Fabrication & Product Training Specialist

Location: North Aurora, IL
Reports to: Vice President, Operations

Position Summary

The Fabrication & Product Training Specialist is a hands-on technical leader responsible for developing and upskilling employees across fabrication, blueprint interpretation, and product knowledge. This role supports the site's Skills Matrix and cross-training initiatives by ensuring employees are equipped to read fabrication drawings, understand product specifications, and execute high-quality assembly and fabrication work.

This position emphasizes broad fabrication capability and technical instruction over welding specialization, focusing on building workforce versatility and product understanding across Catalyst's acoustical solutions portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

1. Training & Workforce Development

• Lead onboarding and technical training for fabrication, assembly, and production employees
• Develop and deliver structured training programs aligned to the company's skills matrix and certification levels
• Train employees on how to read blueprints, fabrication drawings, and work instructions
• Evaluate employee competency and readiness for progression within the skills matrix
• Partner with supervisors to identify skill gaps and development priorities

2. Fabrication & Technical Expertise

• Demonstrate hands-on fabrication techniques across product lines, including:
  • Acoustical doors
  • Windows
  • Sound barriers
  • Enclosures
• Provide instruction on layout, measuring, cutting, forming, and assembly processes
• Support production as needed to maintain throughput, quality, and schedule adherence
• Troubleshoot fabrication and assembly issues and recommend practical solutions

3. Blueprint & Drawing Interpretation

• Serve as the subject matter expert on reading and interpreting:
  • Engineering drawings
  • Fabrication prints
  • Bills of materials (BOMs)
• Train employees to translate drawings into accurate production output
• Partner with engineering to ensure clarity and usability of shop floor documentation

4. Product Knowledge & Capability Development

• Build and deliver training on product structure, components, and performance requirements
• Ensure employees understand how individual tasks tie to overall product functionality and quality
• Support new product introductions through workforce readiness and training

5. Skills Matrix & Cross-Training Support

• Drive site-wide cross-training initiatives to increase workforce flexibility
• Track and document employee skill progression and certification levels
• Partner with HR and Operations to align skills progression with compensation frameworks

6. Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Reinforce quality expectations and best practices across fabrication processes
• Partner with operations and quality teams to reduce defects, rework, and inefficiencies
• Identify and implement process improvements on the shop floor
• Support LEAN and continuous improvement initiatives

7. Safety & Compliance

• Promote and model a strong safety culture within fabrication operations
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards
• Train employees on safe equipment operation and hazard awareness
• Participate in safety audits and support corrective actions

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 5-10+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing, fabrication, or assembly
• Demonstrated experience working with fabrication drawings and technical specifications
• Prior experience in training, coaching, or mentoring employees preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and fabrication drawings
• Broad fabrication knowledge (layout, forming, assembly, and finishing processes)
• Working knowledge of welding processes (MIG preferred), but not a primary focus
• Understanding of shop floor operations and quality standards

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Proven ability to train and develop frontline employees
• Strong communication skills with ability to simplify technical concepts
• Hands-on, practical problem solver
• Self-directed and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing setting
• Hands-on role with significant time on the production floor
• Exposure to fabrication equipment, tools, and standard shop conditions

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Catalyst Acoustics Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.