Fabrication Operations Manager

Company Overview

Breakform Fabrication, Inc. is a high-end architectural metal fabrication studio known for precision, craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Metal fabrication is our foundation. We produce custom, design-forward metalwork that ranges from intricate architectural elements to large-scale installations, and every project is held to exacting standards of fit, finish and execution.

We work across the full process, from reviewing drawings and fabricating in our shop to installing on site, to deliver timeless, authentic work of lasting quality.Job Overview

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Fabrication Operations Manager to oversee both shop operations and field teams. This position requires a hands-on leader who can manage complex architectural metal projects from fabrication through installation while maintaining exceptional standards for quality, safety, scheduling, and team performance.

Candidate must possess basic financial concepts and be able to manage project budgets and ensure financial success.

This is not a desk-only management position. The Fabrication Operations Manager will be expected to occasionally work alongside shop and field personnel when projects require additional support, technical guidance, or hands-on problem-solving.

The successful candidate must be a highly proficient metalworker with the technical ability, leadership experience, and credibility necessary to manage and develop a team of skilled craftspeople.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and manage a team of approximately 20 shop and field personnel.
• Train, mentor, and develop team members into stronger, more proficient metalworkers.
• Build a disciplined, accountable, and collaborative team culture.
• Occasionally work directly alongside shop and field personnel to support installations, resolve technical challenges, and maintain project momentum.

Shop & Field Operations

• Oversee daily shop operations, ensuring productivity, quality, organization, and safety standards are maintained.
• Coordinate and supervise field installations.
• Uphold exceptional standards for architectural metalwork craftsmanship, detailing, fit, and finish.
• Troubleshoot fabrication and installation challenges in real time.
• Monitor labor performance, material usage, production efficiency, and field productivity.

Project Coordination & Estimating

• Serve as the primary bridge between the design, project management, fabrication, and installation teams.
• Maintain project schedules and ensure deadlines are met.
• Review drawings, identify potential issues, and coordinate corrections before fabrication or installation.
• Assist with estimating, preparing, and submitting competitive bids for new projects.

Qualifications

Extensive experience in metal fabrication, preferably with a focus on high-end architectural work.

• Must be a highly proficient, craftsman-level metalworker.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams of 15 or more people.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and develop skilled metalworkers.
• Willingness and ability to work hands-on with shop and field teams when necessary.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication processes, welding, materials, assembly methods, and finishing

techniques.

• Ability to read, interpret, and coordinate detailed architectural and shop drawings.
• Experience preparing estimates and submitting bids for new projects.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to hold team members accountable while maintaining a positive and productive working environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of relevant metal fabrication experience.
• Experience coordinating both shop production and field installation teams.
• Background in custom, luxury, or highly detailed architectural fabrication.
• Familiarity with project management workflows in architecture, construction, or design-build environments.
• Experience managing labor projections, production schedules, and project profitability.
• Experience coordinating with architects, contractors, designers, and clients.
• Degree in relevant fields a plus.

Job Details

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan

Schedule

• 8-hour shift, Monday–Friday
• Shop and on-site work as required

Experience

• Relevant metal fabrication: 10-15 years (Preferred)

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Pushing & Pulling: Ability to push, pull, and maneuver heavy metal assemblies, carts, and raw materials
• onto cutting tables or welding fixtures.
• Heavy Lifting: Must be able to lift and move 50 to 75 pounds unassisted, including metal sheets, steel
• tubing, heavy tooling, and finished parts.
• Prolonged Standing: Ability to stand and walk on hard concrete shop floors for 8- to 12-hour shifts.
• Awkward Positions: Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling to weld or assemble
• the undersides and tight corners of large structures.
• Overhead Work: Reaching and working above shoulder level for extended periods while fitting or
• assembling components.
• Fine Motor Skills: High precision and steady hands are required to handle welding torches, adjust fine CNC
• machine settings, and operate small hand tools (grinders, clamps, micrometers).
• Visual Acuity: Excellent near vision and depth perception to read blueprints, inspect weld bead quality, and
• line up laser cuts accurately.
• Color Vision: Essential for identifying heated metals, reading digital screens, and distinguishing color-coded
• safety signs or wiring.
• Extreme Temperatures: Fabrication shops and field work can get very hot in the summer and cold in the
• winter. Welders also wear heavy leather protective gear, which retains intense body heat.
• Loud Noise: Continuous exposure to high-decibel environments from grinding, hammering, air
• compressors, and heavy machinery (requires constant hearing protection).
• Fumes & Dust: Ability to work safely while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including
• respirators or air-purifying hoods, to filter out metal dust, sparks, and welding fumes.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Los Angeles, CA 90045