Lead Hand / Shop Supervisor – Drilling Rig Fabrication

Tailor Your Resume for this Job

About Newport Manufacturing

Newport Manufacturing & Design Ltd. is a family-owned fabrication and manufacturing company based in Calmar, Alberta. Since 2005, we’ve built a strong reputation in oilfield and drilling rig fabrication, specializing in custom metalwork, welding, and heavy equipment manufacturing.

Our team is dedicated to quality craftsmanship, safety, and reliability — values that define who we are and how we work.

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Lead Hand / Shop Supervisor to take charge of day-to-day operations in our fabrication shop. The ideal candidate has a strong background in drilling rig fabrication or heavy oilfield equipment manufacturing and thrives in a leadership role.

You’ll oversee a team of welders, fitters, and fabricators, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality. This is a great opportunity for an experienced tradesperson ready to take the next step into a leadership position.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily shop activities, including welding, fitting, and assembly work.
• Plan workloads, assign tasks, and monitor progress to meet project timelines.
• Maintain and promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Conduct quality checks to ensure work meets engineering drawings and client specifications.
• Train, mentor, and motivate shop employees to achieve high standards of performance.
• Collaborate with management, project leads, and engineering staff for scheduling and resource planning.
• Oversee shop organization, equipment maintenance, and inventory control.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented environment with a focus on accountability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in drilling rig fabrication or oilfield/heavy equipment manufacturing.
• 2+ years’ experience in a lead hand or supervisory role within a fabrication environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of welding, steel fabrication, and blueprint interpretation.
• Proven leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and productivity.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

What We Offer

• Competitive wages (based on experience).
• Health benefits after probationary period.
• Consistent Monday–Friday schedule with occasional overtime.
• Opportunity to grow within a respected, family-owned company.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on craftsmanship and teamwork.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $36.00-$42.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 – 60 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Vision care

Application question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have in drilling rig or oilfield fabrication?
• How many years of experience do you have supervising or leading a shop team?
• Are you able to reliably commute to Calmar, AB each day?
• Do you have experience reading and interpreting fabrication blueprints and drawings?
• What is your earliest available start date?

Work Location: In person