Shop Foreman

Shop Foreman – Job DescriptionLocation: West Virginia / Ohio Department: Fabrication Shop Reports To: Operations Manager / Plant Manager Positions Reporting to This Role: Welders, Machine Operators, Fitters, Fabricators

Position Summary: The Shop Foreman oversees daily operations within the fabrication shop to ensure production goals, quality standards, and safety requirements are consistently met. This role provides direct supervision to welders, machine operators, fitters, and fabricators while coordinating workflow across custom fabrication projects involving carbon and stainless steel. The Foreman ensures efficient use of CNC plasma cutting, CNC drilling, shearing, bending, welding, and finishing equipment. Additionally, the Foreman supports the integration of Tekla® 3D modeling software with CNC shop equipment to maintain accuracy and eliminate human error. The role plays a key part in Somerville Industries’ commitment to continuous improvement by helping maintain and implement new equipment and processes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Production & Workflow Management

- Plan, organize, and oversee daily shop activities to meet project timelines and customer specifications.

- Assign work to welders, machine operators, fitters, and fabricators based on skill, workload, and project requirements.

- Review job orders, fabrication prints, and Tekla®-generated details to ensure accuracy before production.

- Coordinate material flow, machine scheduling, and project sequencing for maximum efficiency.

- Monitor use of CNC plasma cutters, CNC drills, shears, press brakes, weld stations, and finishing equipment.

Leadership & Supervision

- Provide hands-on leadership, training, and guidance to shop staff.

- Conduct daily huddles to communicate goals, priorities, and safety reminders.

- Evaluate employee performance and recommend coaching, corrective action, or development opportunities.

Quality Control

- Ensure all fabricated components meet company quality standards and project specifications.

- Verify accuracy of Tekla®-driven CNC outputs and troubleshoot discrepancies.

- Perform spot inspections on welds, fits, dimensions, and final assemblies.

- Work with engineering/drafting on design clarifications or necessary modifications.

Safety & Compliance

- Enforce safety policies and OSHA standards for shop operations.

- Ensure proper use of PPE, machine guards, welding safety, crane/rigging practices, and hazard communication.

- Lead routine safety checks, incident investigations, and risk mitigation efforts.

Equipment & Facility Management

- Oversee operation, maintenance, and cleanliness of shop equipment.

- Report maintenance needs and coordinate repairs to minimize downtime.

- Support Somerville Industries’ ongoing equipment upgrades by assisting with onboarding, training, and process integration.

Communication & Coordination

- Serve as the primary contact between shop personnel, engineering, and management.

- Communicate project timelines and production challenges clearly and proactively.

- Maintain accurate documentation, including production logs, material usage, and employee time tracking.

Qualifications Required

- 5+ years of experience in steel fabrication or industrial manufacturing.

- Strong knowledge of welding processes (MIG, TIG, FCAW), fitting, machine operation, and fabrication techniques.

- Hands-on experience with CNC plasma cutting, CNC drilling, bending, and related equipment.

- Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, and Tekla® files.

- Proven leadership experience in a shop or industrial environment.

- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

- Experience working directly with Tekla® or CNC-integrated modeling software.

- Previous supervisory or foreman experience in metal fabrication.

- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.

- Work in a shop environment with exposure to noise, heat, and industrial equipment.

- Ability to use tools, welding equipment, cranes, and machinery safely.

Work Environment

- Industrial fabrication shop serving custom projects.

- Fast-paced environment that requires strong coordination and attention to detail.

- Occasional overtime or weekend work during peak project periods.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

- Do you have 5+ years of experience in steel fabrication or industrial manufacturing?

- Do you have strong knowledge of welding processes (MIG, TIG, FCAW), fitting, machine operation and fabrication techniques?

- Do you have hands on experience with CNC plasma cutting, CNC drilling, bending and related equipment?

Education:

- High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: In person