Job Summary Galleher Industries is seeking a highly skilled and versatile Lead Fabrication Technician to support the growth of our Lafayette, Indiana manufacturing operation. This position is ideal for an experienced fabrication professional who thrives in a hands-on environment and enjoys wearing multiple hats across welding, fabrication, CNC operations, process improvement, and team development. Initial focus will be heavy on-hands welding as we launch new customers and products. However, as a key member of the founding Lafayette team, this individual will also play an instrumental role in meeting customer delivery requirements and helping establish workflows, quality standards, production processes, and operational best practices. While welding and fabrication remain core responsibilities, this role extends beyond production and includes technical leadership, mentoring, troubleshooting, equipment operation, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to help build a manufacturing operation from the ground up while creating a path toward future leadership opportunities as the facility continues to grow. Key Responsibilities Welding & Fabrication Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and production orders. Perform MIG, TIG, and Stick welding on steel, stainless steel, and aluminum components. Prepare materials through cutting, grinding, fitting, and surface preparation. Perform welds in flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead positions. Inspect completed welds for quality, penetration, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with specifications. Support fabrication, assembly, fit-up, finishing, and rework activities as required. Coordinate activities in fabrication operations Troubleshoot welding and fabrication challenges and recommend corrective actions. Technical Leadership & Site Development Serve as a technical lead and trusted resource within the Lafayette operation. Assist in establishing fabrication, welding, and manufacturing processes to support future growth. Train, mentor, and support team members on welding techniques, fabrication methods, safety practices, and quality standards. Develop and improve workflows, workstation layouts, tooling utilization, and production efficiencies. Assist with fixture design, fabrication solutions, and process improvements that improve safety, quality, and throughput. Support onboarding and skills development of future fabrication and manufacturing personnel. Help establish a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Operational Excellence Champion safe work practices and maintain compliance with company policies and OSHA standards. Support quality initiatives and corrective action activities. Maintain an organized, clean, and audit-ready work environment. Participate in continuous improvement projects and operational initiatives. Assist leadership with special projects and evolving business needs. Additional Responsibilities CNC & Manufacturing Support Set up, operate, and monitor CNC machinery and fabrication equipment. Perform first-piece and in-process inspections utilizing precision measuring instruments. Assist with machine setup, tooling changes, minor programming adjustments, and troubleshooting. Maintain accurate production, quality, and maintenance documentation. Support cross-functional manufacturing operations as production requirements evolve. Material Handling & Equipment Operation Safely operate forklifts, Combi-lifts, overhead cranes, and other material handling equipment. Load, unload, transport, and stage raw materials and finished products. Assist with inventory organization and material flow throughout the facility. Perform routine equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance. Qualifications Required High School Diploma or GED. Minimum 5 years of welding, fabrication, or manufacturing experience. Demonstrated proficiency in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding. Strong blueprint reading and fabrication layout skills. Experience operating fabrication equipment and manufacturing machinery. Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, fabrication, and production-related issues. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or training experience. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong communication and problem-solving skills. Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and stand for extended periods. Reliable transportation. Must successfully pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening. Preferred Welding certifications. Experience operating CNC machinery. Experience with fixture design and process development. Experience in startup, custom fabrication, or high-mix manufacturing environments. Forklift and Combi-lift experience. CAD or technical design experience. Experience supporting quality control and inspection processes. Experience leading teams, projects, or production initiatives. Physical Requirements Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach throughout the workday. Regularly lift, push, pull, and carry materials up to 75 pounds. Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and exposure to welding and fabrication processes. Ability to safely wear required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, welding helmets, and steel-toe footwear. Career Growth Opportunity This role is designed for an individual who wants to help build and shape a growing manufacturing operation. As the Lafayette facility expands, this position may evolve into a formal leadership role with increased responsibility for team development, production oversight, and operational performance.

Pay:

Up to $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location:

In person