Shop Technical Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Shop Technical Lead
SF Metalworks

At SF Metalworks , we're a California-based custom metal fabrication company specializing in architectural and decorative metalwork. We're looking for a Shop Technical Lead who combines strong fabrication expertise with hands-on leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.

This is a floor-based leadership role for someone who understands how quality work gets built and knows how to help a team execute it safely, efficiently, and accurately.

Reports To Shop Operations Director

What You'll Do

Hands-On Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and support fabricators, welders, CNC operators, and production staff.
• Provide practical, on-the-floor coaching and guidance.
• Assign team members to projects based on production priorities and project needs.
• Conduct regular check-ins and identify training and development opportunities.
• Lead by example in craftsmanship, organization, safety, and professionalism.

Production & Shop Operations

• Review plans, shop drawings, and project details to understand how custom assemblies should be built.
• Track production progress and adjust priorities as needed to keep projects moving.
• Maintain an organized and efficient shop floor.
• Keep production assignments and priorities current.
• Coordinate with Project Management and Installation teams to support deliveries and installations.
• Monitor shop capacity, schedules, and labor tracking.

Fabrication & Technical Expertise

• Provide hands-on fabrication support when projects require additional technical expertise.
• Apply strong knowledge of welding, architectural metal fabrication, decorative metals, and metalworking equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, CAD files, and 2D and 3D technical drawings.
• Troubleshoot fabrication challenges and provide practical solutions.
• Help ensure finished products meet project specifications and quality standards.

Quality, Safety & Administration

• Perform hands-on quality checks throughout the fabrication process and address issues promptly.
• Maintain high standards for accuracy, fit, finish, and craftsmanship.
• Ensure daily adherence to OSHA and company safety practices.
• Apply experience with an ISO 9000-type Quality Assurance program.
• Manage team administrative needs related to HR and availability, including staffing, time-off requests, payroll approvals, and overtime coordination.
• Respond to rare urgent after-hours communications when needed. These hours are compensated. Expected response time is within 4 hours during the week and 24 hours on weekends.

What You Bring

Required

• 5-7+ years of experience in metal fabrication or a related field , with 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership role .
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of welding techniques, architectural metal fabrication, decorative metalwork, and metalworking equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, CAD files, and 2D/3D technical drawings.
• Experience leading and developing a production team in a hands-on environment.
• Experience implementing and enforcing safety procedures.
• Experience with an ISO 9000-type Quality Assurance program.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, including Sheets, Docs, and Calendar, plus Dropbox, Slack, Monday.com, and Fulcrum for time tracking .
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
• Proven portfolio of completed metalwork, woodwork, machining, and finishing.

Preferred

• Technical or vocational training in welding, metal fabrication, or a related field.
• Experience with CNC equipment and other metalworking machinery.
• Experience producing high-end custom architectural or decorative metalwork.

Who Thrives Here

This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys being hands-on, takes ownership of quality and production, can translate technical drawings into accurate work, enjoys developing others, and stays solutions-focused when priorities change.

Compensation & Schedule

• $40-$50+ per hour, depending on experience
• Monday-Thursday | 5:00 AM-3:30 PM
• Four-day, 10-hour work week
• Overtime may be requested based on production needs