What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fabrication Lead position at JGM?
About JGM
Do you want to work for a construction company unlike any other? At JGM, we challenge the industry’s status quo. Known as the team that delivers “When You Need It Yesterday”, we’ve built a culture around safety, quality, and speed.
At JGM, we’re more than a company-we’re a family. Working side by side, we support one another, building trust by knowing we can count on each other. Driven by our core values, mission, and purpose, we stay focused on our vision for the future. The result? A team environment that fuels exceptional employee satisfaction, which in turn drives extraordinary client experience and continued company growth.
The only question is: Are you ready to join our growing family and be part of something truly special?
Be an integral part of the JGM family by living our core values:
- We Plan. We Adapt. We Succeed.
- Uncompromising Safety & Quality.
- Family is Our Foundation.
- Create Value Through Better Solutions.
- Whatever it Takes.
- Commitment to Self-improvement.
Our Purpose (FOREVER): Develop Elite Leaders Today, So We Can Build Tomorrow’s Future.
Our Vision (ONE DAY): Driven to be the Safest, Fastest, and Most Effective Industrial Construction & Fabrication Partner in North America.
Our Mission (TODAY): Solve Our Clients Toughest Challenges with Safety and Quality Top of Mind.
Position Overview
The Fabrication Lead is a working leader responsible for directing and supporting a small crew of skilled tradespeople in JGM’s structural steel fabrication shop. Reporting to the Fabrication Supervisor, the Lead ensures assigned work is performed safely, efficiently, and to JGM’s quality standards. This role requires strong technical knowledge of structural steel fabrication, hands-on welding/fitting skills, and the ability to coach, direct, and motivate crew members in daily production.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Crew Management
- Direct daily activities of 2–4 fitters, fabricators, and welders.
- Assign tasks based on production schedules, drawings, and priorities set by the Supervisor.
- Provide on-the-job coaching, mentoring, and skill development to crew members.
- Ensure crew members comply with company policies and maintain a professional work ethic.
Safety & Compliance
- Lead crew in following JGM safety policies and OSHA regulations.
- Conduct daily safety checks in the work area and enforce PPE compliance.
- Stop unsafe work and immediately report hazards, incidents, or near misses.
Production Execution
- Interpret fabrication drawings and ensure crew understands scope of work.
- Track progress against production schedules and adjust work assignments as needed.
- Ensure earned hours and productivity targets are achieved.
- Identify bottlenecks or challenges and escalate to the Supervisor.
Quality Control
- Ensure all work meets AISC and AWS D1.1( CV) D1.5 (SS) standards as well as customer specifications.
- Perform first-piece inspections and spot checks on crew’s work.
- Work with Quality Inspectors to address issues and correct non-conformance.
Hands-On Work
- Perform fitting, welding, and fabrication tasks as needed.
- Serve as the technical expert for the crew, providing guidance on complex work.
- Train crew members in proper fabrication techniques, tools, and equipment.
Resource & Equipment Use
- Ensure crew has the correct tools, consumables, and materials for daily work.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area.
- Report equipment or tooling needs to the Supervisor.
Qualifications
- 5 years of structural steel fabrication experience.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting fabrication drawings and blueprints.
- Certified welder or ability to pass welding test.
- Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor small crews in a fabrication environment.
- Strong understanding of AISC standards and welding/fitting practices.
- Ability to work independently while also following direction from the Supervisor.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork.
Performance Metrics
Success in this role will be measured by:
- Crew safety performance (compliance, good catch reporting)
- Productivity of assigned crew (earned vs. planned hours)
- Quality of fabricated steel (inspection pass rates, rework levels)
- Crew development (skill growth, certification progress)
- Adherence to project schedules and deadlines
Physical Requirements
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Requires prolonged walking, standing, sitting, bending, squatting, stooping, climbing, regular lifting and carrying to move up to 50 lbs., talking, hearing, reaching, feeling, grasping, and push/pulling.
- Must be able to work in various weather conditions/temperatures.
- Regular mental and visual attention much or all the time with manual coordination.
- General office environment conditions.
- Flexibility required to travel.
JGM offers a competitive wage and benefit package:
- Participate in the company’s yearly performance bonus program
- Medical, Vision & Dental
- PTO & Holidays
- 401(k) Matching
- Life Insurance
- Short/Long-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Generous Referral Program
- Training and Further Education
This job description is subject to change based on the needs of the business and is not all-inclusive.
JGM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.