Fabrication Lead

The Fabrication Lead provides hands-on leadership and supervision for the fabrication team, overseeing daily operations involving fabrication equipment. This role is responsible for meeting production schedules, ensuring quality standards, maintaining a safe and organized work environment, developing team capabilities through training and cross-training, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Fabrication Lead works with limited supervision, resolves operational issues independently, and supports cost, productivity, quality, and safety objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, assign, and coordinate daily work to meet production schedules and customer requirements.
• Communicate production goals, priorities, and performance expectations to team members.
• Monitor productivity, quality, scrap, and workflow; take corrective action as needed.
• Manage work order completion, inventory transactions, and material utilization.
• Coordinate with Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to address production needs, constraints, and process improvements.
• Identify, document, and report quality concerns, non-conforming materials, and production issues.
• Troubleshoot fabrication equipment and coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Ensure equipment, tools, and measuring devices are properly maintained and calibrated.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Maintain adherence to workplace organization and housekeeping standards.
• Train, coach, and develop employees; support cross-training and skill development initiatives.
• Promote a positive work environment by resolving conflicts, providing feedback, and addressing performance concerns.
• Assist with staffing recommendations and workforce planning based on production demands.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, quality, and company policies and procedures.
• Lead daily safety and production meetings, incident reporting, and root cause investigations.
• Maintain open communication with management regarding production status, challenges, and improvement opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of fabrication experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Working knowledge of fabrication processes, equipment, materials, and manufacturing best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications.
• Knowledge of production planning, workflow management, and quality systems.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement skills.
• Ability to promote and maintain a safe working environment.

Certifications

• Forklift certification preferred or required based on operational needs.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift up to 100 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and reaching.
• Occasional climbing and work at heights up to 15 feet.
• Ability to meet close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision requirements.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and fabrication shop environment.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety footwear, gloves, and hearing protection.
• Exposure to machinery, moving equipment, noise, and typical manufacturing conditions.

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons, without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, and/or expression, or other status protected by law. If you require any reasonable adjustments to accommodate health condition or disability, please let us know. Your journey with us matters.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What fabrication machines do you have experience with?

Experience:

• Fabrication: 10 years (Preferred)
• Leadership: 5 years (Preferred)
• Microsoft Office: 3 years (Preferred)
• Blueprint reading: 10 years (Preferred)
• CNC programming: 10 years (Preferred)
• Training & development: 5 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Kenosha, WI 53144 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28