Fabrication | Team Lead at UAP (Urban Art Projects) in Rock Tavern, NY

UAP | Urban Art Projects believes incredible things don't just happen; they're created, nurtured, believed in. Spanning art, architecture, design, environments, and everything in between – UAP works with artists and creatives to make incredible things all over the world.

UAP collaborates with emerging and renowned artists, architects, developers, and designers; to deliver creative outcomes for the public realm. We engage in all aspects of the delivery process from curatorial services and design development, through to fabrication and installation.

Visit www.uapcompany.com for more information.

Objective: The Fabrication Team Lead serves as the senior authority within the fabrication department, overseeing the construction and assembly of metal sculptures and structural components. This role blends advanced technical mastery in welding, metal forming, and structural fabrication with team leadership. The Team Lead establishes technical standards, mentors team members at all levels, and collaborates closely with project managers, design teams, expertise leads, and foundry leadership to ensure all work meets the highest standards of craftsmanship, precision, and artistic intent.

Responsibilities

• Lead all fabrication operations, ensuring projects are executed with precision, safety, efficiency, and artistic integrity.
• Assign project leads and coordinate fabrication resources across projects to meet deadlines and quality expectations.
• Plan, assign, and review fabrication tasks, maintaining accountability for output, accuracy, and performance.
• Monitor staff time tracking daily to ensure accurate project clocking and reporting.
• Oversee project performance, providing regular updates and reporting to project managers and business leadership.
• Establish, implement, and uphold fabrication standards, workflows, and best practices across all projects.
• Partner with Expertise Leads to develop processes, improve methods, and introduce innovative tools and technologies.
• Perform and supervise advanced fabrication processes, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, cutting, forming, and structural assembly.
• Inspect completed work to ensure structural integrity, dimensional accuracy, and alignment with design specifications.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture by assessing work environments, training staff, and ensuring adherence to safe practices.
• Facilitate clear, consistent communication across departments, including project managers, designers, project leads, and fabrication staff.
• Lead weekly departmental meetings focused on company values, project challenges, goals, safety, and team successes.
• Develop and implement project strategies in collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize efficiency and execution.
• Mentor and train apprentices, artisans, and experts through structured on-the-job training and skill development initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative learning environment by pairing experienced team members with developing talent.
• Contribute to long-term departmental planning, workflow optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

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Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in metal fabrication, welding, or related fields; art foundry or fine art fabrication experience strongly preferred.
• Mastery of fabrication techniques, including multiple welding processes, cutting, forming, and assembly.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in a workshop environment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and artist instructions.
• Excellent communication and mentorship skills.
• Physical ability to work with heavy materials and perform hands-on fabrication tasks safely.
• Strong work ethic and value of open communication with teammates.
• Ability to solve complex problems in collaboration with various teams throughout the foundry.
• Technical understanding of all processes of the Fabrication department.
• Ability to switch quickly and continuously across different projects while maintaining momentum
• A passion for creativity, art, and design, and enthusiasm for contributing to one-of-a-kind, world-class projects.

Skills

• Mastery of Craft: Advanced knowledge of welding, fabrication, and structural construction.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Skilled in training, guiding, and inspiring a diverse team.
• Quality Assurance: Commitment to accuracy, durability, and artistic alignment.
• Collaboration: Strong communicator across teams including artists, designers, and project managers.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation: Ability to address fabrication challenges with creative, effective solutions.
• Organizational Oversight: Expertise in scheduling, delegating, and managing workflow.
• Comfortable with data organization (Excel)
• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams)
• SharePoint / OneDrive
• Working knowledge of Rhinoceros, would be helpful to this role

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely lift, carry, and maneuver materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb and work from ladders or elevated platforms, as required.
• Capacity to stand, bend, kneel, and perform repetitive tasks while operating power and hand tools for extended periods.
• Ability to safely wear and use required personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators, gloves, and eye and hearing protection.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods while working at a desk and using a computer.
• Frequent hand and finger use required for operating a computer keyboard, mouse, and standard office equipment.
• Must be able to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in both verbal and written form.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Commuter and transit programs.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with 4% company match.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

We offer a vibrant, creative environment with great teammates. Opportunities to work on exciting, high-profile projects.

Salary Description - $36.50/hr to $44.20/hr.

UAP Productions LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All employment opportunities are based on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the business.