Steel Shop Foreman

Pay: $30.00 - $50.00 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)

Expected Schedule: 45 hours per week

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Steel Shop Foreman to lead daily fabrication and manufacturing operations in our client's structural steel shop. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for overseeing production activities, supervising shop personnel, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in steel fabrication, welding, blueprint interpretation, and shop management, along with strong leadership skills and a commitment to operational excellence. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing team dedicated to delivering high-quality steel products for commercial, industrial, and construction projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily steel shop operations, including fabrication, welding, assembly, fitting, and material handling activities.
• Plan, schedule, and prioritize production workflow to meet project timelines and customer requirements.
• Review and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, specifications, and work orders to ensure accurate fabrication and assembly.
• Lead, train, and mentor welders, fabricators, fitters, and other shop personnel while promoting teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor employee performance and provide coaching to maximize productivity and craftsmanship.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, OSHA regulations, AWS standards, and industry best practices.
• Conduct quality inspections throughout the fabrication process to verify conformance with project specifications and quality standards.
• Oversee the safe and proper operation of shop equipment, including welders, plasma cutters, press brakes, saws, forklifts, cranes, and rigging equipment.
• Coordinate material needs and monitor inventory levels to minimize production delays.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field personnel to address production challenges and support successful project execution.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in steel fabrication, welding, or manufacturing, with demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of structural steel fabrication processes and shop operations.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, fabrication drawings, and engineering specifications.
• Extensive welding knowledge, including:
  • MIG (GMAW)
  • TIG (GTAW)
  • Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Stick Welding (SMAW)
• Experience with cutting, fitting, grinding, layout, and assembly of structural steel components.
• Familiarity with measuring and inspection tools, including tape measures, calipers, micrometers, and levels.
• Knowledge of rigging, material handling, forklifts, overhead cranes, and shop safety procedures.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• AWS welding certifications.
• Previous experience in structural steel, miscellaneous metals, or custom fabrication environments.
• Knowledge of ASME standards and quality control procedures.
• Experience operating CNC, plasma cutting, or press brake equipment.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to safely work around heavy equipment.