Fabrication Lead – Portage Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is seeking a Fabrication Lead in Portage, MI to guide fabrication operations with a focus on quality, safety, and on-time completion. This role offers a strong path within Michigan manufacturing networks and opportunities to connect with partner companies across the region.

Responsibilities include assigning tasks, setting up equipment, reading blueprints, inspecting parts, and training operators while ensuring lean practices and safe operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Several years of hands-on fabrication or metalworking experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and shop drawings.
• Experience operating press brakes, shears, saws, or similar equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assign daily work to fabrication team members and monitor progress against the schedule.
• Set up and operate fabrication equipment such as press brakes, shears, saws, and punches.
• Read blueprints, drawings, and work orders to confirm dimensions and tolerances.
• Inspect finished parts and assemblies to verify they meet specifications.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process problems and escalate issues that need maintenance.
• Train new operators on safe machine operation and shop procedures.
• Track material usage and report shortages or quality concerns to the supervisor.
• Enforce safety rules and keep the work area clean and organized.

Skills

Osha

Lean Six Sigma

Welding

Quality control

Manufacturing

Education

High school diploma

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description:

Fabrication Lead | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $55,000 – $82,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling as a fabrication lead? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We collaborate with leading companies in the Portage area seeking Fabrication Leads to lead and enhance their operations.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan’s manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Fabrication Lead opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Portage in Kalamazoo County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Three Rivers, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, and Constantine.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing firms in the Portage area that seek skilled Fabrication Leads. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and look for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Usual Responsibilities

• Assign daily work to fabrication team members and monitor progress against the schedule.
• Set up and operate fabrication equipment such as press brakes, shears, saws, and punches.
• Read blueprints, drawings, and work orders to confirm dimensions and tolerances.
• Inspect finished parts and assemblies to verify they meet specifications.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process problems and escalates issues that need maintenance.
• Train new operators on safe machine operation and shop procedures.
• Track material usage and report shortages or quality concerns to the supervisor.
• Enforce safety rules and keep the work area clean and organized.

Recommended Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and ability to check parts against tolerances.
• Prior experience leading or directing the work of a small team.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Several years of hands‑on fabrication or metalworking experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and shop drawings.
• Experience operating press brakes, shears, saws, or similar equipment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Forklift or overhead crane certification.
• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices.
• Familiarity with fabrication shop software or ERP systems.
• Bilingual communication skills.
• Formal training or certification in welding or machining.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Press Brake Operator, Assembly Lead, Fabrication Supervisor, Sheet Metal Fabricator, Welder Fabricator, Machine Operator Lead, Production Team Lead, Metal Fabrication Technician, Shop Foreman

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who’ve been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic – they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match‑driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

Required Skills:

Resume Offers Osha Output Inventory Lean Six Sigma Access Support Welding Six Sigma Calibration Operations Raw Materials Salary Hiring Partnerships SolidWorks Recruiting Compensation Components Quality Control Manufacturing Specifications Materials Troubleshooting Preparation Software Maintenance Engineering Leadership

Salary Package:

$ 55,000.00 – 82,000.00 (US Dollar)