Fabrication Lead - Gladwin Area

Fabrication Lead | Gladwin, MI

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for excelling as a fabrication lead? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in the Gladwin area seeking experienced Fabrication Leads to strengthen their teams.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan's manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Fabrication Lead opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Gladwin in Gladwin County, within about 45 minutes of the city, including West Branch, Standish, Hamilton, and Pinconning.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Gladwin region seeking Fabrication Leads. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates - not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Usual Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot equipment and process problems and escalate issues that need maintenance.
• Train new operators on safe machine operation and shop procedures.
• Track material usage and report shortages or quality concerns to the supervisor.
• Enforce safety rules and keep the work area clean and organized.
• Assign daily work to fabrication team members and monitor progress against the schedule.
• Set up and operate fabrication equipment such as press brakes, shears, saws, and punches.
• Read blueprints, drawings, and work orders to confirm dimensions and tolerances.
• Inspect finished parts and assemblies to verify they meet specifications.

Recommended Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Several years of hands-on fabrication or metalworking experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and shop drawings.
• Experience operating press brakes, shears, saws, or similar equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to check parts against tolerances.
• Prior experience leading or directing the work of a small team.

Bonus Qualifications

• Formal training or certification in welding or machining.
• Forklift or overhead crane certification.
• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices.
• Familiarity with fabrication shop software or ERP systems.
• Bilingual communication skills.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Shop Foreman, Press Brake Operator, Assembly Lead, Fabrication Supervisor, Sheet Metal Fabricator, Welder Fabricator, Machine Operator Lead, Production Team Lead, Metal Fabrication Technician

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic - they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search - market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.