Production Lead

Production Lead

The production lead is responsible for supporting day-to-day operations on the production floor. This role ensures that fabrication and machining activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards, quality expectations, and production schedules. The shift lead supports the supervisor in coordinating work assignments and motivating employees with hands-on support.

Position Responsibilities:

• Supports coordinated activities of production employees to meet quality and production targets.
• Train and mentor operators, welders, and machine operators on procedures and equipment
• Monitor workflow, troubleshoot issues, and ensure efficient use of labor and materials.
• Ensure staff is properly filling out job travelers and production reports.
• Ensure proper use of machines, tools, materials, and safety gear.
• Enforce safety policies and promote a safe work environment.
• Ensure compliance with quality control procedures and print specifications.
• Assist with setup, operation, and maintenance of fabrication machinery as needed to meet production targets.

Specific Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Required:

• Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication, including laser cutting, punching, forming/brake press operations, welding, and finishing.
• Knowledge of CNC machining processes, including milling, turning, and precision tolerances.
• Familiarity with blueprint reading, GD&T, and fabrication drawings.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing workflows and continuous improvement methods.
• Basic understanding of maintenance and tooling requirements for fabrication and machining equipment.
• Knowledge of quality control standards, inspection tools, and first article inspection processes.
• Able to set up and troubleshoot fabrication and machining equipment (laser, brake press, saws, mills, lathes, etc.).
• Skilled in interpreting and verifying prints, setup sheets, and work instructions.
• Capable of training and coaching operators on best practices and safe machine operation.
• Competent in using precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, etc.).
• Skilled in prioritizing jobs based on production schedule and resource availability.
• Flexibility to respond to changing priorities or unexpected downtime.
• Ability to multi-task across equipment and personnel.
• Strong sense of ownership for shift performance, safety, and quality.

Position Qualifications:

Education:

• HS Graduate or equivalent required
• Trade school certification or bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in a steel fabrication or metal manufacturing environment.
• 1+ years of leadership or lead-person experience preferred.
• Proficient in reading blueprints, fabrication drawings, and work orders.
• Knowledge of welding, cutting, brake press, CNC, and other fabrication processes.
• Strong understanding of shop math, measurements, and material handling.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement a plus.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Manufacturing Environment - Knowledge of and adherence to shop safety protocols, including PPE, lockout/tagout, and material handling safety.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. regularly.
• Requires walking, standing, bending and lifting for long periods of time.
• Vision abilities required to read prints and validate data on a computer.

Disclaimer: This list does not represent all physical demands. Descriptions are representative of those that must be met by employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the jobs' essential functions.

Note: FOX provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, results of genetic testing, or service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction in which we operate. We base all employment decisions including recruitment, selection, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, promotions, transfers, layoffs, terminations and social/recreational programs on merit and the principles of equal employment opportunity.

Fox offers an excellent compensation package and wide-ranging opportunities for professional development. Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Spending and Dependent Care Savings Accounts, Disability and Life Insurance benefit programs are available, as is a 401k plan with employer matching. Eligibility for all benefit programs is defined by the applicable plan document or employee handbook.