HDPE Mgr, Fabrication

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main's 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.

Relocation assistance available for the right candidate

HDPE Fabrication Manager (Thermoplastic Fabrication - NonMetal)

*All applicants must have HDPE fabrication experience*

*Role is a hands-on individual contributor that will eventually lead to managing a team of 3+Fabricators*

Address: 5823 Thomas Rd

Houston, TX 77041

Base salary +Bonus

Role Summary

The HDPE Fabrication Manager leads and directly participates in the fabrication of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, fittings, and fabricated components using heat-fusion-based processes. This role is not a metal or steel fabrication position. It requires hands-on experience with HDPE thermoplastics, including butt fusion and electrofusion, and a working understanding of how HDPE behaves under heat, pressure, and environmental stress.

This is a hands-on individual contributor role with responsibility for daily fabrication execution and the future leadership of a small team (3+ HDPE Fabricators). The manager ensures fusion quality, production flow, safety, and compliance with HDPE-specific standards while coordinating closely with sales and operations.

Key Responsibilities

HDPE Fabrication & Production Leadership

• Direct and actively perform HDPE pipe and fittings fabrication, including butt fusion and electrofusion operations, ensuring all joints meet required fusion parameters and quality standards.
• Plan, schedule, and prioritize HDPE fabrication work based on fusion machine capability, material availability, and customer requirements, not metal shop workflows.
• Oversee fusion logging, visual inspections, and weld integrity verification specific to HDPE heat-fusion processes.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to HDPE fusion procedures, recognizing that HDPE is joined by heat fusion rather than welding, bolting, or adhesives.
• Train and coach team members on safe operation of fusion machines, facing tools, heaters, and handling of thermoplastics.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA and shop safety requirements, with emphasis on thermal hazards, equipment calibration, and material handling unique to HDPE.

Equipment & Materials Management

• Maintain and coordinate calibration, maintenance, and repair of HDPE fusion equipment, including fusion machines, heaters, and facing tools.
• Oversee inventory and proper storage of HDPE pipe, fittings, and consumables, understanding the material's sensitivity to contamination and surface condition.
• Monitor scrap generation and material usage, implementing process improvements to reduce waste in HDPE fabrication.

CrossFunctional Coordination

• Communicate fabrication capabilities, order status, and timelines to sales and operations teams, clearly articulating HDPE-specific limitations and requirements.
• Ensure accurate and safe loading/unloading of HDPE products, recognizing differences in weight, flexibility, and handling versus metal materials.

Required Qualifications (NonNegotiable)

• Direct, hands-on experience with HDPE fabrication and fusion processes, including butt fusion and/or electrofusion.
• Demonstrated understanding of thermoplastic behavior under heat and pressure and how it differs from steel or metal fabrication.
• Experience working in a production or fabrication environment involving HDPE pipe, fittings, or fabricated plastic components.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain HDPE fusion equipment.
• Minimum age of 18 and ability to pass preemployment assessments if applicable.

Important:

Candidates whose background is limited to steel, aluminum, or traditional metal fabrication (welding, machining, structural steel) without HDPE thermoplastic experience will not be a fit for this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior operations or fabrication management experience in an HDPE or thermoplastics environment.
• Experience training and leading small fabrication teams in HDPE fusion techniques.
• Familiarity with applications where HDPE is selected over PVC or metal due to flexibility, durability, abrasion resistance, and long service life.

Why HDPE Experience Matters in This Role

Unlike metal or PVC systems, HDPE fabrication relies on heat fusion rather than welding, mechanical fastening, or adhesives. HDPE's performance depends on proper fusion temperature, pressure, alignment, and cooling-errors that are not transferable from traditional metal fabrication methods.

This role requires professionals who already understand HDPE-specific fabrication practices, not those looking to transition from unrelated fabrication disciplines.

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.

None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.

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