Production Shop Lead

Tejas Research and Engineering, LLC; The Woodlands (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Tejas Research and Engineering, LLC is seeking a Production Shop Lead to oversee precision assembly and testing of API 14A/14L-compliant downhole safety equipment on the shop floor and to coordinate warehouse activities, material traceability, and production support.

The role provides day-to-day direction to assemblers and technicians, ensuring quality, safety, and on-time delivery, while collaborating with QA/QC, shipping, and engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Must read and interpret engineering drawings and BOMs.
• 2+ years in mechanical assembly, preferably in oil and gas or valve manufacturing.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow QA/QC procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead shop floor assembly and testing of downhole safety equipment.
• Maintain material traceability and complete production travelers and reports.
• Coordinate with QA/QC, shipping, and production teams to ensure quality and schedule.
• Operate tools and machinery, perform routine maintenance, and escalate issues.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Leadership

Reading drawings

Quality compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Machinery operation

Crane operation

Forklift operation

Job description

The Production Shop Lead is a senior shop floor position responsible for the precision assembly and testing of API 14A/14L-compliant downhole safety equipment, along with warehouse inventory management, material traceability, and production support coordination.

This role bridges production and warehouse operations to ensure product quality, material accuracy, and efficient workflow across departments such as supporting QA/QC operations, equipment function testing, and shipping/receiving activities. This role requires precision, attention to detail, and a keen understanding of mechanical systems and components.

As the company grows, the Production Shop Lead is expected to provide day-to-day direction to assemblers, technicians, and production personnel on the shop floor, and to serve as the primary point of escalation for assembly, testing, and warehouse issues ahead of the Production Manager.

Required Competencies/Essential Duties & Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned):

Assembly & Production Support

• Actively participate in the company's Safety, Quality and Confidentiality policies.
• Take direction from the Production Manager.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and assembly procedures.
• Assemble downhole safety valves, lock mandrels, and related equipment in accordance with API 14A, API 14L, and internal procedures.
• Perform precision assembly of mechanical components, including seals, springs, and subsurface safety systems.
• Use a variety of hand tools, power tools, and machinery to complete assembly tasks.
• Test finished products to ensure they meet company, client, and industry standards, including pressure testing and function testing where needed.
• Troubleshoot and rectify any defects or deviations found during the testing phase. Escalate design or process issues to management.
• Support goods receipt, warehouse management activities, and quality inspections.

Traceability & Quality

• Ensure full material traceability, including heat numbers, MTRs, and serialization, throughout the build process.
• Accurately complete production travelers, inspection reports, and job documentation.
• Maintain strict adherence to QA/QC standards and documentation requirements.
• Interface with Quality to support audits and compliance requirements

Warehouse & Inventory

• Receive, inspect, and store incoming materials and components.
• Maintain accurate inventory within the Inventory Management System.
• Issue materials to production and ensure proper allocation to jobs.
• Conduct cycle counts and support inventory audits.
• Organize and maintain warehouse layout for efficiency and accuracy.

Coordination & Support

• Act as a liaison between inspection, warehouse, and assembly operations.
• Support scheduling priorities and material readiness for production.
• Report on assembly and production progress and any challenges encountered.
• Conduct routine maintenance checks on tools and machinery, reporting any issues or defects.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation, ensuring all tools and parts are properly stored.
• Assist in continuous improvement efforts across production and inventory processes.
• Must be able to communicate well with others and thrive in a dynamic work in a team environment.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent. Technical or vocational training in mechanical assembly or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Must be mechanically inclined and proficient in using various hand tools, power tools, and machinery.
• 2+ years of experience in mechanical assembly, preferably in oil and gas or valve manufacturing.
• Experience with material traceability and quality documentation preferred.
• Prior warehouse or inventory control experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Prior lead, supervisory, or informal mentoring experience in a shop floor or warehouse setting preferred.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Crane and forklift operator certification.
• API 14A, API 14L, or similar oil and gas equipment standards experience.
• Prior oilfield, downhole tool, or safety valve experience.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to operate cranes and forklifts in a safe manner.
• Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit with frequent and regular use of hands to figure, handle/grasp/squeeze, or feel, and talk or hear. Occasionally reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; stoop, bend, kneel, squat, push/pull, twist, crouch, or crawl. Frequent close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

• Working conditions will be a combination of shop floor (assembly/testing) and warehouse environment. Occasional exposure to outside elements probable.