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Fabrication Manager (CWI)

Location: Bakersfield, CA
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Industry: Industrial / Steel Fabrication

Position Overview

Key Staffing is partnering with a well-established industrial company in Bakersfield, CA that is seeking an experienced Fabrication Manager to oversee operations within their steel pipe fabrication department.

This is a newly created leadership role designed to strengthen operational structure, quality control, and team development as the company continues to expand and build out a new fabrication line.

The Fabrication Manager will play a critical role in ensuring projects are completed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with strict quality standards while leading and developing a team of skilled fabricators.

This position requires a hands-on leader who is comfortable working in the yard alongside the team while also managing planning, documentation, and communication with internal departments.

Key Responsibilities:

Production & Operations Management

• Plan and organize fabrication projects to ensure efficient workflow and production schedules.
• Manage multiple fabrication projects simultaneously (typically 10–25 active jobs).
• Coordinate priorities with leadership and internal teams.
• Ensure projects meet specifications, timelines, and quality standards.

Quality Assurance & Inspection

• Strengthen and maintain the department’s quality control processes.
• Perform visual weld inspections and ensure fabrication meets required standards.
• Manage and coordinate NDT requirements when applicable.
• Ensure all QA documentation and records are completed accurately.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor a team of 4–6 fabrication employees, including one lead.
• Train and develop staff to maintain high workmanship standards.
• Oversee welding certifications and testing for new hires.
• Participate in interviewing and hiring fabrication personnel as the team grows.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate project updates with internal teams including sales and operations.
• Provide updates on project timelines, fabrication progress, and quality issues.
• Work closely with leadership to ensure projects remain on schedule and within scope.

Typical Work Environment:

• 75% of the role is hands-on in the fabrication yard
• 25% administrative work in the office

The fabrication environment includes:

• Steel pipe fabrication
• High-volume project workflow
• Industrial yard environment similar to a construction site

Welding Processes & Fabrication Standards:

Experience with the following is highly preferred:

• AWS D1.1
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Hardwire welding
• Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
• Steel pipe fabrication

Qualifications:

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple fabrication projects simultaneously
• Hands-on experience working with welders and fabrication teams
• Strong understanding of fabrication workflows and welding practices
• Ability to maintain quality standards in a fast-paced environment

Certifications:

• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) strongly preferred
• Candidates actively pursuing their CWI within the first 3 months may be considered

Technical Skills:

Basic proficiency in:

• Email
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Data entry and documentation management

Leadership Qualities for Success:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong communication and transparency
• Respectful and collaborative leadership style
• Ability to be hands-on while managing operational responsibilities
• Strong organization and attention to detail
• Confidence in leading skilled trades professionals

Company Environment:

• Family-owned organization
• Industrial fabrication yard setting
• Team-oriented culture
• Strong focus on communication, accountability, and quality workmanship

Interview Process:

• 2–3 interview stages
• Hiring timeline is ASAP, with focus on finding the right long-term fit.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation will be competitive and based on experience.

Salary Range: $105K-125K

A comprehensive benefits package is expected to include items such as:

• Medical benefits
• Retirement plan options
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays

Additional details will be provided during the interview process.

If you are a hands-on fabrication leader with strong welding knowledge and a passion for quality and team development, we encourage you to apply.

Commitment to Diversity: As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multi-generational and multicultural workforce, Key Staffing recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.

If this position caught your eye, send us your resume! For best consideration, include the job title and source where you found this position in the subject line of your email to cbalz@hirekeystaff.com