Fabrication Shop Manager

The Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) is currently seeking talented candidates for a Fabrication Shop Manager at our Silver Springs, NV location.

Founded in 1957, the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) is a privately owned, independent test, evaluation, design and engineering facility offering development and certification testing to customers worldwide. We have substantial international experience, which allows us to evaluate products intended for global markets knowledgeably and objectively. NATC has compiled an extensive database of worldwide operational and infrastructure conditions allowing accurate definition of user duty cycles and creation of test programs that are representative of service environments around the world. NATC is a leading innovator in translating real-world conditions into validated virtual proving ground simulation and virtual prototyping.

Position Summary:

This Fabrication Shop Manager is responsible for the management, training and hands-on participation in the Fabrication Department.

The Fabrication Shop Manager supervises and trains personnel in the production of replacement parts and new parts, in making repairs of equipment, and the construction of prototypes. The manager plans and lays out work using a variety of hand tools and precision measuring instruments. Sets up and operates standard machine tools, shapes metal parts to close tolerances, makes standard shop computations relating to dimensions of work, tooling, feeds and speeds of machining. Provides technical instruction and ensures that safe work practices and policies are followed.

The Manager will supervise shop personnel; troubleshoot repair issues; schedule vehicles/equipment for service and repairs; review preventive maintenance schedule or equipment records to determine which are due for service; inspect equipment and prepare work orders; determine the extent of required equipment repairs and assist with diagnosis of problems; assign work to appropriate staff member and assures appropriate quality checks are completed. The manager will also interact and provide support to both internal and external customers.

Essential Functions:

Management

1. Directs work of all personnel in the fabrication, machining and welding areas.
2. Work with management and project managers in scheduling shop workflow and managing work priorities
3. Provides accurate in-house estimates of hours and materials for planned jobs.
4. Communicate effectively and positively with potential and existing suppliers to assess their capabilities, obtain quotations, initiate purchase orders, and follow up on delivery status and quality
5. Provide direct support and guidance to personnel to ensure work is in line with quality standards.
6. Schedules items through the shop to maintain on-time deliveries.
7. Ensure productivity through:
   1. Scheduling project and overhead work through the shop.
   2. Effective use of space/shop layout.

Fabrication Department

1. Accurately estimates hours and materials for scheduled jobs.
2. Establishment of labor guides for specific tasks and assurance that allotted time is not exceeded.
3. Supports component failure analysis, including determination of root cause and corrective actions.
4. Welds metal components together to fabricate or repair products such as machine parts, equipment, motors and generators, according to layouts, blueprints, or work orders, using both gas welding or brazing and any combination of arc welding processes.
5. Performs tasks such as thermo cutting and grinding.
6. Repairs broken or cracked parts and fills holes of metal parts.
7. Positions and clamps together components of fabricated metal products preparatory to welding.
8. Locates and repairs cracks in equipment using inspection equipment and gas torch.
9. Performs rework and repair of damaged parts
10. Machine parts with single and multi-axis manual machines.
11. Ensures maintenance, fabrication and welding actions performed are in accordance with test directives.
12. Assist with development of concepts for component repairs, vehicle modifications, or new component designs by calculating dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and Vernier calipers.
13. Machines parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
14. Works effectively with engineering, test technicians, mechanics, and customers in recommending design enhancements and productivity improvements.
15. Maintains industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
16. Inspects finished product for conformance to specifications and approves the work of other technicians.
17. Provides technical recommendations to engineering staff regarding machining processes, fabrication alternatives, and selection of materials and components.
18. Able to select and work with a variety of materials including high strength aluminum alloys, mild steel, and high-strength steel alloys.
19. Performs sheet metal operations including shearing, forming, rolling, and punching.
20. Knowledge of heat treating processes and specifications
21. Selects off the shelf parts and fasteners to support project requirements
22. Assist with development and assembly and installation procedures and instructions
23. Responsible for enforcement of the Company?s Safety Plan and for safe work practices
24. Supports technical meetings and internal design reviews

Marginal Functions:

1. Follow up with client/customer to ensure that projects/activities have all necessary documentation.
2. May be required to operate vehicles or material handling equipment such as forklifts or overhead cranes.
3. Travel to customer?s facility to support technical reviews, meetings, shop visits, or project related off-site assignments.
4. Assists with technical data package development including 3D CAD parts and assemblies, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOM).
5. Forecasts production processes and cost estimates based on prototype part fabrication and installation.
6. Knowledge of hydraulic systems, how to root cause issues and setup hydraulic systems and controls
7. Assist in special projects.