Chief Engineer – Manufacturing and Fabrication Technologies

The Chief Engineer – Manufacturing and Fabrication Technologies provides technical leadership for the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing and fabrication processes. This role is responsible for driving innovation, ensuring product quality, reducing production costs, and integrating advanced technologies across machining, welding, assembly, and material handling operations.

Key Responsibilities:

🏗️ Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Lead R&D and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., CNC machining, automated welding, laser cutting, additive manufacturing)

• Evaluate and introduce new fabrication techniques to improve product integrity and production efficiency

• Establish engineering best practices across fabrication and manufacturing units

⚙️ Process Design & Optimization

• Design and optimize fabrication processes for components including sheet metal, pressure vessels, frames, and heavy structures

• Analyze production workflows and identify bottlenecks, cost-saving opportunities, and quality risks

• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and TPM principles

🧪 Materials & Standards Expertise

• Guide material selection and treatment processes for steel, alloys, and special metals

• Ensure compliance with industry standards: ASME, AWS, ISO, API, ASTM, and relevant fabrication codes

• Support welding procedure qualification (WPS/PQR/WPQ) and metallurgical evaluations

📐 Product & Process Engineering

• Oversee design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) processes

• Collaborate with product engineering to align design intent with fabrication feasibility

• Standardize engineering documentation, fabrication drawings, and technical specifications

🧰 Equipment & Technology Management

• Define requirements and selection criteria for new equipment and tooling investments

• Implement and optimize use of manufacturing software: CAD/CAM, ERP, MES, etc.

• Monitor and enhance equipment utilization, uptime, and technical capability

🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Quality, Production, Maintenance, SCM, and HSE teams

• Lead technical audits, supplier development, and customer technical reviews

• Mentor engineering teams and lead training in advanced fabrication technologies

Key Focus Areas:

• Fabrication of complex mechanical assemblies and heavy-duty structures

• Advanced manufacturing processes and digital integration

• Welding engineering, quality control, and NDT

• Productivity, quality, safety, and cost optimization

• Engineering team leadership and capability development

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing/fabrication, with at least 5 years in a senior engineering leadership role

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in fabrication techniques (MIG/TIG/SMAW welding, forming, machining, CNC)

• Strong command of engineering standards (ASME Sec VIII, AWS D1.1, API 650/610, ISO 3834)

• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) and ERP systems

• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and cross-functional communication skills

Certifications (Preferred):

• Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) / Welding Inspector (CWI)

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Manufacturing Certification

• PMP or similar project leadership credentials

• ASME or ISO-based Quality/Technical Certifications

Working Conditions:

• Office and shop floor-based leadership role

• May involve travel to manufacturing sites, suppliers, and customer locations

• Involves high accountability for safety, quality, and engineering integrity