Lead Sheetmetal Mechanic

ColonialWebb Contractors; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Career growth opportunities

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid holidays and personal leave

Job summary

ColonialWebb Contractors is seeking a Lead Sheet Metal Mechanic – Fabrication to lead a team in fabricating, assembling, and installing ductwork, plenums, fire dampers, and diffusers in a shop setting. Hours are 6:00 AM–2:30 PM, Monday–Friday, with a focus on safety and production efficiency.

The role requires 5+ years in sheet metal fabrication or related production, plus 2+ years in leadership as a lead or supervisor. Strong knowledge of HVAC duct shop processes and tooling is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in sheet metal fabrication, ductwork manufacturing, or related production experience.
• 2+ years of leadership experience as Lead Mechanic, Foreman, Team Lead, or Supervisor.
• Strong knowledge of sheet metal fabrication and commercial HVAC ductwork production.
• Experience in manufacturing, fabrication, or production environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and maintain spreadsheets and production documentation.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate sheet metal fabrication equipment including press brakes, plasma cutting tables, roll forming equipment, coil line machines, and handbrakes.
• Select appropriate gauge and type of sheet metal based on the product being fabricated.
• Use tape measure or steel ruler to mark dimensions and reference lines.
• Layout, form up, and assemble canvas connectors and other custom fittings.
• Set up and operate welding equipment to join sheet metal parts together.
• Oversee daily production operations while supporting quality, safety, efficiency, and employee development.
• Lead and support fabrication teams in a commercial HVAC ductwork manufacturing environment.
• Coordinate daily production activities to meet production goals and project deadlines.
• Monitor workflow, manpower allocation, and production priorities.
• Ensure materials, tools, and equipment are available to support teams.

Skills

Sheet metal fabrication

Ductwork production

Leadership

Manufacturing

Reading shop drawings

Troubleshooting

Job description

Lead Sheet Metal Mechanic – Fabrication

Lead a team of sheet metal mechanics and helpers in fabricating, assembling, and installing sheet metal products such as ductwork, plenums, fire dampers, and diffusers. Work in a fabrication shop with hours 6:00 AM–2:30 PM Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate sheet metal fabrication equipment including press brakes, plasma cutting tables, roll forming equipment, coil line machines, and handbrakes.
• Select appropriate gauge and type of sheet metal based on the product being fabricated.
• Use tape measure or steel ruler to mark dimensions and reference lines.
• Locate and mark dimensions per plans, specifications, and shop drawings.
• Layout, form up, and assemble canvas connectors and other custom fittings.
• Safely operate corded and battery‑powered tools such as chop saws, grinders, drills, and impact drivers.
• Assemble duct and duct fittings according to project specifications.
• Install and fasten internal duct liner into duct and duct fittings.
• Lay out, cut, and install duct tape according to project specifications.
• Set up and operate welding equipment to join sheet metal parts together.
• Operate shop forklift to lift or transport equipment, material, and supplies.
• Encourage safe work habits and ensure compliance with health and safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Oversee daily production operations while supporting quality, safety, efficiency, and employee development.
• Lead and support fabrication teams in a commercial HVAC ductwork manufacturing environment.
• Coordinate daily production activities to meet production goals and project deadlines.
• Monitor workflow, manpower allocation, and production priorities.
• Ensure materials, tools, and equipment are available to support teams.
• Coach, train, and mentor production employees.
• Assist with implementing and improving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Support inventory management and material planning activities.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and production efficiency efforts.
• Maintain production records and operational documentation.
• Promote and enforce company safety standards and best practices.
• Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement programs.

Required Experience

• 5+ years of sheet metal fabrication, ductwork manufacturing, or related production experience.
• 2+ years of leadership experience as a Lead Mechanic, Foreman, Team Lead, or Supervisor.
• Strong knowledge of sheet metal fabrication and commercial HVAC ductwork production.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, fabrication, or production environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and maintain spreadsheets and production documentation.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience leading teams of 15–35 employees.
• Commercial HVAC duct shop experience.
• CNC machine and automated fabricating equipment experience.
• Experience with workflow planning and production scheduling.
• Inventory management experience.
• Lean manufacturing or process improvement exposure.

What We’ll Offer You

• Competitive wages $28–32 per hour.
• Opportunities for career growth, training and development.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Medical, dental, vision, and Rx drug insurance.
• Life and accidental death insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Paid holidays and personal leave.