Shop Technical Lead

Shop Technical Lead

SF Metalworks

Colusa, CA | Onsite | $40 - $50 per hour

At SF Metalworks
, we're a California-based custom metal fabrication company specializing in architectural and decorative metalwork. We're looking for a Shop Technical Lead who combines strong fabrication expertise with hands‑on leadership, organization, and problem‑solving skills.

This is a floor‑based leadership role for someone who understands how quality work gets built and knows how to help a team execute it safely, efficiently, and accurately.

Reports To: Shop Operations Director

• 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.
• Help 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. These hours are compensated. Expected response time is within 4 hours during the week and 24 hours on weekends.

• 5-7+ years of experience in metal fabrication or a related field
  , with 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, , 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.

• 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.

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