Fabrication coordinators play an integral role in any development process. Their job is to oversee the staff, equipment, materials, and timeline involved in the fabrication process and ensure that everything runs according to exacting standards. Without their supervision and expertise, there is the very real risk that fabricated products would be unusable, creating cost overruns, time delays, and even safety hazards. If you are interested in working on the front lines of engineering, a career as a fabrication coordinator could be an appealing option for you.
Job Description
The specific duties required of a fabrication coordinator will depend largely in the industry in which he works. On the oil and gas industry (a major employer of fabrication coordinators) for example, these professionals coordinate the mountain of details that go into pipeline construction and maintenance. Without their supervisory oversight, contracts could lapse, materials could fail to arrive, precision construction could be compromised, and critical deadlines could be missed. It is the responsibility of the fabrication coordinator to ensure that all these complicated and interconnected elements work in concert to satisfy the requirements of the project.
Educational Requirements
In order to become a fabrication coordinator, interested parties will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering and typically a graduate degree in a more specific engineering discipline. When applying, however, experience counts as much as education. Candidates will need to prove they have a track record of successful coordination experience in order to be considered for most jobs.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that the number of opportunities for industrial production managers, a category which broadly includes fabrication coordinators, will neither rise nor fall in coming years. They forecast a -2% rate of job growth, a number which essentially suggests growth is stagnant. However, both the natural gas and oil shale industries are booming right now, with major investment projects taking place around the world. Both of these industries employ large numbers of fabrication coordinators and often have sudden and significant employment needs. There is reason to believe that the job outlook might be better than the forecasters suggest.
Current Vacancy
A company in Atlanta is currently looking for a fabrication coordinator to help deal with vendors and subcontractors that supply the equipment necessary for the production of structural steel. The ideal candidate will have a background in structural engineering, at least three years of industry-specific experience, and the ability to travel internationally. The accepted candidate will be expected to sign a long-term contract. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, click here.
The road to becoming a fabrication coordinator is a long one, but these professionals are well compensated for their expertise and often enjoy a greater variety of job opportunities/professional responsibilities than other types of engineers. If this type of work interests you, access resources to help you find and secure a job by working with the experienced staffing team at Selectek.
