Lead Fabricator

Job Title: Fabrication/Mechanical Lead (Food Processing)- Day Shift

Job Summary: The Fabrication/Mechanical Lead is responsible for overseeing the fabrication and mechanical assembly processes, ensuring high-quality production standards, and leading a team of skilled technicians in a food processing environment. This role's support is companywide requiring 50-70 days travel annually and a strong background in welding, machining, mechanical systems, food safety, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Supervision:

• Lead and supervise a team of fabricators and mechanical technicians.

• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and ensure timely completion of projects.

• Provide training and mentorship to team members.

• Fabrication and Assembly:

• Oversee the fabrication of metal components using various welding techniques (MIG, TIG, stick welding).

• Ensure precise mechanical assembly of parts and systems according to technical drawings and specifications.

• Operate and maintain fabrication equipment, including shop machines, lathes, and milling machines.

• Quality Control:

• Implement and maintain quality control procedures to ensure high standards of workmanship.

• Conduct inspections and tests to verify the quality and functionality of fabricated components and assemblies.

• Address and resolve any quality issues promptly.

• Food Processing Expertise:

• Ensure all fabrication and assembly processes comply with food safety regulations and standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, SQF).

• Utilize knowledge of food-grade materials and sanitary design principles to fabricate and assemble equipment used in food processing.

• Collaborate with food safety and quality assurance teams to ensure equipment meets hygiene and sanitation requirements.

• Technical Expertise:

• Utilize knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

• Read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and manuals.

• Collaborate with engineering and design teams to optimize fabrication processes and improve product designs.

• Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies.

• Promote a safe working environment and conduct regular safety training sessions.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

• Project Management:

• Plan and coordinate fabrication and assembly projects from start to finish.

• Monitor project timelines and resource allocation.

• Communicate project status and updates to management and stakeholders.

• Travel:

• Up to 20% travel time required annually.

• Must have a valid California Real ID Driver's License

• Travel to other company facilities is required to oversee projects, provide support, and ensure consistency in fabrication and assembly processes.

• Aid engineering teams as a working foreman, providing hands-on support and expertise in fabrication and mechanical assembly.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or associate degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fabrication, mechanical assembly, and team leadership.
• Proficiency in various welding techniques (MIG, TIG, stick welding) and operation of fabrication equipment.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems.
• Experience in a food processing environment and knowledge of food safety regulations and standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.
• Willingness to travel to other company facilities as needed to aid engineering as a working foreman.

FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

• Place high priority on food safety, quality, and sanitation by understanding and executing Thrive Food's food safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Hold self and others accountable to Thrive Foods food safety & sanitation guidelines and policies by communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates.
• In the absence of Lead serves as back up to ensure all food safety, quality objectives and SQF system requirements are met.