Lead Blacksmith

Company Background

Heritage Metalworks is a recognized architectural metal fabrication shop with custom fabrication shop, tin and copper shop, blacksmith shop, foundry, pattern shop and finishing shop, offering hundreds of original designs and custom work.
Our company creates lighting, hardware, and custom metalwork such as gates, railings, stairs, architectural elements, restoration, and preservation for very high-end residential projects. Since 2001, trade professionals seek a partnership with our award-winning team for an expansive range of architectural metalwork to leave a lasting impression. With a focus on superior concept design, innovative project expertise, and metalwork mastery, clients experience a first-class and unmatched product every time they work with us

Job Summary

The lead blacksmith is responsible for leading the fabrication and execution of high-quality architectural metal and ornamental ironwork from concept through completion. This role combines hands-on craftsmanship with shop leadership, overseeing forging, fabrication, finishing, and coordination to ensure projects are delivered accurately, efficiently, and to the highest design and construction standards.
The selected Blacksmith serves as a technical authority within the shop, translating architectural intent into completed metalwork while mentoring team members and maintaining consistent quality across all projects. Working closely with company and project managers and designers, this position plays a critical role in upholding the company’s reputation for craftsmanship, reliability, and excellence in architectural metalwork.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate should be able to take a project from:

Drawing → Layout → Material Selection → Fabrication → Fit-Up → Welding → Finishing → Assembly with limited supervision.

We are looking for someone who:

• Can work from a drawing rather than needing every step explained.
• Understands how materials behave during fabrication.
• Notices when something is wrong before it becomes a finished-product problem.
• Takes pride in exposed and highly visible work.
• Understands that craftsmanship is more important than simply getting the job done.
• Can work independently but knows when to ask questions.
• Can teach others through demonstrated knowledge and experience.
• Is comfortable working on one-of-a-kind projects where the fabrication process may need to be developed as the project

Primary Responsibilities:
• Lead the fabrication of high-end architectural metalwork, including railings, stair systems, gates, fences, doors, canopies,
lighting elements, hardware, and custom decorative features.
• Independently interpret shop drawings, architectural drawings, specifications, and design intent to determine appropriate
fabrication methods.
• Plan fabrication sequences, determine material requirements, establish work methods, and organize projects for efficient
execution.
• Fabricate complex and highly finished architectural metalwork while maintaining exceptional standards for accuracy, fit, finish,
and craftsmanship.
• Participate in installation and provide field support when required to ensure proper fit, alignment, and execution.
Production Planning & Shop Supervision
• Assist management and coordinators with planning and managing daily workflow within the department to meet project
schedules and production deadlines.

• Supervise work and coordinate labor among blacksmiths, fabricators, apprentices, and other shop personnel as needed.
• Monitor project progress and identify potential schedule, material, or fabrication issues before they affect production.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Designers, and Engineers to resolve technical issues and develop practical fabrication

solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve fabrication methods, efficiency, and workflow without compromising craftsmanship,
structural integrity, or design intent.
Problem Solving & Technical Judgment
• Review drawings and specifications before fabrication and identify potential problems, conflicts, missing information, or
impractical details.
• Develop practical solutions when drawings, dimensions, materials, existing conditions, or field conditions create fabrication
challenges.

• Communicate potential issues to Project Managers, Designers, and Engineers before they become costly problems.
• Maintain the architect's and designer's intent while making practical fabrication adjustments when necessary.
• Make sound, independent fabrication decisions without requiring constant direction or supervision.
• Serve as a te