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

What You'll Do

Hands-On Leadership

• 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.

Production & Shop Operations

• 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.

Fabrication & Technical Expertise

• 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.

Quality, Safety & Administration

• 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.

What You Bring

Required

• 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, Monday.com, 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.

Preferred

• 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.

Who Thrives Here

This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys being hands-on, takes ownership of quality and production, can translate technical drawings into accurate work, enjoys developing others, and stays solutions-focused when priorities change.

Compensation & Schedule

• $40-$50+ per hour, depending on experience
• Monday-Thursday | 5:00 AM-3:30 PM
• Four-day, 10-hour work week
• Overtime may be requested based on production needs
• Primarily shop-floor work, including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 35 lbs.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental + Vision coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan

Equal Employment Opportunity

SF Metalworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants based on their skills, experience, and ability to perform the job, without regard to legally protected characteristics.