Fabrication Manager
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM
Occasional earlier starts may be required, with flexibility to work approximately 1–2 Saturdays per month as production needs dictate.
About the Opportunity
A well-established manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Fabrication Manager to lead day-to-day operations across its machine and paint shop functions.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing people management, production scheduling, equipment, quality, safety, and continuous improvement. The Fabrication Manager will oversee multiple fabrication processes, coordinate closely with Engineering, Purchasing, Maintenance, and Operations, and help ensure production goals are met safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
The ideal candidate brings strong fabrication experience, solid supervisory skills, and working knowledge of equipment such as laser/punch machinery, press brakes, saws, welding equipment, rolling equipment, and automated paint systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily fabrication operations across first and second shifts.
- Manage and prioritize workload across machine shop and paint shop operations.
- Coordinate production schedules based on customer demand, sales forecasts, and historical production requirements.
- Supervise, train, and develop production employees, including cross-training and troubleshooting support.
- Ensure adequate staffing levels and effectively manage department personnel.
- Monitor raw material inventory, cycle counts, tooling, powder, supplies, and other production-related materials.
- Partner with Purchasing and outside vendors to ensure materials and tooling are available when needed.
- Work closely with Engineering on tooling requirements, prototypes, fabrication methods, and new product introductions.
- Interpret engineering drawings and ensure fabricated parts meet dimensional and quality requirements.
- Provide oversight of programs for turret and press brake equipment.
- Support operations involving saws, laser/punch equipment, press brakes, welding, rolling, painting, masking, and related fabrication processes.
- Provide guidance to paint shop personnel regarding coating, masking, and proper finishing techniques.
- Develop and maintain equipment operating procedures and employee training requirements.
- Ensure preventive maintenance is completed and properly documented for machinery, ovens, and paint equipment.
- Partner with Maintenance to minimize downtime and maintain equipment reliability.
- Track production performance, downtime, quality, and other key operating metrics.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, workflow, and equipment utilization.
- Ensure production activity, inventory transactions, work orders, and related information are accurately maintained within ERP and manufacturing systems.
- Support quality control efforts and communicate production or quality concerns to leadership as needed.
- Maintain department safety programs, documentation, and training in accordance with company and OSHA requirements.
- Promote a strong culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and quality.
- Communicate production schedules, delays, priorities, and operational updates to appropriate internal teams and customers.
- Research and recommend equipment, tooling, and process improvements that support future production needs.
- Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support manufacturing objectives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; significant relevant industrial or manufacturing experience may be considered in place of a degree.
- 5–8+ years of experience in a fabrication, metalworking, or manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience supervising or coordinating production employees and schedules.
- Strong knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings.
- Hands-on familiarity with equipment such as:
- Laser and punch equipment
- Press brakes
- Saws
- Welding equipment
- Rolling equipment
- Automated paint or coating systems
- Experience with production quality, safety procedures, and OSHA requirements.
- Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute projects with minimal supervision.
- Strong personal accountability and sound decision-making ability.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP or manufacturing systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with employees, managers, Engineering, Purchasing, Maintenance, and vendors.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual communication skills.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Kaizen.
- Experience with ERP and MES systems.
- Experience managing both fabrication and paint/coating operations.
- Background supporting prototype builds and new product introductions.
