Pipefitter Shop Supervisor

Kelso Industries; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

FMLA benefits

Ongoing training and professional dev.

Stable, year-round employment

Job summary

Kelso Industries in Newark, NJ seeks a Pipefitter/Plumbing Shop Foreman to oversee shop fabrication of plumbing, piping, and mechanical systems. You will supervise shop personnel, coordinate schedules, ensure quality and safety, and collaborate with project managers and procurement to meet deadlines.

Ideal candidates bring 5–10 years in plumbing or mechanical construction, supervisory experience, and strong knowledge of codes and blueprints. OSHA 30 and a valid driver’s license are preferred.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in plumbing, pipefitting, or mechanical construction.
• Previous supervisory or foreman experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of plumbing, HVAC piping, hydronic systems, and fabrication practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and specifications.
• Working knowledge of applicable plumbing and mechanical codes.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of pipefitters, plumbers, welders, apprentices, and shop personnel.
• Plan, organize, and schedule fabrication work to meet project deadlines.
• Review shop drawings, fabrication drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Coordinate material deliveries, inventory management, and fabrication priorities.
• Ensure all fabricated assemblies meet company quality standards and project specifications.
• Maintain production schedules and communicate progress to project management.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate shop employees and apprentices.
• Enforce company safety policies and maintain a safe working environment.
• Conduct regular safety meetings and inspections.
• Monitor labor productivity and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and ensure proper use of tools and machinery.
• Assist with procurement planning, and inventory control.
• Support field operations by coordinating fabrication and delivery schedules.
• Maintain accurate records of labor hours, production output, and material usage.

Skills

Leadership

Blueprint reading

Project coordination

Communication

Tools

Measuring tools

Fabrication equipment

Shop machinery

Job description

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 4,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Position Summary

The Pipefitter/Plumbing Shop Foreman is responsible for overseeing all shop fabrication activities related to plumbing, piping, and mechanical systems. This position supervises shop personnel, coordinates fabrication schedules, ensures quality control, maintains safety standards, and works closely with project managers, field foremen, and procurement staff to ensure materials and assemblies are completed accurately and on schedule.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of pipefitters, plumbers, welders, apprentices, and shop personnel.
• Plan, organize, and schedule fabrication work to meet project deadlines.
• Review shop drawings, fabrication drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Coordinate material deliveries, inventory management, and fabrication priorities.
• Ensure all fabricated assemblies meet company quality standards and project specifications.
• Maintain production schedules and communicate progress to project management.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate shop employees and apprentices.
• Enforce company safety policies and maintain a safe working environment.
• Conduct regular safety meetings and inspections.
• Monitor labor productivity and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and ensure proper use of tools and machinery.
• Assist with procurement planning, and inventory control.
• Support field operations by coordinating fabrication and delivery schedules.
• Maintain accurate records of labor hours, production output, and material usage.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in plumbing, pipefitting, or mechanical construction.
• Previous supervisory or foreman experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of plumbing, HVAC piping, hydronic systems, and fabrication practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and specifications.
• Working knowledge of applicable plumbing and mechanical codes.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficient with measuring tools, fabrication equipment, and shop machinery.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and work in a shop environment for extended periods.
• Ability to operate fabrication equipment and power tools safely.

Key Performance Indicators

• Safety performance and compliance.
• Fabrication quality and accuracy.
• Production efficiency and labor productivity.
• On-time completion of fabrication schedules.
• Material management and inventory control.
• Employee development and team performance.

Compensation & Benefits

• Company-provided health insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Stable, year-round employment with a respected mechanical contractor.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring fabricated piping and plumbing systems are delivered safely, efficiently, and on schedule to support successful project execution.

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Here You Will Experience

Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.

Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.

Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business.