Lead Fabricator in Bristol

Framatome is an international leader in nuclear energy recognised for its innovative, digital and value-added solutions for the global nuclear fleet. With worldwide expertise and a proven track record for reliability and performance, the company designs, services and installs components, fuel, and instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants. Its more than 20,000 employees work every day to help Framatome's customers supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical low-carbon energy.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our department/team here at Framatome UK! We are currently seeking a Lead Fabricator to join our team in Avonmouth to support with the safe and effective delivery of manufacturing scopes of work through high-integrity fabrication/welding and associated workshop activities, while providing day-to-day technical guidance, coordination and support to Fabricators and wider workshop personnel to ensure business needs, quality standards and production objectives are achieved.

What will you be doing?

• Support the coordination of daily fabrication activities in line with workshop schedules and production priorities as directed by the Supervisor / Management for the assigned fabrication team.
• Technically support Fabricators within own team in relation to welding methods, sequencing, workmanship standards and high welding standard practice.
• Carry out fabrication of high-integrity Stainless Steel fabrications within the nuclear sector in accordance with specifications, drawings and acceptance criteria as stated in ISO 5817.
• Promote and maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures and complying with legal and site-specific regulations.
• Attend and actively contribute to Daily Activity Briefs, ensuring daily risks, priorities, constraints and activities are clearly understood by the fabrication team.
• Monitor fabrication activities on the shop floor to ensure compliance with approved procedures, quality requirements and traceability controls.
• Provide practical support in the continuous development and improvement of fabrication and welding processes, procedures and workshop practices.
• Review fabrication performance, identify trends and drive improvements in quality, productivity, standardisation and right-first-time delivery.
• Assist with the training, mentoring and development of welders, including sharing best practice and supporting skill progression.
• Support the resolution of fabrication-related issues, including identifying defects, contributing to root cause discussions and helping implement corrective actions.
• Provide input into internal NCRs, observations, quality investigations and improvement actions when requested.
• Work closely with other workshop staff including Fabricators, General Operatives, Storeman, Welding Inspectors, Quality personnel and Production leadership to ensure efficient workflow and effective communication.
• Support the maintenance of high housekeeping standards and contribute to 5S / Lean initiatives within the workshop.
• Escalate safety, quality, technical or delivery concerns promptly to the Supervisor / Manager.
• Champion high standards of housekeeping, 5S and Lean culture across fabrication areas.

What are we looking for?

• Extensive proven knowledge and experience in fabrication of Stainless Steel and, where applicable, Carbon Steel components and assemblies within a regulated or high-specification environment (essential).
• Level 3 NVQ or equivalent (essential).
• Strong technical authority in fabrication methods, fit-up standards, dimensional control, material preparation and workmanship expectations.
• Demonstrate experience in reading, understanding and interpreting engineering drawings, weld maps, specifications and manufacturing documentation.
• Significant experience of working to controlled processes, procedures and specifications, ideally within nuclear, defence, aerospace, pressure systems or similarly regulated sectors.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance and nuclear safety culture.
• Proven ability to lead, coordinate and develop fabrication personnel in a workshop/manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across production, quality and engineering functions.
• Experience supporting non-conformance investigations, quality improvement and root cause analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong focus on quality, traceability, dimensional accuracy and documentation accuracy.
• Proactive, organised and capable of balancing hands-on technical involvement with leadership responsibilities.
• Logical thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Relevant fabrication, inspection or supervisory qualifications would be advantageous.

Key Outputs:

• Ensure fabrication activities are completed safely, efficiently and in accordance with workshop schedule and production requirements.
• Ensure fabrication workmanship consistently meets Framatome Ltd standards and client/customer acceptance criteria.
• Provide day-to-day fabrication support and guidance provided to the workshop team to promote right-first-time manufacture.
• Ensure material traceability maintained throughout manufacturing processes.
• Ensure workshop documentation assigned to own fabrication team is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Timely identification and communication of fabrication-related risks, defects, non-conformances and improvement opportunities.

Salary: £26.23 per hour

Benefits we offer:

• 25 days annual leave per year rising by 1 day for every 2 years worked (max 30 days) + Bank Holidays
• 8% employer pension contribution with employee 1% contribution (salary sacrifice)
• Employee assistance programme (EAP)
• Individual and family private health care
• Dental insurance – individual cover
• Cashplan – Level 2 cover - individual and family cover
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Income Protection
• Professional Body Membership
• Tusker Electric car scheme (salary sacrifice)
• Cycle to Work scheme (salary sacrifice)
• Generous family leave

Job location: United Kingdom, Bristol

Job location (site): Avonmouth