Metal Fabricator / Sheet Metal Work/ Leading Hand

JDW Custom Fabrication; Sunshine Coast Regional; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

JDW Custom Fabrication on Queensland's Sunshine Coast region seeks a capable Supervisor to lead a close-knit fabrications team. You will provide daily direction, supervise welding and fabrication work, and ensure on-time delivery to clients.

Role requires Cert III in Engineering (Fabrication/Boilermaking/Sheet Metal) and at least 1 year in a leading hand role, with strong MIG/TIG skills and the ability to read complex drawings. On-site supervision and a commitment to safety are essential.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification required in fabrication trades.
• Minimum 1 year leading hand or supervision experience.
• Proficiency with MIG and TIG welding across metals.
• Ability to read complex technical drawings and plans.
• Experience with heavy workshop machinery.

Responsibilities

• Supervise fabricators and welders with clear daily instructions.
• Manage workflow schedules to meet client deadlines.
• Maintain quality by inspecting components before progression.
• Train and mentor juniors, apprentices, and new hires.
• Enforce safety standards and PPE protocols in the shop.
• Coordinate on-site installations and liaise with clients.
• Interpret drawings and plan material layouts from specs.

Skills

Leadership

MIG welding

TIG welding

Reading drawings

Machinery operation

Communication

Education

Cert III in Engineering (Fabrication / Boilermaking / Sheet Metal)

Tools

Brake presses

Guillotines

Bandsaws

Job description

Supervise a close-knit team of fabricators and welders, providing clear daily instructions and support.

Manage workflow schedules assist in the guarantee that client deliverables are met on time.

Maintain quality control by rigorously checking completed components before they progress to subsequent departments or site installation.

Train and mentor junior workers, apprentices, and new hires on trade skills and machinery operation.

Enforce safety standards across the shop, ensuring all machinery is operated safely and PPE protocol is maintained. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Fabrication & Welding

Manufacture and assemble components using a variety of metals, including structural steel, aluminium, and stainless steel.

Perform high-level MIG and TIG weldingacross varying positions and material thicknesses, achieving clean, structural-grade finishes.

Interpret technical drawings, structural blueprints, and welding symbols accurately to plan precise material layouts and cuts.

Operate fabrication machinery safely and efficiently, including brake presses, guillotines, bandsaws, section rollers, and drills. [1, 2]

Coordinate on-site installations of finished fabrications safely and precisely.

Adapt to varying site conditions, using hand and power tools to securely mount, bolt, or field-weld elements.

Liaise professionally with clients and site managers to execute

Key Requirements & Qualifications

Trade Qualification: Cert III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade / Boilermaking / Sheet Metal) or equivalent trade background.

Leadership Experience: Minimum 1 year of consistent experience working in a manufacturing or fabrication Leading Hand capacity.

Welding Mastery: High proficiency in both MIG and TIG welding across structural steel, stainless steel, and aluminium.

Technical Literacy: Advanced capability to read and work directly from complex technical drawings and plans.

Machinery Skills: Proven experience operating heavy workshop machinery (brake presses, guillotines, etc.).

Aptitude: Strong mathematical and mechanical aptitude with excellent multi-tasking skills.

Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively motivate a team and maintain client satisfaction.

What We Offer

Competitive remuneration aligned with your leadership tier and experience.

Career growth paths within a expanding, highly regarded local trade business.

Diverse, engaging projects ranging from luxury residential metalwork to custom automotive fit-outs.

A supportive work culture built on down-to-earth teamwork and professional workmanship