Fabrication Shop Manager – Structural or Fluid System Components

The Fabrication Shop Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations, supervision, and performance of the fabrication shop specializing in structural assemblies and/or fluid system components (e.g., pressure vessels, piping systems, frames, supports). This role ensures high standards of safety, quality, and productivity, while managing personnel, materials, and equipment to deliver components that meet stringent specifications and industry standards (e.g., ASME, API, AWS).

Key Responsibilities:

🏭 Shop Floor Management

• Oversee fabrication activities including cutting, bending, welding, machining, forming, and assembly of metal parts

• Schedule and coordinate daily work assignments, material flow, and resource allocation to meet production targets

• Ensure that fabricated components meet dimensional, pressure, and structural integrity requirements

🔩 Technical Oversight

• Interpret engineering drawings, welding symbols, fabrication blueprints, and schematics

• Ensure adherence to applicable codes and standards such as ASME B31.3, API 650/682, AWS D1.1, etc.

• Support troubleshooting, rework, and shop floor problem-solving for both structural and fluid systems

✅ Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Enforce strict adherence to quality procedures, inspection checkpoints, and final acceptance criteria

• Coordinate with QA/QC to ensure weld quality, NDT compliance, hydrostatic/pressure testing, and dimensional checks

• Maintain a safe and organized workplace per EHS regulations and company safety policies

📈 Process & Performance Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in productivity, efficiency, and cost reduction

• Implement and monitor KPIs for OEE, scrap rate, labor efficiency, and schedule adherence

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality or process deviations

👥 Team Leadership

• Supervise and develop a team of fabricators, welders, fitters, and support personnel

• Ensure training and qualification of welders, pipefitters, and technicians per job requirements

• Foster teamwork, communication, and shop floor discipline to meet production goals

Key Focus Areas:

• Fabrication and assembly of pressure-containing components, pipe spools, tanks, or structural frames

• Welding process oversight (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, SAW)

• Blueprint interpretation and dimensional accuracy

• Compliance with ASME, API, or customer-specific codes and quality standards

• Workforce supervision and shop resource planning

Required Qualifications:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent trade certification

• 8+ years of experience in fabrication and 3–5 years in a supervisory or managerial role

• Strong understanding of welding processes, fabrication techniques, and inspection standards

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Familiarity with fabrication of pressure vessels, pipe assemblies, or skid-mounted fluid systems

• ERP/MRP system experience for production tracking and inventory control

• Experience with WPS/PQR management and welder qualification tracking

• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma exposure – a plus

Certifications (Preferred):

• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent (preferred for fluid systems work)

• OSHA or equivalent safety training certification

• ASME Section VIII or B31.3 code familiarity

Working Conditions:

• Hands-on leadership role in a shop floor environment

• Requires PPE and occasional handling of heavy components

• May involve overtime or shift work based on project timelines