Fabrication Supervisor

Fabrication Supervisor

The Fabrication Supervisor leads the daily operations of the fabrication department, including laser welding, 2D fiber laser cutting, and CNC machining. This role is responsible for directing and developing the fabrication team, meeting production schedules, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring a safe work environment. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with each of these processes and can step in to set up, program, or troubleshoot equipment when needed.

Essential Job Functions:

• Supervise, schedule, and direct fabrication team members to meet daily production goals and delivery commitments.
• Oversee laser welding operations, including parameter setup, fixturing, joint preparation, and weld quality verification.
• Oversee 2D fiber laser cutting operations, including program review, nesting, material utilization, and machine setup for various materials and thicknesses.
• Oversee CNC machining operations, including setups, tooling selection, offsets, program edits, and first-article inspection.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, GD&T callouts, and welding symbols, and ensure the team builds to print.
• Train, coach, and evaluate team members, and develop cross-training plans to build skill depth across all equipment.
• Partner with Quality to investigate defects, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Work with Engineering on new product introductions, process improvements, and design-for-manufacturability feedback.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and minimize equipment downtime with maintenance staff and equipment vendors.
• Supervises and coaches team members effectively while managing attendance, timecards, and corrective action documentation.
• Track and report department KPIs, including throughput, scrap rate, on-time delivery, and labor efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts using Lean, 5S, and standard work practices.
• Enforce OSHA regulations, laser safety protocols, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Ability to lift and move heavy items (up to 75 pounds) and stand for extended periods.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years of fabrication experience, including 2+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Hands-on experience with laser welding systems, including setup, parameter development, and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience operating and programming 2D fiber laser cutting systems.
• Working knowledge of CNC machining, including setups and program editing.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, blueprints, GD&T, and work orders.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges).
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to hold a team accountable while keeping morale high.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in speaking and writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions (standing, lifting, heat exposure).

Preferred Skills:

• Associate's degree or technical certification in manufacturing, welding, or machining.
• Welding certification (AWS or equivalent).
• CAD/CAM and nesting software (e.g., SolidWorks, Mastercam).
• Experience with robotic automation, including robotic welding cells, automated laser loading/unloading, or automated material handling.
• Laser Safety Officer (LSO) training.
• ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office/Google Docs software.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation DOE
• Health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance
• 401k with match
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness
• Free water, decent coffee, nice people
• Vacation

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.