Lead Fabrication Technician

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of fabrication technicians, providing hands-on training, technique guidance, and quality oversight for welding, sheet metal, and machining work.
• Fabricate vehicle components, structural assemblies, and custom test fixtures using TIG welding, sheet metal techniques, and general metalworking, while setting the standard for weld and build quality.
• Perform and review high-quality welds (horizontal, vertical, and overhead) on aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel for both prototype and production applications.
• Operate the Flow Waterjet and train other technicians on its use.
• Interpret engineering drawings and technical documents, and ensure the team executes builds with minimal supervision and high accuracy.
• Prioritize and assign shop floor work across projects, balancing competing deadlines and coordinating coverage across shifts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the fabrication team and engineers, providing actionable Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) feedback and escalating build issues as needed.
• Oversee structural and fluid system assembly, including routing and integration of tubes, brackets, and hardware.

Job requirements

• 8+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in a fast-paced prototyping or production environment, including experience leading, mentoring, or training other technicians.
• Proficiency in TIG welding, including work with aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel.
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication, structural assembly, and mechanical integration.
• Working knowledge of Flow Waterjet operation.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and coordinate work across a team, and to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, and leadership.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and follow precise fabrication instructions.
• Familiarity with manual machining (mill, lathe, grinder) and general metalworking tools.
• Strong attention to detail, safety-minded, and capable of leading independently or in cross-functional teams.