Fabrication Manager

Position Overview

The Fabrication Manager is responsible for overseeing all steel structure fabrication operations. This position manages fabrication teams, welding operations, cutting and assembly processes, and ensures all fabricated steel structures meet customer specifications and quality standards. Reports to the Plant Manager and coordinates closely with the Manufacturing Manager and Maintenance Manager.

Primary Responsibilities

Fabrication Operations Management

• Direct daily steel fabrication operations including cutting, welding, assembly, and finishing
• Ensure production schedules for steel structures are met while maintaining quality standards
• Oversee cutting operations (plasma, oxy-fuel, or laser) with precision to specifications
• Manage welding operations and coordinate with certified welders
• Monitor assembly and subassembly processes
• Implement standardized work procedures for all fabrication processes
• Manage batch tracking and work-in-process movement through fabrication

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Lead, supervise, and develop fabrication team members including welders, fitters, and assembly technicians
• Conduct daily meetings with shift teams to communicate priorities and safety requirements
• Model extreme ownership and safety-first culture
• Hold team members accountable for performance metrics and safety compliance
• Provide constructive feedback and coaching to improve performance
• Identify training needs and coordinate skills development and certifications (AWS welding, etc.)
• Manage attendance, scheduling, and shift coordination
• Conduct performance reviews and recommend disciplinary actions when necessary
• Foster continuous learning and skill development within the team

Quality Control and Fabrication Standards

• Monitor steel fabrication quality throughout all processes
• Ensure adherence to customer specifications, engineering drawings, and tolerances
• Coordinate with Quality Manager on inspection requirements and acceptance criteria
• Manage in-process inspections and final product inspections
• Investigate and resolve quality issues immediately
• Track scrap, rework, and defect rates
• Ensure proper welding technique and certification compliance
• Coordinate dimensional verification and tolerance compliance
• Document fabrication issues and corrective actions
• Maintain traceability of materials and fabrication processes

Equipment Operation and Maintenance Coordination

• Oversee operation of cutting equipment, welding machines, and assembly tools
• Monitor equipment performance and report maintenance issues promptly
• Coordinate with Maintenance Manager on equipment downtime and repairs
• Ensure proper equipment setup, calibration, and maintenance procedures
• Track equipment utilization rates and cycle times
• Implement solutions to minimize equipment downtime
• Manage equipment logs and maintenance documentation
• Participate in preventive maintenance planning

Material and Resource Management

• Coordinate material receiving for steel stock, consumables (welding wire, flux, etc.)
• Verify material specifications match purchase orders and job requirements
• Manage material storage, organization, and inventory
• Ensure proper material handling and safety procedures
• Monitor material usage and identify waste reduction opportunities
• Coordinate cut-parts staging and assembly sequencing
• Maintain material lot tracking for quality and traceability
• Communicate material needs to Production Control Manager

Safety and Compliance

• Champion safety culture and enforce all OSHA and MSHA compliance requirements
• Conduct pre-shift safety briefings emphasizing hazards (welding fumes, hot metal, equipment hazards)
• Ensure all team members wear required PPE at all times (safety glasses, welding helmets, gloves, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with hot work permits and confined space procedures when applicable
• Report and investigate accidents and near-miss incidents
• Maintain safety equipment and emergency procedures
• Ensure proper ventilation and air quality monitoring for welding operations
• Train team members on equipment safety and emergency procedures
• Maintain safety documentation and training records
• Monitor OSHA 300 log and report metrics

Production Reporting

• Prepare daily fabrication reports including units produced, efficiency metrics, and quality data
• Track and report labor hours and overtime
• Report equipment downtime and causes
• Monitor and report safety metrics
• Communicate production status to Production Control Manager
• Provide data for cost analysis and profitability tracking
• Maintain accurate fabrication records and documentation
• Track AWS certifications and expiration dates for welders

Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing

• Identify opportunities to improve fabrication efficiency and quality
• Participate in kaizen events and process improvement initiatives
• Recommend process changes and equipment improvements
• Monitor and reduce fabrication cycle times
• Implement standardized work and best practices
• Reduce material waste and improve yield rates
• Share improvement ideas with Plant Manager and cross-functional teams
• Track and reduce rework and scrap rates

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's degree preferred
• Minimum 5-7 years of steel fabrication or welding experience
• Minimum 2-3 years of direct supervisory or leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of welding processes and fabrication techniques
• Knowledge of OSHA and MSHA regulations and safety requirements
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with production tracking systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Administration
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or similar certification
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• Experience with multiple fabrication processes (plasma cutting, welding, assembly)
• Background in quality control and dimensional verification
• Experience managing fabrication teams
• Knowledge of ERP and production management systems
• Background in FMEA or process improvement methodologies

Core Competencies

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of steel fabrication, welding, and manufacturing processes
• Leadership: Inspires and develops high-performing fabrication teams
• Safety Leadership: Demonstrates absolute commitment to safety and compliance
• Quality Focus: Ensures products meet specifications and customer expectations
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves technical and operational issues quickly
• Communication: Clearly articulates specifications, expectations, and feedback
• Accountability: Takes ownership of fabrication results and team performance
• Continuous Improvement: Drives efficiency and quality gains through process improvement

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to: Plant Manager
• Works directly with: Manufacturing Manager, Production Control Manager, Maintenance Manager, Quality Manager
• Supervises: Welders, Fitters, Assembly Technicians, and other fabrication team members

Key Performance Indicators

• Fabrication efficiency (actual vs. scheduled production)
• Quality metrics (scrap rate, first pass yield, defect rate, rework percentage)
• On-time fabrication completion
• Equipment uptime and utilization rates
• Safety metrics (TRIR, lost time incidents, near misses, safety observations)
• Labor productivity and overtime management
• AWS certification compliance for welders
• Dimensional accuracy and tolerance compliance
• Rework and scrap rate reduction
• Employee retention and engagement

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing plant floor environment
• Exposure to welding fumes, hot metal, and high temperatures
• Noise from cutting and grinding equipment
• Extended standing and walking throughout shift
• Machinery and moving equipment exposure
• Shift work (may include nights and weekends)
• Must wear required PPE at all times (safety glasses, welding helmet, gloves, respirator if needed)
• Ability to lift 50 lbs occasionally
• Physical activity throughout the shift
• Exposure to metal shavings and dust

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Ability to pass a background and drug test.

License/Certification:

• AWS Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person