Lead - Manufacturing Machine Shop- Shift 1

THE ROLE:
- This position will report to the: Supervisor
- Travel requirements: N/A
- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
- Shift: 1
- Employment Category: Full-Time Regular
- Pay Range: $29.00 - $36.00
STRONG HISTORY. EXCITING FUTURE
Bolthouse Fresh Foods is a leader in carrot production, serving as a grower, packer, processor, and shipper. Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, we are a proud employer to 1,600 dedicated individuals. Since 1915, we have been committed to growing and producing high-quality carrots, and today, we are one of North America’s largest growers and distributors of fresh carrots for cooking and snacking. Additionally, we supply premium natural ingredients for the food and beverage industry. With over a century of excellence, Bolthouse Fresh™ products are available at major retailers across North America.
Bolthouse Fresh Foods has approximately 1,600 employees.
WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IN THIS ROLE
The Lead Fabricator is responsible for coordinating daily fabrication activities while serving as the technical lead for the fabrication team. This position provides hands-on leadership, work direction, training, and support to fabricators and apprentices to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to quality standards. The Lead Fabricator will remain actively involved in fabrication, welding, assembly, troubleshooting, equipment modification, and repair work. This role will also help prioritize workflow, coordinate project needs with internal customers, support material planning, and promote continuous improvement, sanitary design, GMP compliance, and operational excellence.
- Lead and coordinate daily fabrication activities to ensure work is completed safely, on time, and to specification.
- Review work orders, drawings, blueprints, sketches, and engineering specifications to determine fabrication requirements, materials, methods, and timelines.
- Assign, prioritize, and follow up on work based on production needs, project deadlines, available resources, and business priorities.
- Serve as the primary technical resource for fabricators and apprentices by providing guidance on fabrication techniques, troubleshooting, layout, welding, assembly, and problem-solving.
- Set up and operate welding equipment, fabrication tools, and shop machinery.
- Assist with fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, modification, installation, and repair of equipment, machinery, guards, platforms, piping, frames, and component parts.
- Inspect completed work to ensure compliance with engineering specifications, dimensional tolerances, sanitary design expectations, and company quality standards.
- Train, mentor, and develop fabricators and apprentices on equipment operation, safety procedures, fabrication methods, GMPs, sanitary design, and shop best practices.
- Collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, Sanitation, and Production teams to support manufacturing needs, facility improvement projects, and equipment modifications.
- Break down drawings and project scopes to support material takeoffs, quoting, and cost-effective material sourcing.
- Monitor workflows and identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, safety, and cost effectiveness.
- Ensure fabrication equipment receives routine care and maintenance, including monitoring oil levels, filters, lubrication schedules, tooling condition, and general equipment condition.
- Maintain accurate documentation of work completed, inspections, repairs, materials used, and project status.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and support lean manufacturing efforts.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of fabrication, welding, layout, assembly, and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, technical specifications, sketches, and engineering documentation.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to provide clear work direction, coaching, and technical guidance to team members.
- Strong leadership, teamwork, and employee development abilities.
- Knowledge of workplace safety practices, lockout/tagout, hot work practices, and OSHA requirements.
- Understanding GMP requirements and sanitary design expectations in a food manufacturing environment.
- Basic computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office, maintenance systems, or manufacturing systems as needed.
- Ability to communicate effectively with the Fabrication Shop Supervisor, Fabrication Manager, Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and Production teams.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School/GED or five to seven years of experience in fabrication, machining, welding, or manufacturing related experience and/or training or combination of both education and experience.
- Candidates must have a verifiable history of safe vehicle operation and meet company standards for driving eligibility. This includes maintaining a clean driving record, which will be verified through a background check
Preferred Qualifications:
- Technical trade school, welding certification, or related education.
- Prior lead, or team leadership experience.
- Experience in food manufacturing, agricultural processing, industrial manufacturing, or a similar environment.
- Experience with stainless steel fabrication and sanitary design.
- Bilingual English/Spanish.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Environmental exposure - cold/wet conditions (30 °Fahrenheit or below).
- Environmental exposure – hot/humid conditions (90 °Fahrenheit or below).
- Environmental exposure- wet, cold, and warm environments.
- Material exposure-moving mechanical parts.
- Occasional exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and vibrations.
- Ability to lift/push-pull/carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to stand and walk for an extended period.
- Ability to ascend and descend ladders, scaffolding, using 3-point contact on a regular basis
- Ability to stoop, crouch, and kneel on a regular basis
HOURS & WORKDAYS:
1st Shift – 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM; Overtime, Weekends, and Holidays may be mandatory based on business needs. Rotating workday/time off schedules may be mandatory depending on department/business needs as well.
WHAT WE OFFER
Our rich benefits packages are designed to support the health and well-being of both our eligible co-workers and their families.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Group Life and AD&D
- Voluntary Life and AD&D
- Group Short-Term Disability
- Group Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401k
- Paid Time Off
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
"Bolthouse Fresh Foods is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential."
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you are interested in applying for employment with Bolthouse Fresh Foods and need special assistance to apply for a posted position, or if you believe you do not meet any of the required qualifications of a posted position due to a protected disability and would like to explore the possibility of accommodation, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at: TalentAcquisition@BolthouseFresh.com for additional support or guidance.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:
Bolthouse Fresh Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Bolthouse Fresh Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
1st Shift – 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM; Overtime, Weekends, and Holidays may be mandatory based on business needs. Rotating workday/time off schedules may be mandatory depending on department/business needs as well.
You'll be redirected to
the company's application page