation prior to welding.
Ensure all welds meet visual acceptance criteria and applicable quality requirements.
Support production schedules while maintaining quality and safety standards.
Assist supervisors in assigning work, monitoring workflow, and resolving production issues.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to apprentices, junior, and production welders.
Quality Assurance & Inspection
Conduct in-process and final visual inspections of weldments and fabricated assemblies.
Verify compliance with approved welding procedures, work instructions, and quality standards.
Identify weld discontinuities including
Undercut
Porosity
Cracking
Incomplete fusion
Incomplete penetration o Excessive reinforcement
Distortion
Ensure proper material traceability and documentation where required.
Review weld quality reports and assist with corrective and preventive actions.
Collaborate with Quality and Engineering teams to investigate nonconformances and implement solutions.
Support internal, customer, and third-party quality audits.
Verify calibration status of measuring and inspection equipment.
Maintain accurate production, inspection, and repair/rework records.
Standards & Technical Knowledge
Maintain a working knowledge of recognized pressure-containing equipment, structural fabrication, and welding construction standards.
Understand
Weld procedure specifications (WPS)
Procedure qualification records (PQR)
Welder performance qualifications
Material specifications
Joint design requirements
Heat input considerations
Dimensional tolerances
Ensure welding parameters remain within approved ranges for voltage, amperage, wire feed speed, travel speed, and shielding gas requirements.
Apply accepted industry practices for welding carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum materials.
Review fabrication drawings for manufacturability and compliance before production begins.
Safety & Continuous Improvement
Enforce all safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.
Promote and support 5S workplace organization principles.
Participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives.
Identify opportunities to improve quality, productivity, and workflow efficiency.
Conduct workstation audits and ensure safe operation of welding and fabrication equipment.
Assist in incident investigations and corrective action implementation when required.
Training & Team Development
Train and qualify employees on welding techniques, workmanship standards, equipment operation, and quality expectations.
Evaluate welder performance and provide coaching for continuous improvement.
Assist in skills assessments and qualification testing.
Promote a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, teamwork, and safety.
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED.
Minimum 5 years of welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing environment.
Minimum 2 years in a lead, mentor, or senior welder role.
Demonstrated experience welding carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Ability to pass company welding qualification tests.
Strong blueprint reading and weld symbol interpretation skills.
Experience using precision measuring tools including
o Tape measures
o Calipers
o Squares
o Levels
o Angle gauges
Proficient with manual and semi-automatic welding equipment.
Working knowledge of welding inspections and quality systems.
Preferred Qualifications
Welding technical school certification.
Experience with pressure vessels, coils, piping systems, or heavy fabrication.
Experience supporting quality audits and root cause investigations.
Knowledge of non-destructive examination methods such as
o Visual Inspection (VT)
o Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
o Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
o Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
o Radiographic Testing (RT)
Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.
Key Competencies
Leadership
Quality Focus
Technical Expertise
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Accountability
Planning & Organization
Communication Skills
Safety Awareness
Attention to Detail
Team Development
Process Improvement
Integrity & Professionalism
Performance Expectations
The Lead Welder is expected to
Maintain first-pass weld quality standards.
Drive reductions in rework and scrap.
Ensure production objectives are achieved without compromising safety or quality.
Support workforce development through coaching and training.
Maintain compliance with documented welding procedures, fabrication standards, inspection requirements, and customer specifications.
Serve as the subject matter expert for welding workmanship and fabrication quality within the department.
SALARY RANGE: $67,900 - 101,900 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us #
Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.