Fabrication Shop Lead - Custom Welding & Industrial Fixtures

Apply Type Direct Hire ID WI59-2755652 $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. #J-18808-Ljbffr