The Processing Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Processing Department within the fabrication shop. This position provides leadership and direction to a team of processors while actively participating in production. The Processing Lead ensures work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with production schedules and quality standards.

The Processing Lead is responsible for coordinating workflow, assigning daily tasks, operating CNC processing equipment, and maintaining equipment readiness to support downstream fabrication operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the daily activities of material processing personnel.
• Assign work based on production schedules, priorities, and available resources.
• Monitor employee productivity and provide guidance to ensure production goals are achieved.
• Train, mentor, and develop material processing personnel.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the department.
• Communicate production status, equipment issues, and manpower needs to the Operations Manager.
• Schedule and prioritize material processing activities to support fabrication and assembly operations.
• Verify work orders, drawings, nesting files, and cut lists before processing.
• Ensure processed materials meet dimensional and quality requirements.
• Coordinate with Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Engineering, and Logistics and Shop Coordinator to maintain production flow.
• Minimize downtime and maximize equipment utilization.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC plasma cutting table.
• Set up and operate CNC routing equipment.
• Set up, program, and operate CNC press brakes to accurately form steel components in accordance with engineering drawings and production specifications.
• Select proper tooling, calculate bend sequences, verify dimensions, and perform first-piece inspections to ensure quality and repeatability.
• Set up and operate lathes to machine components, shafts, bushings, and other fabricated parts to specified tolerances.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, work holding methods, feeds, and speeds while performing routine dimensional inspections to ensure finished parts meet quality requirements.
• Operate plate rolling equipment to produce formed components according to specifications.
• Operate angle rolling equipment for structural steel and miscellaneous metal fabrication.
• Perform routine machine adjustments and changeovers.
• Verify proper machine calibration and production accuracy.
• Assist with preventative maintenance and coordinate repairs as necessary.
• Inspect processed materials to ensure compliance with engineering drawings and customer specifications.
• Verify dimensions, hole locations, bevels, edge quality, and formed components.
• Identify and correct production issues before materials move to fabrication.
• Maintain traceability of materials and associated documentation.
• Work closely with Quality Control personnel to resolve nonconforming products.
• Lead by example in maintaining a safe work environment.
• Ensure department compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
• Conduct pre-operation equipment inspections.
• Ensure employees use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Report hazards, incidents, and equipment deficiencies promptly.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas utilizing 5S principles.
• Recommend improvements to processing methods, equipment utilization, and workflow.
• Assist in reducing scrap, rework, and material waste.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in production planning meetings as required.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in structural steel, metal fabrication, or industrial manufacturing.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience operating CNC material processing equipment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating CNC plasma cutting systems.
• Experience operating CNC routers.
• Experience operating plate rolling and angle rolling equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, and work orders.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership abilities.

Preferred Qualifications - What Will Set You Apart

• Experience with nesting software and CNC programming.
• Experience with ERP or manufacturing production software.
• Forklift certification.
• Overhead crane operation experience.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in outdoor environments and occasionally in temperatures above 100 degrees and below 32 degrees 
• Willing and able to work in a hot, humid, cold, and noisy industrial environment. 
• Work safely in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, heat, and moving machinery.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and work in various positions throughout the shift.
• Willing and able to perform tasks such as lifting, walking, climbing, stooping, standing, pushing and/or pulling for up to twelve (12) hours a day
• Willing and able to work around moving equipment and machinery
• Willing and able to pull and lift, up to 50 lbs. heavier materials moved with mechanical assistance.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including welding helmet, respirator when required, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe footwear and other required protective equipment.
• Bend, kneel, climb, reach, and work around industrial equipment.
• Work safely in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, heat, and moving machinery.
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.

Travel Requirements

• Travel, not likely, however may be required on occasion to meet business needs.