Fabrication Manager in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at ENGINEERED YACHT SOLUTIONS

Engineered Yacht Solutions is seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Fabrication Manager to lead our structural fabrication department at our Fort Lauderdale facility. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in marine steel and aluminum fabrication, with a proven track record in yacht repair and refit projects across a wide range of vessel types and sizes. This is a leadership role requiring equal command of the shop floor and the planning room — someone who can mentor a skilled trades team while driving quality, schedule, and budget outcomes on complex, high-value projects.

Key Responsibilities

Fabrication Leadership

• Oversee all structural fabrication activities including steel and aluminum welding, forming, cutting, fitting, and finishing.

• Lead and manage a team of welders, fabricators, and fitters; assign tasks, monitor performance, and provide hands-on technical guidance.

• Review engineering drawings, structural specifications, and survey reports to plan and execute fabrication scopes.

• Establish and enforce quality control procedures, ensuring all work meets classification society standards and owner/flag state requirements.

• Coordinate closely with project managers, designers, naval architects, and subcontractors to ensure fabrication aligns with overall refit timelines.

Structural Repair & Modification

• Plan and execute structural repairs including hull plating renewals, framing repairs, bulkhead modifications, and deck structural work on steel and aluminum vessels.

• Conduct condition assessments of existing structure in collaboration with surveyors and engineers; recommend and implement repair strategies.

• Manage modifications to superstructure, hull appendages, and internal structure for refit and conversion projects.

• Interpret and work within classification society rules (Lloyd’s, DNV, ABS, RINA, BV) for structural repair approvals.

Operations & Administration

• Develop fabrication work packages including material take-offs, labor estimates, tooling requirements, and production schedules.

• Manage shop consumables, welding equipment, and specialty tooling; oversee maintenance and calibration programs.

• Maintain accurate records of inspection results, weld procedures, NDT reports, and classification documentation.

• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase shop throughput, quality, and safety.

• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and yard safety standards; lead toolbox talks and maintain a safety-first culture.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on structural fabrication experience in a marine environment.

• Minimum 5 years specifically in yacht repair and refit — superyacht experience (40 m+) strongly preferred.

• 5 Years of Leadership experience required.

• Demonstrated expertise in both steel and aluminum structural fabrication and welding, including plate work, pipe, and complex assemblies.

• Proven supervisory or management experience leading fabrication crews in a boatyard or shipyard setting.

• Direct experience working with classification surveyors and executing classed repairs.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in MIG, TIG, and stick welding on marine-grade steel (mild, high-strength) and aluminum alloys (5083, 5086, 6061).

• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, weld symbols, and engineering specifications.

• Familiarity with common NDT methods (UT, dye-penetrant, magnetic particle) and their application in marine repair.

• Working knowledge of weld procedure specifications (WPS) and welder qualification requirements.

• Experience with plasma cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, hydraulic forming, and press brake operations.

• Familiarity with CAD-based nesting or fabrication software is a plus.

Certifications

• AWS CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) or equivalent — preferred.

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction or Maritime certification preferred.

• Valid welder qualifications (AWS D1.1 / D1.2 or equivalent) — a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with superyacht conversions or major structural refit projects exceeding $1M in scope.

• Background working with ABS, Lloyd’s Register, DNV, or RINA class surveyors on structural repair plans.

• Familiarity with Fort Lauderdale / South Florida marine market and yard operations.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is an asset given South Florida’s workforce landscape.

• Experience with exotic materials or systems integration (titanium, Duplex stainless, complex piping penetrations).

Compensation and Benefits

• The posted salary range below is intended as a general guideline, Salary is based on Experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

-Paid Time Off (PTO)

-Medical insurance

-Dental insurance

-Vision insurance

-401(k) retirement plan

Work Environment & Conditions

This role is based full-time at our Fort Lauderdale facility. Work is performed in an active boatyard environment and includes exposure to heat, noise, fumes, and working in confined spaces or at heights aboard vessels. Physical demands include the ability to stand for extended periods, climb ladders, and lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to work flexible hours including weekends or extended shifts to meet project milestones.