The Manager – Fabrication Engineering is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of fabrication process development, optimization, and support across production lines. This role ensures that fabricated components (such as BIW, chassis, enclosures, and structural parts) meet performance, quality, cost, and delivery goals. The role requires deep expertise in fabrication methods including cutting, forming, welding, and structural assembly, and a strong ability to lead cross-functional engineering and technician teams.
Lead the design, development, and optimization of fabrication processes including stamping, bending, forming, welding, and cutting operations.
Manage day-to-day engineering support for fabrication production to ensure continuous flow and resolve issues related to process variation, quality, and tooling.
Coordinate with product design, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are fabrication-friendly (DFM) and meet specifications.
Develop and implement process improvement initiatives to improve cycle time, material utilization, and defect reduction.
Oversee the development and validation of jigs, fixtures, welding robots, and automation in fabrication cells.
Ensure all fabrication operations meet safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Collaborate with maintenance and tooling teams to improve equipment uptime and preventive maintenance programs.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for fabrication-related quality issues.
Develop documentation including process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, and work instructions.
Mentor and develop a team of fabrication engineers and technicians.
Process Engineering:
Develop robust, repeatable, and scalable fabrication processes that support high-quality output and low-cost production.
Optimize forming and joining techniques for different materials (e.g., steel, aluminum, composites).
Tooling & Fixture Development:
Design and oversee fabrication of custom tooling and fixtures to support accurate and ergonomic operations.
Ensure tooling validation through simulation, trials, and dimensional studies.
Welding & Joining Technology:
Manage welding parameters, automation programming, and quality assurance for MIG, TIG, spot, and laser welding.
Integrate new joining methods as required by product changes or material shifts.
Lean & Continuous Improvement:
Apply Lean principles and Six Sigma tools to improve throughput, reduce scrap, and eliminate bottlenecks.
Lead Kaizen events and implement standard work procedures.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
Serve as the primary engineering interface between fabrication and upstream/downstream functions (design, quality, final assembly).
Participate in new product development reviews to ensure fabrication feasibility.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering; Master’s preferred.
10+ years of experience in fabrication engineering within automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery, or metalworking industries.
Strong knowledge of metal fabrication processes, weld engineering, fixture design, and materials.
Experience with CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA), simulation tools, and process validation techniques.
Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and project management skills.
Knowledge of quality systems (ISO/TS/IATF), safety standards, and process documentation.