Lead Fabricator

Position: Lead Fabricator (2026-28234)
Location: West of England

* Lead Fabricator We are currently seeking a
** Lead Fabricator
** to join our team in
** Avonmouth
* * to support with the safe and effective delivery of manufacturing scopes of work through high-integrity fabrication/welding and associated workshop activities, while providing day-to-day technical guidance, coordination and support to Fabricators and wider workshop personnel to ensure business needs, quality standards and production objectives are achieved.
* Support the coordination of daily fabrication activities in line with workshop schedules and production priorities as directed by the Supervisor / Management for the assigned fabrication team.
* Technically support Fabricators within own team in relation to welding methods, sequencing, workmanship standards and high welding standard practice.
* Carry out fabrication of high-integrity Stainless Steel fabrications within the nuclear sector in accordance with specifications, drawings and acceptance criteria as stated in ISO 5817.
* Promote and maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures and complying with legal and site-specific regulations.
* Attend and actively contribute to Daily Activity Briefs, ensuring daily risks, priorities, constraints and activities are clearly understood by the fabrication team.
* Monitor fabrication activities on the shop floor to ensure compliance with approved procedures, quality requirements and traceability controls.
* Provide practical support in the continuous development and improvement of fabrication and welding processes, procedures and workshop practices.
* Review fabrication performance, identify trends and drive improvements in quality, productivity, standardisation and right-first-time delivery.
* Assist with the training, mentoring and development of welders, including sharing best practice and supporting skill progression.
* Support the resolution of fabrication-related issues, including identifying defects, contributing to root cause discussions and helping implement corrective actions.
* Provide input into internal NCRs, observations, quality investigations and improvement actions when requested.
* Work closely with other workshop staff including Fabricators, General Operatives, Storeman, Welding Inspectors, Quality personnel and Production leadership to ensure efficient workflow and effective communication.
* Support the maintenance of high housekeeping standards and contribute to 5S / Lean initiatives within the workshop.
* Escalate safety, quality, technical or delivery concerns promptly to the Supervisor / Manager.
* Champion high standards of housekeeping, 5S and Lean culture across fabrication areas.
* Nuclear Safety.
* 5S / Lean Culture.
* Weld defect understanding and development.
* Leadership / team coordination development.
* Coaching and mentoring skills.
* Quality and compliance awareness relevant to nuclear manufacturing.
* Other personal development opportunities (e.g. NVQ, CSWIP where relevant, supervisory/management development, advanced fabrication or inspection-related qualifications).
* Extensive proven knowledge and experience in fabrication of Stainless Steel and, where applicable, Carbon Steel components and assemblies within a regulated or high-specification environment (essential).
* Level 3 NVQ or equivalent (essential).
* Strong technical authority in fabrication methods, fit-up standards, dimensional control, material preparation and workmanship expectations.
* Demonstrate experience in reading, understanding and interpreting engineering drawings, weld maps, specifications and manufacturing documentation.
* Significant experience of working to controlled processes, procedures and specifications, ideally within nuclear, defence, aerospace, pressure systems or similarly regulated sectors
* Strong commitment to safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance and nuclear safety culture.
* Proven ability to lead, coordinate and develop fabrication personnel in a workshop/manufacturing environment.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across production, quality and engineering functions.
* Experience supporting non-conformance investigations, quality improvement and root cause analysis.
* Questioning attitude and confidence to challenge unsafe, unclear or non-compliant practices.
* Excellent attention to detail and a strong focus on quality, traceability, dimensional accuracy and documentation accuracy.
* Proactive, organised and capable of balancing…