Jordan Kuhns
Summary
Results-driven plant and operations leader with 16+ years in welding fabrication and manufacturing. Proven record of directing multi-shift operations, driving lean process improvements, and developing high-performance teams. Skilled at bridging operations, engineering, and senior leadership through SOP development, capacity planning, and collaborative process improvements. AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and experienced functional superintendent, recognized for cutting waste, elevating quality standards, and delivering safe, efficient, and on-time production.
Dedicated and organized operations manager with several years of experience using proven planning and support initiatives to cut costs, streamline operations and increase productivity. Decisive and resourceful team builder versed in sales, management and process improvement. Possesses in-depth industry trend knowledge and shifts to offer valuable insights on opportunities for new growth and business expansion.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fabrication Welding Supervisor / Functional Superintendent
Tarsco Bolted Tank
07.2024 - Current
- Lead daily operations of a 35+ employee welding and fabrication shop, managing scheduling, staffing, production quality, and workflow efficiency.
- Serve as de facto plant superintendent, aligning floor operations, engineering, and senior management.
- Established and enforced welding department standards, setting benchmarks for quality, efficiency, and AWS compliance.
- Developed and implemented SOPs that improved consistency and throughput by 14% while reducing safety incidents by 10%.
- Oversee hiring, training, and performance management, building strong, motivated teams with improved retention.
- Coordinate with engineering and supply chain for capacity planning, inventory control, and cost management.
ASME Journeyman Welder
ATEC Steel
05.2023 - 06.2024
- Performed ASME code-compliant welding for structural and pressure vessel projects.
- Transitioned back into leadership to leverage supervisory and plant operations expertise.
Production Supervisor / Functional Superintendent
Thermal Engineering International (USA), Inc.
08.2017 - 04.2023
- Managed operations for 110+ personnel across welding, fabrication, machine shop, paint, and materials on multiple shifts as functional superintendent. Directly supervised 28 welders and fabricators in ASME pressure vessel manufacturing, including Section III.
- Drove lean manufacturing initiatives that streamlined processes, cut waste, and reduced labor hours by 12%.
- Partnered with sales and engineering to provide constructability reviews and labor estimates, improving bid accuracy.
- Directed scheduling and earned value tracking, consistently meeting customer requirements on time and within budget while ensuring safety and compliance.
Journeyman Welder / Foreman
Various Fabrication Firms
01.2011 - 07.2017
- Performed complex welding and fabrication across multiple product lines.
- Mentored apprentices and junior welders in technical skills, safety, and quality compliance.
- Assisted sales in estimating constructability based on blueprints.
Education
Master Welder Degree - Welding Technology
Tulsa Welding School
Welding Technology -
Franklin Technology Center
High School Diploma -
Joplin High School
Skills
- Plant & Operations Management
- Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
- Team Leadership
- Production Scheduling & Capacity Planning
- SOP Development & Compliance Enforcement
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Certified Welding Inspection & Instruction
- Welding & Fabrication Expertise
- Cost Control
- Estimating
- Inventory Management
Websites
Certification
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- ASME & AWS Certified Welder (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW)
Personal Information
Title: Plant Operations Leader | Certified Welding Inspector
Timeline
Fabrication Welding Supervisor / Functional Superintendent
Tarsco Bolted Tank
07.2024 - Current
ASME Journeyman Welder
ATEC Steel
05.2023 - 06.2024
Production Supervisor / Functional Superintendent
Thermal Engineering International (USA), Inc.
08.2017 - 04.2023
Journeyman Welder / Foreman
Various Fabrication Firms
01.2011 - 07.2017
Master Welder Degree - Welding Technology
Tulsa Welding School
Welding Technology -
Franklin Technology Center
High School Diploma -
Joplin High School