Hands-On Fabrication Team Lead

Description

Job Title: Fabrication Team Leader

Department:
Production

Methods Machine Tools was established in 1958 with three employees and a handful of refurbished machines. Since then, the company has become one of the largest privately owned machine tool importers in North America.

Methods designs and implements custom machining setups, including machine tool selection, automation integration, and turnkey automation cells. The corporate campus in Sudbury, Mass., comprises a showroom/technical center, which contains automation, applications, and a full range of cutting-edge machines. Methods has more than 300 employees, nine technology centers, one high precision machining center, and has installed more than 40,000 machines throughout North America.

Job Summary: The Fabrication Team Leader supports daily operations in metal fabrication and painting, acting as a hands-on technical expert and informal leader. Working closely with the Production Manager, this role helps ensure production schedules, safety, quality, 5S, and efficiency goals are met. While not a formal supervisor, the Team Leader mentors team members, promotes operational discipline, and assists in coordinating activities and resolving issues.

This role is ideal for a fabrication expert who leads by example and drives continuous improvement through collaboration and technical guidance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Daily Operations Support:
  Provide day-to-day guidance to the fabrication team, helping to prioritize work and ensure adherence to quality, safety, and production schedules.
• Technical Expertise & Troubleshooting:
  Serve as a subject matter expert in fabrication processes including welding, cutting, machining, and painting; provide hands-on support and troubleshooting as needed.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Identify and suggest process improvements to increase productivity, minimize waste, and improve material utilization and workflow efficiency.
• Quality Support:
  Assist with quality control efforts by guiding team members on best practices and collaborating with the Quality department to resolve issues.
• Mentorship & Skills Development:
  Support the training and development of team members; lead by example in safety, work ethic, and professionalism.
• Equipment Oversight:
  Monitor the condition and performance of fabrication tools and equipment; coordinate with the manager to report and plan maintenance or upgrades.
• Safety & 5S Discipline:
  Promote and support adherence to safety policies, procedures, and housekeeping standards across the fabrication area.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Coordinate with Engineering, Production Planning, and Quality to ensure alignment on priorities and execution of production plans.
• Reporting & Metrics:
  Support the manager by contributing to performance reporting and identifying trends in safety, quality, and productivity.
• Other Duties:
  Perform additional tasks and project support as assigned by the Production Manager.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 5+ years in fabrication, manufacturing, or production environments with hands-on expertise; prior experience in an informal leadership, team lead, or mentorship role is preferred.
• Degree in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience considered.
• Proficiency in fabrication processes including welding, cutting, machining, forming, and assembly.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through example, mentor peers, and support team cohesion without formal supervisory authority.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement practices.
• Working knowledge of OSHA standards and manufacturing safety best practices.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with CAD software is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in metal fabrication, sheet metal, or heavy industrial manufacturing
• AWS, ASME, or similar welding certification is a plus
• Background in CNC machining or automation in fabrication

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• No direct supervisory responsibility.
• May provide task direction, mentorship, and operational support to peers.
• Assists the Production Manager in coordinating team activities and…