Location: North Aurora, IL
Reports to: Vice President, Operations

Position Summary

The Fabrication & Product Training Specialist is a hands-on technical leader responsible for developing and upskilling employees across fabrication, blueprint interpretation, and product knowledge. This role supports the site's Skills Matrix and cross-training initiatives by ensuring employees are equipped to read fabrication drawings, understand product specifications, and execute high-quality assembly and fabrication work.

This position emphasizes broad fabrication capability and technical instruction over welding specialization, focusing on building workforce versatility and product understanding across Catalyst's acoustical solutions portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

1. Training & Workforce Development

Lead onboarding and technical training for fabrication, assembly, and production employeesDevelop and deliver structured training programs aligned to the company's skills matrix and certification levelsTrain employees on how to read blueprints, fabrication drawings, and work instructionsEvaluate employee competency and readiness for progression within the skills matrixPartner with supervisors to identify skill gaps and development priorities

2. Fabrication & Technical Expertise

Demonstrate hands-on fabrication techniques across product lines, including: 
Acoustical doorsWindowsSound barriersEnclosures
Provide instruction on layout, measuring, cutting, forming, and assembly processesSupport production as needed to maintain throughput, quality, and schedule adherenceTroubleshoot fabrication and assembly issues and recommend practical solutions

3. Blueprint & Drawing Interpretation

Serve as the subject matter expert on reading and interpreting: 
Engineering drawingsFabrication printsBills of materials (BOMs)
Train employees to translate drawings into accurate production outputPartner with engineering to ensure clarity and usability of shop floor documentation

4. Product Knowledge & Capability Development

Build and deliver training on product structure, components, and performance requirementsEnsure employees understand how individual tasks tie to overall product functionality and qualitySupport new product introductions through workforce readiness and training

5. Skills Matrix & Cross-Training Support

Drive site-wide cross-training initiatives to increase workforce flexibilityTrack and document employee skill progression and certification levelsPartner with HR and Operations to align skills progression with compensation frameworks

6. Quality & Continuous Improvement

Reinforce quality expectations and best practices across fabrication processesPartner with operations and quality teams to reduce defects, rework, and inefficienciesIdentify and implement process improvements on the shop floorSupport LEAN and continuous improvement initiatives

7. Safety & Compliance

Promote and model a strong safety culture within fabrication operationsEnsure compliance with OSHA and company safety standardsTrain employees on safe equipment operation and hazard awarenessParticipate in safety audits and support corrective actions

Qualifications

Education & Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required510+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing, fabrication, or assemblyDemonstrated experience working with fabrication drawings and technical specificationsPrior experience in training, coaching, or mentoring employees preferred

Technical Skills

Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and fabrication drawingsBroad fabrication knowledge (layout, forming, assembly, and finishing processes)Working knowledge of welding processes (MIG preferred), but not a primary focusUnderstanding of shop floor operations and quality standards

Leadership & Soft Skills

Proven ability to train and develop frontline employeesStrong communication skills with ability to simplify technical conceptsHands-on, practical problem solverSelf-directed and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

Work Environment

Industrial manufacturing settingHands-on role with significant time on the production floorExposure to fabrication equipment, tools, and standard shop conditions

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Catalyst Acoustics Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.