Repair Shop Foreman

Description

The Repair Shop Foreman is responsible for the daily supervision and coordination of all shop activities related to the inspection, repair, refurbishment, and testing of cryogenic cargo tanks, trailers, and related pressure vessels.

This role ensures all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with DOT, FMCSA, CGA, ASME, and OSHA standards, as well as Company quality procedures. The Foreman provides hands-on leadership to a team of welders, technicians, and helpers — maintaining production flow, training employees, and ensuring workmanship meets regulatory and customer requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily Shop Oversight
• Direct and coordinate daily shop activities for cryogenic trailer and tank repairs, including welding, vacuum testing, piping, valve service, and insulation restoration.
• Assign work orders, monitor progress, and adjust priorities to maintain schedule adherence and throughput goals.
• Ensure repair and fabrication work complies with approved procedures, blueprints, and engineering specifications.
• Maintain shop cleanliness, organization, and readiness for audits or inspections.
• Support Operations Manager with capacity planning, manpower allocation, and material needs.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Enforce all OSHA, DOT, FMCSA, CGA, and ASME safety standards within the work area.
• Lead daily safety briefings, job hazard analyses, and lockout/tagout verifications.
• Ensure technicians use required PPE, follow hot work protocols, and adhere to confined space procedures.
• Report and investigate any incidents, near-misses, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Maintain familiarity with Company safety policies and champion a “zero-incident” culture.

Quality Control & Inspection

• Perform in-process and final inspections to ensure repairs meet quality standards and regulatory specifications.
• Verify documentation accuracy for weld logs, pressure tests, vacuum results, and DOT inspection forms.
• Collaborate with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve technical issues, nonconformances, and repair deviations.
• Ensure all testing and sign-off activities are properly documented to maintain traceability and compliance.
• Support preparation for R-Stamp, ASME, and DOT audits and certification renewals.

Employee Supervision & Training

• Supervise welders, fitters, mechanics, and helpers, providing clear direction and daily feedback.
• Conduct hands-on training in welding procedures, inspection methods, cryogenic safety, and repair documentation.
• Evaluate individual performance and skill development, providing coaching or corrective action as needed.
• Assist the Operations Manager in maintaining the skills matrix, ensuring technician qualifications are up to date.
• Serve as a mentor to new hires and apprentices, modeling professionalism and technical excellence.

Workflow & Productivity

• Manage daily workflow to ensure timely completion of repairs, inspections, and testing.
• Identify process bottlenecks and collaborate with leadership to improve efficiency.
• Maintain accurate time records, work order completions, and material usage reports.
• Support lean process improvements to reduce rework and improve resource utilization.
• Recommend equipment or tooling improvements to enhance productivity and quality.

Customer & Administrative Support

• Support customer visits and inspections, providing updates on job status and repair details.
• Ensure work areas and repaired assets reflect the Company’s high standards of presentation and workmanship.
• Assist with job quoting and technical input as requested by Operations or Sales teams.
• Ensure all required paperwork (job travelers, inspection forms, photos, test reports) is completed accurately and on time.

Work Environment

• Primarily performed in an industrial repair and fabrication shop.
• Exposure to welding, grinding, confined spaces, and cryogenic equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and stand for extended periods.
• PPE required (safety glasses, gloves, respirator, hard hat, etc.).
• Occasional overtime or weekend work based on production schedules.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade certification preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in cryogenic or pressure vessel repair, welding, or trailer maintenance.
• 2+ years of supervisory or lead experience in a fabrication, tank, or repair shop environment.
• Strong working knowledge of DOT 400/MC-338, CGA, ASME Section VIII, and related repair codes.
• Skilled in SMAW, GTAW, or GMAW welding of stainless steel and aluminum preferred.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, pressure testing, and cryogenic piping assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to read blueprints, interpret procedures, and maintain documentation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Competency in Microsoft Office and basic ERP or work order systems.
• Must be able to pass background checks, drug screening, and any required safety certifications.