Shop Lead

Design Hire LLC; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Hire LLC in Lexington, VA is seeking a hands-on Shop Lead to coordinate daily fabrication activities and ensure prefabricated material is ready for field needs. You will lead shop workflow, align priorities with project and purchasing teams, and support fabrication personnel with hands-on direction.

Ideal candidates have experience in fire sprinkler, plumbing, or mechanical piping, plus the ability to read fabrication drawings and manage multiple projects while maintaining safety and

Qualifications

• Previous experience in fire sprinkler, plumbing, mechanical piping, pipe fabrication, or a comparable shop environment.
• Working knowledge of pipe, fittings, valves, couplings, and common fabrication materials.
• Experience reading fabrication drawings, material lists, cut sheets, spool drawings, or similar production information.
• Familiarity with pipe cutting, threading, grooving, and related shop equipment strongly preferred.
• Previous lead, foreman, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Previous basic CNC machinery is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and changing production requirements.
• Hands-on leadership style with strong communication and accountability

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shop and fabrication activities, assign priorities, and coordinate production around active project schedules and field requirements.
• Review fabrication information and material requirements to ensure pipe, fittings, assemblies, and other components are fabricated accurately and prepared for the correct project.
• Coordinate with project management and procurement regarding material availability, missing components, changing priorities, and upcoming fabrication requirements.
• Maintain quality, productivity, shop organization, equipment practices, and safety while providing hands-on direction and support to shop personnel.
• Inspect completed work and help ensure fabricated material is properly identified, organized, and ready for delivery or field installation.

Skills

Shop leadership

Fabrication

Pipe fabrication

Reading drawings

CNC machinery

Communication

Safety

Prioritization

Tools

CNC machinery

Job description

Lexington, United States | Posted on 09/22/2026

Design Hire is seeking a hands-on Shop Lead to coordinate daily fabrication activities and help keep fire protection projects supplied with accurate, quality prefabricated material. This individual will lead shop workflow, coordinate priorities with project and purchasing teams, support fabrication personnel, and ensure completed material is ready for the field when required.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shop and fabrication activities, assign priorities, and coordinate production around active project schedules and field requirements.
  
• Review fabrication information and material requirements to ensure pipe, fittings, assemblies, and other components are fabricated accurately and prepared for the correct project.
  
• Coordinate with project management and procurement regarding material availability, missing components, changing priorities, and upcoming fabrication requirements.
  
• Maintain quality, productivity, shop organization, equipment practices, and safety while providing hands-on direction and support to shop personnel.
  
• Inspect completed work and help ensure fabricated material is properly identified, organized, and ready for delivery or field installation.
  

Qualifications

• Previous experience in fire sprinkler, plumbing, mechanical piping, pipe fabrication, or a comparable shop environment.
  
• Working knowledge of pipe, fittings, valves, couplings, and common fabrication materials.
  
• Experience reading fabrication drawings, material lists, cut sheets, spool drawings, or similar production information.
  
• Familiarity with pipe cutting, threading, grooving, and related shop equipment strongly preferred.
  
• Previous lead, foreman, or supervisory experience preferred.
  
• Previous basic CNC machinery is a plus.
  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and changing production requirements.
  
• Ability to identify fabrication or material issues before they impact field operations.
  
• Hands-on leadership style with strong communication and accountability
  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Design Hire is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility: If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.