Position Summary
The Production Lead – Custom Fabrication is responsible for leading the daily fabrication and assembly of Uni-Systems' En-Fold® retractable canopy systems and other custom-engineered products. This is a hands-on leadership position that combines technical expertise, craftsmanship, and production leadership to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and in accordance with Uni-Systems' quality standards.
Working closely with the Operations Manager, Engineering, Purchasing, and Installation & Maintenance personnel, the Production Lead coordinates daily shop operations while actively participating in fabrication, machining, assembly, testing, inspection, and shipment preparation. This position plays a key role in developing manufacturing processes, mentoring fabrication personnel, and driving continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Primary Responsibilities
Production Leadership
- Lead and coordinate daily fabrication and assembly activities to support production schedules established with the Operations Manager.
- Establish daily work priorities and assign work to fabrication personnel and temporary employees.
- Lead by example through active participation in fabrication, machining, assembly, testing, inspection, and shipment preparation.
- Monitor production progress and proactively identify and resolve manufacturing bottlenecks.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Fabrication & Assembly
- Perform precision fabrication and assembly of custom aluminum and steel components using fabrication drawings, bills of material, and work instructions.
- Perform layout, cutting, machining, drilling, tapping, assembly, adjustment, and mechanical testing of products.
- Operate fabrication equipment, power tools, material handling equipment, and precision measuring instruments safely and effectively.
- Verify dimensional accuracy, fit, function, and workmanship throughout fabrication and assembly.
- Prepare completed products for shipment in accordance with company procedures.
Quality Assurance
- Verify fabrication conforms to current drawing revisions and company quality standards.
- Perform in-process and final inspections prior to shipment.
- Identify drawing discrepancies, manufacturing concerns, and opportunities for product improvement.
- Work closely with Engineering to improve manufacturability and reduce fabrication errors and rework.
Manufacturing Operations
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe manufacturing environment.
- Coordinate material staging, tooling, fixtures, equipment, and shop organization.
- Assist with inventory accuracy and material control.
- Coordinate preventative maintenance of fabrication equipment and shop tooling.
- Support efficient workflow throughout the manufacturing process.
Team Development
- Train, mentor, and develop fabrication personnel.
- Assist in onboarding new employees and temporary workers.
- Promote safe work practices and compliance with company policies and OSHA requirements.
- Encourage teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning.
Continuous Improvement
- Participate in Lean Manufacturing, Kata, and other continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist in developing standard work, manufacturing documentation, visual work instructions, and best practices.
- Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, manufacturability, productivity, scheduling, and overall manufacturing performance.
- Support implementation of CNC machining technologies, manufacturing automation, and new production equipment, including assisting in the development of machining processes and standardized manufacturing procedures.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering to improve product design, fabrication methods, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing documentation.
- Support Installation & Maintenance personnel with fabrication-related technical questions and field modifications when required.
- Communicate production status, manufacturing concerns, and resource needs to the Operations Manager.
- Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by Management.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum five (5) years of fabrication, machining, mechanical assembly, or related manufacturing experience.
- Forklift and material handling equipment certification.
- Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, bills of material, and manufacturing documentation.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated problem-solving skills.
- Experience with aluminum fabrication, machining, mechanical assembly, and precision measuring equipment.
- Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills.
- Dependable, self-directed, and outcome-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in architectural metals, custom machinery, automation equipment, or structural aluminum fabrication.
- CNC machining, CNC programming, or CAM experience.
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kata, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- OSHA 30 Certification.
- Minimum two (2) years of experience leading, mentoring, or directing fabrication personnel.
- Experience training and developing manufacturing personnel.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
- Ability to safely operate fabrication equipment and material handling equipment.
- Ability to work overhead, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces when required.
- Ability to safely perform physically demanding fabrication and assembly work throughout the workday.
- Ability to recognize hazardous situations and respond appropriately.
Success Factors
Success in this position is measured by the ability to:
- Deliver projects safely, on schedule, and with exceptional quality.
- Develop and maintain an organized, efficient, and productive shop environment.
- Mentor employees and build a highly capable fabrication team.
- Continuously improve manufacturing methods, documentation, and standard work.
- Build strong working relationships with Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, and Installation personnel.
- Promote a culture of craftsmanship, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Growth Opportunity
Uni-Systems Manufacturing, LLC is investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, CNC automation, and continuous process improvement to support the next generation of En-Fold® retractable canopy systems and other innovative products.
The Production Lead will play a key role in this transformation by helping implement new manufacturing technologies, developing standardized manufacturing processes, mentoring fabrication personnel, and building a scalable, process-driven manufacturing organization. This position offers an outstanding opportunity for a motivated manufacturing professional to help shape the future of one of the world's leading custom-engineered retractable canopy manufacturers.
Pay: $35.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 3% Match
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
