Fabrication Shop Lead - Custom Welding & Industrial Fixtures

Fabrication Shop Lead – Custom Welding & Industrial Fixtures

$26.00 – $34.00/Hour • Waukesha, WI Area • 100% Onsite Join an established, family-oriented industrial manufacturing leader with a decades-long track record of market stability Step into a high-ownership, 95% hands-on shop floor leadership role directing custom builds and critical system maintenance

• EXPERIENCE DEPTH 3+ Years of professional welding or custom metal fabrication experience; related trade degree or technical certification is a plus
• CORE SKILLS Mastery of fabrication equipment (shears, press brakes, plasma torches, structural welding), technical blueprint reading, and fundamental shop mathematics
• WORK SCHEDULE Premium 1st Shift with flexible start windows | ~45 hours per week average
• EARNING POTENTIAL $26.00 – $34.00 per hour base rate depending on experience (Expected annual earnings up to $70,720)
• WORK TYPE Full-Time, Permanent, W-2 direct-hire position (100% Onsite role in a traditional industrial environment)
• WORK CULTURE Supportive, employee-focused environment featuring specialized structured training, safety-gear programs, and a dedicated employee recognition track
• COMPLIANCE Must meet ITAR compliance requirements (US Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, or Protected Individual; sponsorship is not available)

For a seasoned fabricator or welder who wants to step away from monotonous assembly-line production and take pride in custom, varied industrial craftsmanship, this direct-hire leadership track offers an exceptional shop home. The employer is a recognized, long-standing manufacturer holding elite, high-level quality certifications for specialized components. Their operations cater to high-spec global industries—including defense, aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment manufacturing—meaning the production standard is focused entirely on precision and quality craftsmanship.

The company prides itself on maintaining a supportive, stable culture that actively invests in its workforce. In this role, an experienced trades professional will escape the standard corporate grind. This is a dynamic, high-velocity environment where the lead sets the example on the floor, tackles highly custom builds, and expands their technical skill set into specialized industrial production systems. This position offers long-term stability, comprehensive employee benefits, and an environment where technical expertise is genuinely respected.

What You Will Be Doing

• Fabricating and modifying specialized, high-value custom parts, heavy structural fixtures, and production components from the ground up
• Operating a full suite of industrial fabrication equipment, including heavy shears, press brakes, plasma torches, manual welders, and automatic welding machinery
• Taking hands-on ownership of specialty equipment maintenance, repairing complex structural components, and supporting the design/creation of custom internal shop fixturing
• Performing specialty equipment linings and refractory work, including the precise mixing, pouring, and forming of specialized materials during system rebuilds
• Spending 95% of the shift actively working on the production floor, with the remaining 5% dedicated to planning daily shop activities and reviewing/approving team timecards
• Providing direct training, safety guidance, and technical mentorship to fabrication assistants and junior team members
• Ensuring a safe, organized, and highly efficient workflow across the fabrication division while strictly adhering to quality management guidelines

What We Are Looking For

• Fabrication Background: 3+ years of verifiable experience in custom metal fabrication or structural industrial welding.
• Equipment Mastery: Proven capability safely setting up and running shears, brakes, torch equipment, and standard welding setups.
• Technical Literacy: Strong blueprint reading skills and fundamental mathematical proficiency (fractions, decimals, and basic shop geometry/algebra).
• Leadership Mindset: A self-motivated, goal-oriented attitude with the communication skills required to train assistants and collaborate directly with the operations leadership team.
• Physical Capability: Ability to stand for extended periods in an industrial shop environment, bend, stoop, and regularly lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 lbs throughout the shift.
• Dependability: A solid work history showing attention to detail, strong time-management habits, and a safety-first mindset.