Production Lead Pilot- Fab

Position Overview

As the Thunder Jet Production Lead – Pilot & Fabrication, you will lead daily operations across the Pilot production area, fabrication department, and parts welding team. This role blends frontline leadership with hands‑on production support and is accountable for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee development. It serves as a key part of Thunder Jet’s leadership pipeline with future opportunities for expanded manufacturing leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Minimum 2 years of welding experience including MIG and TIG welding processes on aluminum materials with precision and consistency.
• Monitor day‑to‑day operations of the Pilot manufacturing area, fabrication department, and parts welding team.
• Coordinate and prioritize work to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and customer commitments are achieved.
• Oversee team members by providing direction, coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Support employee development through regular coaching and accountability.
• Participate in hiring activities, onboarding, and training of new employees.
• Foster a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Serve as a hands‑on leader and provide production support when staffing levels, workload, or operational demands require.
• Monitor production metrics and identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, capacity growth, workflow optimization, and improved material flow.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and remove operational constraints.
• Support operation and utilization of fabrication equipment including CNC router tables and press brakes.
• Ensure fabrication and welded components consistently meet established quality standards and specifications.
• Promote teamwork and communication between manufacturing departments to support overall plant performance.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of welding techniques, tools, and weld shop safety protocols and procedures.
• Fabrication processes including measuring, cutting, and assembling materials.
• High attention to detail and quality workmanship.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, fabrication, welding, or production operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, labor management, and workflow coordination.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees while maintaining accountability.
• Experience managing employee performance, attendance, and workplace expectations.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Working knowledge of fabrication, welding, or metal manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret manufacturing documents, drawings, and work instructions.
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to work alongside the team as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aluminum boat manufacturing or related metal fabrication industries.
• Experience operating or supporting press brakes, CNC routers, welding operations, or assembly processes.
• Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma experience.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of production planning, labor reporting, and manufacturing performance metrics.

Working Conditions

• Required to stand, walk, bend, climb, squat, reach, and lift throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent exposure to noise, dust, welding fumes, and varying temperatures in an active manufacturing environment.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel‑toed footwear.
• Ability to work extended hours or occasional overtime as business needs require.

Schedule

Typical schedule is four 10‑hour shifts (Monday through Thursday), with occasional Friday overtime as production needs require.

Benefits

• Competitive 401(k) plan with company match.
• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Robust Wellness Program.
• Additional employee benefits and recognition programs.

About Brunswick

Brunswick Boat Group houses a diverse portfolio of iconic marine brands, including Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Harris, Heyday, Lowe, Lund, Navan, Princecraft, Protector, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Spartan, Thunder Jet, and Uttern. Across our fiberglass and aluminum manufacturing facilities, we foster a culture rooted in safety, integrity, continuous improvement, and personal growth. Our teams build unsinkable legends, pioneer wake sports, and craft fishing and pontoon boats trusted for generations, delivering exceptional experiences on the water.