Welding and Metal Fabrication Manager

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Welding and Metal Fabrication Manager to lead and oversee day-to-day operations of welding and metal fabrication within our production facility. This role is responsible for supervising fabrication teams, ensuring product quality, optimizing production workflows, maintaining safety standards, and driving continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has hands-on knowledge of welding and fabrication methods, experience in managing skilled tradespeople, and a results-driven approach to leadership.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Production & Operations Management

• • Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of all welding and metal fabrication activities.

  • Ensure production goals related to output, quality, and schedule adherence are met.

2. Quality Assurance & Compliance

• • Maintain compliance with industry codes and standards (AWS, ASME, ISO).

  • Ensure all fabricated and welded components meet required specifications and inspection criteria.

3. Workforce Supervision & Development

• • Lead a team of welders, fabricators, and support technicians, ensuring high performance and accountability.

  • Train and mentor team members on best practices, safety, and process improvements.

4. Process Optimization & Lean Initiatives

• • Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase throughput.

  • Apply lean manufacturing tools such as 5S, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.

5. Equipment & Facility Oversight

• • Manage maintenance and readiness of welding equipment, press brakes, plasma cutters, and fabrication tools.

  • Recommend upgrades or new equipment to meet evolving production needs.

6. Safety & Risk Management

• • Enforce strict adherence to safety procedures in welding and fabrication areas.

  • Conduct safety audits and implement corrective measures as needed.

Core Responsibilities:

• • Manage daily fabrication shop operations including scheduling, staffing, and workflow.

  • Collaborate with engineering and quality teams on product reviews, DFM, and new product introductions.

  • Maintain inventory of welding consumables, raw materials, and tooling.

  • Review technical drawings, blueprints, and welding symbols to ensure correct fabrication methods.

  • Ensure welder qualifications and certifications are maintained and up to date.

  • Monitor KPIs including production efficiency, scrap/rework rates, and delivery performance.

  • Drive team accountability while fostering a culture of respect, safety, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications:

• • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Welding Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent technical field.

  • 8–10+ years of hands-on experience in metal fabrication and welding, with 3–5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.

  • Strong knowledge of welding processes (MIG, TIG, SMAW, FCAW), materials (steel, stainless, aluminum), and fabrication equipment.

  • Familiarity with AWS codes, WPS/PQR documentation, and weld inspection standards.

  • Proficiency in reading technical drawings, GD&T, and understanding of fabrication tolerances.

Preferred Qualifications:

• • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or similar certification.

  • Experience with robotic or automated welding systems.

  • Background in high-mix, low-volume production environments.

  • Proficiency in ERP systems and manufacturing software.