Structural Fabrication Lead
About The Position
FabLogix, part of Kelso Industries, is seeking a hands-on Structural Fabrication Lead to direct and perform shop-floor fabrication of structural steel for modular platforms, including equipment platforms, skid bases, pipe rack modules, and eHouse structures. The role leads a crew of fitters and welders to build accurate, code-compliant frames ready for mechanical, piping, and electrical integration. Reporting to the Superintendent – Modular Fabrication, the lead turns drawings into finished steel, sets the daily pace for the structural crew, and is accountable for fit-up accuracy, weld quality, safety, and schedule. The role ensures modules leave the structural bay square, level, and right the first time. FabLogix describes its execution strategy as using automation to connect digital drawings directly to its machines. Its modern facility is 150,000 square feet. Kelso Industries has 3,500+ employees across 29 operating companies and provides HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 5 years of structural steel fabrication experience, including at least 2 years in a lead or foreman role.
- Proficiency in layout, fit-up, and SMAW, FCAW, and GMAW welding.
- Current AWS D1.1 certification or ability to qualify.
- Strong blueprint-reading skills, including structural shop drawings, weld symbols, and tolerances.
- Skill with layout and measuring tools such as squares, levels, tapes, and lasers.
- Skill with fabrication equipment such as torches, plasma cutters, mag drills, and grinders.
- Experience with overhead crane operation and rigging.
- Ability to lead by example and maintain a high standard of craftsmanship.
- Safety-first mindset and willingness to stop work when something is not right.
- Organized planning skills to keep the crew productive and the bay in order.
- Clear communication with the Superintendent, Quality, Engineering, and other trades.
- Ability to take ownership of the crew’s output, accuracy, and schedule.
Nice To Haves
- Vocational welding or fabrication training.
- Rigger or signal person certification.
- Experience fabricating modular platforms, skids, or pipe rack modules.
Responsibilities
- Lay out, fit, and weld structural steel for modular platforms, skid bases, pipe rack modules, stairs, ladders, handrails, and equipment supports.
- Read and interpret shop drawings, assembly drawings, and cut lists to plan the build sequence.
- Set up jigs, fixtures, and build tables to control squareness, flatness, and dimensional tolerances.
- Verify critical dimensions before release, including diagonals, elevations, bolt hole patterns, and equipment interface points.
- Lead the daily work of fitters, welders, and helpers, assigning tasks and communicating priorities from the Superintendent.
- Plan material staging and build sequence to keep modules on schedule and hand off cleanly to piping, mechanical, and electrical crews.
- Train and mentor fitters and welders on layout, fit-up, and fabrication best practices.
- Report progress, constraints, and material shortages to the Superintendent.
- Ensure structural welds meet AWS D1.1 and project specifications while following approved welding procedures.
- Partner with Quality on inspections, dimensional reports, and nonconformances, correcting issues before modules move to the next stage.
- Maintain material traceability, such as heat numbers, where required by the project.
- Prepare assemblies for blasting, coating, or galvanizing per specification.
- Champion safe practices for cutting, welding, rigging, and overhead crane lifts.
- Enforce proper PPE, hot work procedures, and housekeeping in the structural bay.
- Inspect and maintain tools, welding equipment, and rigging gear, and promptly report defects.
- Work with Engineering and detailers to resolve drawing questions and fit-up issues.
- Coordinate part flow from cutting and processing equipment to the structural build area.
- Recommend improvements to fixturing, standard details, and sequencing to reduce rework and labor hours.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Clear pathways for career advancement.
- Autonomy and flexibility in an entrepreneurial environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
