Fabrication Lead | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $51,000 - $78,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for excelling in fabrication lead? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Plainwell seeking skilled Fabrication Leads.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We are partnering with organizations in Plainwell that are seeking Fabrication Leads. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and train a team of fabricators, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
• Plan, schedule, and assign fabrication tasks to meet production deadlines and customer specifications.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of fabrication equipment, including welders, grinders, and cutting tools.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications to guide fabrication processes.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimize fabrication efficiency and reduce waste.
• Conduct quality inspections of fabricated components and assemblies to ensure compliance with design requirements.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, consumables, and tools required for fabrication operations.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in metal fabrication, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering blueprints, schematics, and weld symbols.
• Strong knowledge of various welding processes (e.g., MIG, TIG, Stick) and fabrication techniques (e.g., cutting, bending, forming).
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and train a team of skilled fabricators.
• Experience with quality control procedures and ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting fabrication equipment such as press brakes, shears, and saws.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for reviewing and interpreting designs.
• AWS CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) certification or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems for production planning and inventory management.
• Ability to train and mentor junior fabricators.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Fabrication Supervisor, Fabrication Foreman, Lead Fabricator, Fabrication Team Lead, Welding Supervisor, Metal Fabrication Lead, Sheet Metal Lead, Shop Lead - Fabrication, Production Lead - Fabrication

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.