Shop Technical Lead

SF Metalworks•Colusa, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

SF Metalworks is a California-based custom metal fabrication company specializing in architectural and decorative metalwork. We are seeking a Shop Technical Lead who possesses strong fabrication expertise combined with leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. This is a floor-based leadership role for an individual who understands how quality work is produced and can guide a team to execute it safely, efficiently, and accurately.

Requirements

5-7+ years of experience in metal fabrication or a related field
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/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, plus 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

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.
Provide practical, on-the-floor coaching and guidance.
Assign team members to projects based on production priorities and project needs.
Conduct regular check-ins and identify training and development opportunities.
Lead by 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 as needed to keep projects moving.
Maintain an organized and efficient shop floor.
Keep production assignments and priorities current.
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 projects require additional technical expertise.
Apply strong knowledge of welding, architectural metal fabrication, decorative metals, and metalworking equipment.
Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, CAD files, and 2D and 3D technical drawings.
Troubleshoot fabrication challenges and provide practical solutions.
Ensure finished products meet project specifications and quality standards.
Perform hands-on quality checks throughout the fabrication process and address issues promptly.
Maintain high 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 (compensated).