We are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Metal Fabricator / Welder Leading Hand to guide our busy workshop team and oversee day-to-day operations. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will balance advanced workshop fabrication tasks with supervising personnel, ensuring projects meet strict quality benchmarks and deadlines. You will also coordinate and participate in accurate on-site installations according to engineering and client specifications

Key Responsibilities

Workshop Leadership & Coordination

- Supervise a close-knit team of fabricators and welders, providing clear daily instructions and support.
- Manage workflow schedules assist in the guarantee that client deliverables are met on time.
- Maintain quality control by rigorously checking completed components before they progress to subsequent departments or site installation.
- Train and mentor junior workers, apprentices, and new hires on trade skills and machinery operation.
- Enforce safety standards across the shop, ensuring all machinery is operated safely and PPE protocol is maintained. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Fabrication & Welding

- Manufacture and assemble components using a variety of metals, including structural steel, aluminium, and stainless steel.
- Perform high-level MIG and TIG welding across varying positions and material thicknesses, achieving clean, structural-grade finishes.
- Interpret technical drawings, structural blueprints, and welding symbols accurately to plan precise material layouts and cuts.
- Operate fabrication machinery safely and efficiently, including brake presses, guillotines, bandsaws, section rollers, and drills. [1, 2]

Site Installation

- Coordinate on-site installations of finished fabrications safely and precisely.
- Adapt to varying site conditions,



using hand and power tools to securely mount, bolt, or field-weld elements.
- Liaise professionally with clients and site managers to execute

Key Requirements & Qualifications

- Trade Qualification: Cert III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade / Boilermaking / Sheet Metal) or equivalent trade background.
- Leadership Experience: Minimum 1 year of consistent experience working in a manufacturing or fabrication Leading Hand capacity.
- Welding Mastery: High proficiency in both MIG and TIG welding across structural steel, stainless steel, and aluminium.
- Technical Literacy: Advanced capability to read and work directly from complex technical drawings and plans.
- Machinery Skills: Proven experience operating heavy workshop machinery (brake presses, guillotines, etc.).
- Aptitude: Strong mathematical and mechanical aptitude with excellent multi-tasking skills.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively motivate a team and maintain client satisfaction.

What We Offer

- Competitive remuneration aligned with your leadership tier and experience.
- Career growth paths within a expanding, highly regarded local trade business.
- Diverse, engaging projects ranging from luxury residential metalwork to custom automotive fit-outs.
- A supportive work culture built on down-to-earth teamwork and professional workmanship

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $73,000.00 – $105,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Sunshine Coast QLD: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

- leading hand capacity: 1 year (Required)

Licence/Certification:

- Full Driver Licence (Required)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (Required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Metal Fabricator/ Sheet metal work, Leading hand (Sunshine Coast)
🏢 JDW Custom Fabrication
📍 Sunshine Coast