Crane Engineering is a family-oriented Midwest and East coast based company; with locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. As a result of our growth, we have a need for a Lead Fabrication Welder.
The Lead Fabrication Welder is a foundational welder position helping establish our in-house welding capability. A qualified candidate has strong understanding of various welding techniques and is proficient in the use of tools and machinery associated with the welding process. This role requires attention to detail, a commitment to safety, and the ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics. This role will contribute to the fabrication and assembly of metal structures and process piping, ensuring high-quality workmanship. Collaboration with supervision, engineers and the ability to mentor others are key attributes.
What You’ll Do
Demonstrate and promote Crane’s core values: Act with Integrity and Respect, Foster Teamwork, Focus on the Customer, Strive for Excellence and Innovation, Project Passion and Energy, and Have Fun.
Perform high-quality welding in accordance with industry codes, company standards, and client specifications, with emphasis on process pipe welding.
Take ownership of welding tasks from fit-up through final inspection, ensuring work is completed with minimal supervision.
Actively participate in developing welding procedures, best practices, drawing formats/specifications and shop standards as we expand in-house welding capability.
Identify opportunities to streamline fabrication processes and recommend improvements to supervision and engineering.
Support new equipment/tooling setup and contribute input on shop layout for welding and fabrication efficiency.
Serve as a subject-matter resource for proper stainless-steel welding techniques, purge quality, and fit-up best practices.
Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other trades to ensure proper fit-up and installation.
Track job progress, document completed work and communicate updates to supervisors.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and P&IDs to ensure accuracy in fabrication and assembly.
Inspect in-process and completed work, identifying and correcting non-conformance issues before defects are passed downstream.
Apply sound judgment to determine the most efficient and effective processes, balancing quality, safety, and productivity.
Adapt to changing priorities and schedules, effectively managing interruptions and shifting demands.
Plan and prioritize work to meet deadlines and align with organizational goals.
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Practice and promote workplace safety in accordance with OSHA standards and company policies.
Adhere to the highest quality standards, ensuring reliable and compliant welds.
Drive efficiency improvements in processes, equipment usage, and work practices.
Participate in continuous improvement activities that positively impact safety, environmental protection, product quality, and operational performance.
Support workplace organization and housekeeping initiatives, maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
What We’re Looking For
5–10 years of welding experience in an industrial or fabrication environment.
Process pipe welding certification preferred (ASME, AWS, or equivalent).
Ability to work independently with limited direction; strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Demonstrated initiative in improving processes, tooling, or workflow.
Experience welding stainless steel process piping (TIG/GTAW required).
Comfort working in a dynamic environment where priorities may shift.
Demonstrated leadership experience—mentoring, training, or leading small teams.
Proven ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
Strong troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve non-conformance issues.
Experience in aluminum welding a plus.
Design or fabrication layout experience a plus.
Strong organizational and time-management skills; able to plan, prioritize, and deliver results on schedule.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Physical ability to lift, bend, and work in confined spaces or elevated environments.
We Are Winning When
Our expectations are that team members demonstrate our Core Values.
Integrity & Respect – Work with the highest ethical standards, interact openly and directly, honor our commitments and value diversity of styles, roles and perspectives.
Teamwork – Actively collaborate with others to solve problems and create opportunities. Devote ourselves to the team’s and others’ success.
Customer Focus – Make customers the starting point for everything we do. Understanding what they want and expect from us will enable us to earn their loyalty.
Excellence & Innovation – Continuously elevate our expertise and knowledge to strengthen our competitive advantage; and always look for ways to apply breakthrough ideas.
Passion & Energy – Bring passion and energy to our work so that we are “energy givers”, enabling us to own and pursue objectives in spite of obstacles and adversity.
Fun! – Enjoy what we do and have fun with each other – celebrate a job well done… “25% more fun”.
Benefits and Team Member Perks
Receive recognition for creating a meaningful impact on the organization’s success.
Work-life balance; generous paid time off program; ability to participate in Flexible Workplace arrangement
Comprehensive health insurance coverage
401k with generous company match
Intuitive health and wellness program that rewards participation
Community involvement and volunteering opportunities
Career advancement through our Career Tracker program
Join Crane Engineering not just in your career, but in the lives of those you work with every day. Apply today and help us inspire innovation, deliver excellence, and achieve success together at: https://www.craneengineering.net/careers
Crane Engineering is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Crane Engineering also participates in E-Verify to verify identity and employment eligibility.
Job Type : Full-Time
Education Level : High School
Experience Level : Entry Level
Job Function : General