Fabrication Lead – Rockford Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Rockford (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is actively seeking Fabrication Lead opportunities for manufacturers in and around Rockford, MI. This role offers exposure to multiple local shops and a pathway to leadership within a dynamic metal fabrication environment.

Responsibilities include training operators, enforcing safety, reading blueprints, supervising a small team, and setting up and operating press brakes, shears, saws, and punches to ensure parts meet exact specifications.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Hands-on fabrication

Blueprint reading

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Quality control

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Press brakes

Shears

Saws

PUNCHES

Job description

Job Description:

Fabrication Lead | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $52,000 – $79,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in fabrication lead? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in the Rockford area seeking Fabrication Leads.

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 Rockford in Kent County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Greenville, Belding, Sparta, and Cedar Springs.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Rockford region seeking Fabrication Leads. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates – not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Usual Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Recommended Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Bonus Qualifications

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

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search – market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we’ll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.

Required Skills:

Resume Offers Support Product Quality Welding Operations Waste Daily Operations Machinery Salary Hiring Partnerships Recruiting Compensation Mentoring Continuous Improvement Quality Control Manufacturing Specifications Preparation Engineering Training Leadership

Salary Package:

$ 52,000.00 – 79,000.00 (US Dollar)