Sheet Metal Cell (SMC) Lead

Come work in our climate-controlled Factory in Dane, WI!

Ready to take your fabrication skills to the next level while making a difference for people and the planet? Join RenewAire, where innovation meets purpose. We're seeking a Sheet Metal Cell (SMC) Lead to add to our team working to build high-performance Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems that bring fresh air to hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings across the country.

Who We Are 

At RenewAire, we’ve been innovating energy recovery ventilation for over 40 years, improving indoor air quality while reducing energy costs. With a people-centric culture, we foster a fun, collaborative, and innovative environment where our team members are valued contributors to our mission. Based in Madison, WI, we’re proud to hold Green Globes, LEED Gold, and ENERGY STAR certifications, driving both sustainability and health. 

The SMC Lead is responsible for participating in and leading the fabrication of parts using fabrication equipment according to current drawings and specifications. Adherence to all procedures relating to materials, quality, equipment operation, and testing, as well as all fabrication department and company procedures is essential. This position assists with the coordination of the workflow throughout Fabrication cells according to schedule and routings and under the direction of or in the absence of the Fabrication Senior Lead and/or Fabrication Site Supervisor. Assists Fabrication Senior Lead, Fabrication Site Supervisor, and Maintenance team in addressing and coordinating resolution of machine unplanned downtime events and parts production issues directly, and with the assistance of the Fabrication Senior Lead, Fabrication Site Supervisor, and CNC programmers.    

What SMC Leads do: 

• Act as a technical expert and leader within the fabrication team; coach, train, and support technicians with guidance or direction on performance of tasks while modeling safe, positive work practices 
• Serve as a communication liaison between technicians and leadership, ensuring a cohesive 'One Team' culture and seamless, comprehensive information sharing across all shifts and facilities 
• Adhere to and enforce all department and company procedures 
• Operate fabrication equipment to high-quality standards, leveraging expert-level access to troubleshoot complex machinery issues and engage external technical support when necessary, especially in times of uncertainty in troubleshooting 
• Lead machine operation during prove-out processes and communicate results with programmers. During prove-out processes always act as an agent for open, respectful, and constructive communication.   
• Lead by example to ensure safe work practices are being used while promoting a positive, encouraging work environment in Fabrication 
• Act as an expert and a go-to individual in the fabrication technicians’ team. Help troubleshoot equipment for others, solve material handling problems, scheduling problems, and support other teammates 
• Demonstrate the ability and willingness to cross train across multiple cells (including cells at other Renewaire facilities when necessary) on multiple machines and/or fabrication equipment 
• Perform material handling of raw metal sheets and of finished product with attention to detail  
• Assist in developing and lead efforts to update equipment setup, tooling change, and process flow documentation to reflect current practices 
• Coordinate with and assist maintenance team and supervisors during planned and unplanned maintenance 
• Lead efforts to streamline workflows within facility and across facilities 
• In support of Material team, serve as primary contact for Fab part transfer and logistics issue resolution 
• Manage cell order(s) whether delivered by ERP or alternate report including error resolution 
• Serve as backup representative for any daily meetings as required 
• Process relevant forms (e.g. PPAF, IMP, Safety Communication) as required 
• Other responsibilities as assigned by management 

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position. 

Who SMC Leads are 

• Good oral and written communicators 
• Excellent at troubleshooting processes and critical thinking skills 
• Excellent coordinators – aligning work across shifts and facilitating flow through cells 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Metal Fabrication educational classes a plus  
• Requires 3-5 years of relevant fabrication experience on a combination of lasers, punches, panel benders and press brakes – other related fabrication equipment including automated equipment operation considered 
• Requires intermediate computer skills  
• Requires mathematical skills that require the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide and to read measurements in inches and feet  
• Must have the ability to read and understand engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and other manufacturing instructions 

Physical and Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee frequently is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.  

The employee must frequently lift and or move up to 30 lbs and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.  Specific vision required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.    

Must be able to understand issues, problems, and opportunities and make timely, sound decisions. Take responsibility for decisions and understand the impact and implications of decisions and provide feedback as necessary. Communicate with other employees and customers, perform an assortment of administrative tasks, and have personal management skills. Possess advanced customer service skills, the ability to develop professional relationships with customers and employees. Demonstrate attention to detail and exert high effort and focus on very busy days. Must be able to make sound decisions and remain calm under high pressure situations. Must continually identify personal knowledge and perspective gaps and self-educate.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving subassembly parts, fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Keywords:   Fabrication Lead, Sheet Metal, CNC Fabrication, Manufacturing Lead, Laser Cutting, Punch Press Operation, Communication, Teamwork, Quality Control, Blueprint Reading, Process Improvement, Team Leadership, Coaching, Collaboration, Mechanical Aptitude, Production Lead