Lead Fabricator

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Lead Fabricator with expertise relevant to setup, operation and maintenance of advanced fabrication and machine shop equipment. In this role, you will contribute to development and deployment of the company's internal fabrication capabilities in support of engineering design. The candidate must have knowledge of infrastructure, setup, operation, and maintenance requirements for advanced shop equipment, expertise in modern fabrication techniques, and proven record of successful work in collaboration with engineering teams. The ideal candidate takes pride in their craftsmanship, organization, and attention to detail in a fast-moving exciting environment and previously lead teams.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Supervises, mentors, and provides direction to fabrication team members.
• Equitably assigns tasks and responsibilities based on team members' expertise, interest and strengths.
• Coordinates with management to schedule workloads, ensure timely completion, and maintain high-quality standards.
• Conducts training sessions for team members on equipment capabilities, safety standards, best practices, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrates a genuine passion for the mission and encourages team members to align their efforts with KP's mission.
• Supports initiatives and promotes collaboration toward team goals.

Fabrication & Prototyping

• Fabricates prototypes quickly to support engineering development initiatives.
• Welds and assembles complex components accurately according to engineering drawings and specifications.
• Develops specialized fabrication tooling to efficiently manufacture complex components and assemblies.
• Ensures adherence to quality standards, including AWS, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and API standards.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Sets up, operates, and maintains advanced fabrication and machine shop equipment, ensuring peak operational condition.
• Regularly inspects machinery for safety and functionality, coordinating necessary repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Recommends enhancements or new equipment acquisitions to improve fabrication efficiency and quality.

Collaboration & Communication

• Works closely with engineering teams to interpret requirements, execute work requests, and provide technical insights.
• Proactively communicates project status, potential issues, and propose optimal or innovative fabrication solutions.
• Facilitates effective collaboration within and across teams to ensure smooth project execution.

Safety & Compliance

• Prioritizes workplace safety, ensuring compliance with applicable safety guidelines, regulations, and company policies.
• Performs safety audits and risk assessments, immediately addressing identified risks or hazards.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identifies opportunities for process improvements and efficiency enhancements within fabrication operations.
• Supports the implementation of new fabrication methods, technologies, and workflows.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience working in a fabrication/welding shop environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing or supervising teams, providing mentorship and guidance on complex fabrication projects.
• Strong proficiency in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) across a variety of materials, including thin walls through Schedule 90+ piping.
• Proven ability to interpret and fabricate components accurately from mechanical drawings.
• Hands-on experience with manual fabrication tools.
• Extensive experience working with stainless steel piping, tubing, and pressure vessels.
• In-depth understanding and practical experience with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and relevant API standards.
• Valid AWS Certified Welder Certification.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as Solidworks or AutoCAD.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and interpersonal communication; proven ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team.
• Ability to problem solve quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge.
• Ability to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issues.
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others.

Physical Demands

• Remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 50 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment or machinery
• Use hand tools
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams

Environmental Conditions

• Noisy environments
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Accessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Color identification: detecting, distinguishing, recognizing and identifying colors
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

Travel

• Some travel may be required (up to 10%)

Certification

• Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certification
• Valid AWS Certified Welder Certification

Additional Requirements

• Occasionally requires overtime
• Occasionally requires working weekends
• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility
• Occasionally requires non-standard work-week hours
• Occasionally requires working 2nd shift, beginning at 4:30pm local time
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines