Fabrication Lead

About Company:

Madden Bolt is the leading fabricator of quality steel industrial fasteners and miscellaneous steel parts. Our history began in 1942 as a small steel bolt fabricator that would eventually inspire a seventy-year legacy of customer-driven steel manufacturing solutions.

Over the years, the Madden family continued to strengthen its business model with a focus on expedited fastener solutions, persevering through another two generations under the nationally recognized brand, Madden. The company started offering galvanizing services in 2007 to address an efficiency gap in the industry. Madden’s business grew substantially as customers began to realize the benefits of dealing with just one service provider for fabrication and finishing solutions.

Today, the company has evolved into a full-scale fabrication operationwith global capabilities. An additional fabrication facility was added in 2016 to meet increasing demand. Though much has changed since the 1940’s, one thing will always remain – our relationships with customers. Madden combines good old-fashioned partnerships with unparalleled efficiency to meet the demands of today. Our customers know that when we work together, we can accomplish almost anything, even last minute fabrication needs.

About the Role:

The Fabrication Lead plays a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the cage operations within a manufacturing environment, ensuring the secure and efficient handling of materials and inventory. This position is responsible for leading a team to maintain accuracy in inventory control, adherence to safety protocols, and timely processing of materials in and out of the cage area. The Fabrication Lead collaborates closely with production, quality, and logistics teams to support manufacturing workflows and meet operational targets. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement to optimize cage processes and reduce downtime. Ultimately, the Fabrication Lead ensures that all cage activities align with company standards and regulatory requirements, contributing to overall manufacturing excellence.

Position Summary

The Fabrication Lead is responsible for overseeing daily fabrication and welding activities within the Cage department. This position ensures employees work safely, maintain production schedules, meet quality standards, and follow company procedures while supporting continuous improvement throughout the fabrication process.

The Fabrication Lead serves as the primary point of contact between shop employees and management and is expected to lead by example in safety, productivity, workmanship, and attendance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily activities of structural fitters and welders.
• Assign work based on production schedules, manpower, and priorities.
• Ensure all fabrication and welding work meets blueprint, drawing, and customer specifications.
• Verify material, fit-up, weld quality, and dimensional accuracy prior to release to the next operation.
• Monitor workflow to ensure jobs remain on schedule and within labor expectations.
• Train and mentor employees on proper fitting, welding, grinding, and fabrication techniques.
• Enforce company safety policies, PPE requirements, and housekeeping standards.
• Conduct daily pre-shift meetings and communicate production expectations.
• Coordinate with Quality, Shipping, Maintenance, and Production Management to resolve issues.
• Identify production bottlenecks and recommend process improvements.
• Assist with troubleshooting fabrication and weld-related issues.
• Ensure proper use and care of company equipment and tools.
• Maintain accurate production records, time tracking, and job status updates.
• Support disciplinary actions, coaching, and employee accountability as needed.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and positive communication throughout the department.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of structural fitting and welding experience in a fabrication environment.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership or lead experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication processes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication drawings.
• Knowledge of FCAW welding processes.
• Experience using measuring tools and fabrication equipment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Basic computer and production tracking knowledge preferred.
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as required.
• Must be fluent in English and Spanish

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment.
• Must be able to wear required PPE including hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel toe boots.

Work Environment

• Heavy industrial / metal fabrication facility.
• Exposure to welding fumes, grinding dust, noise, and moving equipment.
• Fast-paced production environment with changing priorities.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain safe work practices and lead by example.
• Meet daily production goals and schedule commitments.
• Maintain department quality standards and reduce rework.
• Support employee development and accountability.
• Promote efficiency, communication, and teamwork across operations.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate daily cage operations, including receiving, storing, and issuing materials and components.
• Lead, train, and mentor cage team members to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and perform regular cycle counts to ensure data integrity.
• Collaborate with production and logistics teams to prioritize material flow and resolve any discrepancies or delays.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and standard operating procedures within the cage area.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and assist in the development of best practices.
• Prepare and submit reports on cage activities, inventory status, and team performance to management.

Skills:

The Production Lead utilizes strong organizational and leadership skills daily to manage team workflows and ensure operational efficiency. Attention to detail is critical when maintaining accurate inventory records and conducting cycle counts to prevent discrepancies. Effective communication skills are essential for coordinating with cross-functional teams and providing clear guidance to cage personnel. Problem-solving abilities are applied to address operational challenges and implement process improvements that enhance productivity and safety. Additionally, proficiency with inventory management systems and basic computer skills supports accurate data entry and reporting, enabling informed decision-making.