Shop Technical Lead

SF Metalworks•Colusa, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

SF Metalworks, a California-based custom metal fabrication company specializing in architectural and decorative metalwork, is seeking a Shop Technical Lead. This floor-based leadership role combines fabrication expertise, hands-on team leadership, organization, and problem-solving to help the shop execute work safely, efficiently, and accurately. The position reports to the Shop Operations Director. The Shop Technical Lead leads and coaches fabricators, welders, CNC operators, and production staff; assigns work according to priorities; monitors production, capacity, schedules, and labor; and coordinates with Project Management and Installation teams. The role also provides hands-on fabrication support, interprets technical drawings, troubleshoots challenges, and ensures work meets project specifications and quality standards. The position is based primarily on the shop floor, with extended standing and lifting up to 35 pounds. The schedule is Monday through Thursday, 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with overtime potentially requested based on production needs. Rare urgent after-hours communications may be required and are compensated, with an expected response within four hours during the week and 24 hours on weekends.

Requirements

5–7+ years of experience in metal fabrication or a related field, with 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership role.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong knowledge of welding techniques, architectural metal fabrication, decorative metalwork, and metalworking equipment.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, CAD files, and 2D and 3D technical drawings.
Experience leading and developing a production team in a hands-on environment.
Experience implementing and enforcing safety procedures.
Experience with an ISO 9000-type Quality Assurance program.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and organizational skills.
Proficiency in Google Workspace, including Sheets, Docs, and Calendar, and in Dropbox, Slack, Monday.com, and Fulcrum for time tracking.
Ability to work effectively under deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
Proven portfolio of completed metalwork, woodwork, machining, and finishing.
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Technical or vocational training in welding, metal fabrication, or a related field.
Experience with CNC equipment and other metalworking machinery.
Experience producing high-end custom architectural or decorative metalwork.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and support fabricators, welders, CNC operators, and production staff through practical, on-the-floor coaching.
Assign team members to projects based on production priorities and project needs; conduct regular check-ins and identify training and development opportunities.
Set an example in craftsmanship, organization, safety, and professionalism.
Review plans, shop drawings, and project details to understand how custom assemblies should be built.
Track production progress and adjust priorities to keep projects moving; maintain current production assignments and priorities and an organized, efficient shop floor.
Coordinate with Project Management and Installation teams to support deliveries and installations.
Monitor shop capacity, schedules, and labor tracking.
Provide hands-on fabrication support when additional technical expertise is needed.
Troubleshoot fabrication challenges and provide practical solutions.
Help ensure finished products meet project specifications and quality standards.
Perform hands-on quality checks throughout fabrication and promptly address issues, maintaining standards for accuracy, fit, finish, and craftsmanship.
Ensure daily adherence to OSHA and company safety practices.
Apply experience with an ISO 9000-type Quality Assurance program.
Manage team administrative needs related to HR and availability, including staffing, time-off requests, payroll approvals, and overtime coordination.
Respond to rare urgent after-hours communications when needed; response is expected within four hours during the week and 24 hours on weekends, and these hours are compensated.