The Fabrication Supervisor & Manufacturing Engineering Specialist is responsible for leading the daily operations of the Fabrication Department while providing technical expertise in manufacturing engineering, process optimization, and fabrication technologies. This role supervises fabrication personnel, manages production priorities, supports material planning and procurement activities, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved.

The position serves as a key liaison between Operations, Engineering, Planning, Supply Chain, and Production Teams to optimize workflow, improve manufacturing processes, and support business growth through operational excellence.

Fabrication Leadership & Operations Management

• Lead and supervise day-to-day fabrication operations to ensure safe, efficient, and timely execution of production schedules.
• Promote and enforce all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Establish work priorities, assign resources, and monitor production performance to achieve departmental objectives.
• Coach, train, and develop fabrication employees through performance feedback, skill development, and cross-training initiatives.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee engagement and accountability.
• Facilitate Daily Visual Management (DVM) meetings and support escalation of operational issues.

Manufacturing Engineering & Technical Support

• Provide technical expertise for fabrication processes including machining, welding, cutting, forming, and assembly support operations.
• Develop, maintain, and improve manufacturing processes, standard work instructions, work centers, and routing structures.
• Support CAM programming, CNC process optimization, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and fabrication technology initiatives.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions to improve productivity, quality, and throughput.
• Evaluate new manufacturing technologies and recommend process improvements to enhance operational capabilities.
• Support engineering changes and ensure manufacturing readiness for new products and product modifications.

Material Planning & Procurement

• Determine material requirements based on production schedules and demand forecasts.
• Source and procure fabrication materials while maintaining supplier relationships.
• Monitor inventory levels to support production requirements while minimizing excess inventory and carrying costs.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Planning teams to ensure material availability and timely delivery.

Planning & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with Engineering, Production Planning, and Operations to ensure schedule attainment and workflow efficiency.
• Participate in capacity planning and resource utilization reviews.
• Support make-versus-buy decisions and outsourcing evaluations.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and develop action plans to improve results.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement initiatives within the fabrication department.
• Drive waste reduction, process standardization, and productivity improvements.
• Utilize root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies to eliminate recurring issues.
• Support site-wide operational excellence initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate Degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of fabrication manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory, leadership, or team lead experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of fabrication processes including machining, welding, cutting, forming, and assembly support activities.
• Experience with CNC machining operations and CAM programming.
• Working knowledge of additive manufacturing and emerging fabrication technologies preferred.
• Understanding of inventory management, material planning, purchasing, and supplier management practices.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing software systems.

Competencies

• Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, machinery, and varying temperatures.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both office and manufacturing production environments. The incumbent will regularly interact with production personnel, engineering staff, suppliers, and leadership teams. Occasional travel may be required.