Fabrication Manager

Description

The Fabrication Shop Manager oversees all daily operations of the piping fabrication shop, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective, and timely production of fabricated piping systems. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing fabrication activities while maintaining compliance with safety standards, quality requirements, project specifications, and company goals. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of pipe fabrication processes, and experience working in a mechanical contracting environment.

• Coordinate with project managers, field supervisors, and estimating teams to plan fabrication needs and establish priorities.
• Manage staffing levels to meet production demands, including hiring recommendations.
• Ensure all fabricated piping meets industry standards, project specifications, and QA/QC requirements.
• Maintain documentation for weld maps, heat numbers, testing records, and inspection reports.
• Occasional travel to job sites, vendor locations, or company offices within North Carolina.
• Conduct regular safety meetings, inspections, and incident investigations.
• Support implementation of new technologies such as automated welding, cutting systems, BIM-integrated workflows, and shop management software.
• Promote a positive, safe, and productive work environment.
• Ensure proper use of PPE, welding certifications, and material traceability documentation.
• Assist with budget forecasting, job costing, and fabrication estimates.
• Implement fabrication best practices to optimize efficiency and reduce waste.
• Provide regular production reports to management and project teams.
• Review fabrication drawings, isometric drawings, spool sheets, and welding procedures to ensure accuracy and constructability.
• Manage fabrication equipment, tooling, and inventory, ensuring proper maintenance and calibration.
• Ensure compliance with ASME, AWS, and other relevant codes and standards.
• Conduct training, performance evaluations, and skills development initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise welders, pipefitters, machine operators, and shop personnel.
• Monitor labor hours, material usage, and shop productivity metrics.
• Enforce all company, OSHA, and state safety regulations.
• Oversee non-destructive testing (NDT) coordination—VT, RT, UT, hydro testing, etc.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the piping fabrication shop, including workflow scheduling, labor planning, and material staging.
• Work with engineers and detailers to resolve design issues and improve fabrication quality.

Requirements

• Certifications such as CWI, OSHA 30, or relevant welding/fabrication credentials.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing a fabrication operation in the mechanical contracting or industrial construction industry.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a fabrication environment.
• Proficiency with fabrication shop software, ERP systems, or BIM-related tools.
• Ability to read and interpret piping schematics, fabrication drawings, and ASME/AWS codes.
• 5+ years of experience in piping fabrication, welding, or mechanical contracting.
• Fabrication shop environment with regular exposure to noise, heat, and industrial equipment.
• Strong knowledge of piping systems, welding processes (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW), materials, and industrial construction practices.
• Familiarity with North Carolina building codes and industrial project environments.

Benefits

Working Conditions

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance