Signage Fabrication Coordinator - Metrolinx

Role Overview

Metrolinx is dedicated to connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, operating vital transit services like GO Transit and UP Express, and building new rapid transit infrastructure. For those seeking Metrolinx jobs or Metrolinx careers, this agency of the Government of Ontario offers impactful opportunities to contribute to regional development.

The Signage Fabrication Coordinator position is an in-office role based at our Middlefield location, crucial for ensuring clear and consistent visual communication across all corporate operations. This collaborative role supports customer experience by coordinating the efficient fabrication and production of all corporate signage requirements, graphic displays, and visual communication devices in a safe, timely, consistent, and cost-effective manner. You will also be responsible for maintaining a safe shop environment and managing materials and sign stock inventory.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a skilled individual with a strong background in signage production and fabrication to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of technical expertise, practical experience, and a commitment to safety and quality in the creation of visual communication solutions. You should have a thorough understanding of digital production workflows and the mechanics of various materials.

Candidates should have knowledge of machine shop, woodworking, and graphic production principles and practices, typically gained through a related 2-year college diploma, with experience in digital and pre-press production systems, mechanics of materials, and blueprint interpretation, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a sign or metal fabrication shop environment is required, with particular emphasis on fabrication and application techniques, including CAD/CAM. Extensive knowledge in the properties and applications of various materials such as plastics, vinyls, metals, and wood products is essential. Proficiency in the use of various shop tools like saws, grinders, drill and punch presses, welders, and sanders is also a must.

You should possess good working knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication fundamentals and techniques, along with the materials used in the production of signage and graphics products. Good knowledge of signage installation and mounting methods, including industry-standard modular systems, is also important. Familiarity with procurement and materials management, including cost control, scheduling, standards, specifications, corporate policies, procedures, and applicable contract legislation, is beneficial. Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, printer RIP software, CAM control software) and related corporate computer applications is essential. Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills, analytical abilities, and good written and oral communication skills are required, along with the ability to work independently.

• Must have a valid Ontario Class “G” driver's licence and meet corporate standards for a good driving record.
• Must be able to obtain the GO Transit Operator’s Permit.
• Must have detailed working knowledge of WHMIS and Health and Safety Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Fabricates and produces finished signs, graphics, and visual communication products in-house to support customer experience, using hand tools, power tools, computer-controlled equipment, and substrates/materials inventory.
• Coordinates the production (i.e. procurement and administration) of signage through privately owned sign manufacturing companies and/or contractors.
• Designs and fabricates finished custom signage products from a variety of materials to suit enterprise needs.
• Develops, recommends, and revises signage design standards and procedures pertaining to sign-making design software, related peripherals, equipment, and materials.
• Prepares respective project requirements and deliverables for distribution, as designed and specified by Signage Design Coordinators and/or as established by corporate sign design standards.
• Fabricates and produces finished products to meet visual communication requirements in corporate rail and bus commuter facilities, plant, and maintenance facilities. Ensures compliance with the GO Transit Sign Implementation Manual and Metrolinx’s DS-03 Wayfinding Design Standard, and internal user group requirements through the production stage.
• Prepares tender document specifications for signage fabrication contracts for submission to Procurement and Contract Services for tendering. Assists Procurement and Contract Services during tendering by providing direction to sign manufacturers on questions arising. Evaluates bids and recommends for approval the award of contracts.
• Investigates external signage production costs, as/when required, to ease workload demands (i.e. mass production requirements), and meets various commitments/project schedules. Prepares respective fabrication drawings and details to suit.
• Facilitates procurement via corporate VISA card or requisition/purchase order and prepares related tender specifications, for the acquisition of signs, decals, graphic displays, visual communication devices, and custom products, as well as tools, supplies, and equipment. Provides technical support throughout the procurement process.
• Monitors the receipt of products and related expenditures (i.e. invoices), and the redistribution of goods to internal customers (various GO Transit divisions and stakeholders).
• Liaises with internal departments regarding technical aspects and/or project deadlines.
• Designs and fabricates templates, jigs, and fixtures as required to optimize production processes.
• Ensures that an adequate inventory of supplies, materials, hardware, and finished stock items, e.g., traffic signs, are available at all times.
• Ensures that all shop tools, machines, and computer-controlled equipment are in good working condition and safe for daily use.
• Defines, researches, and develops recommendations towards the GO Transit Sign Implementation Manual and Metrolinx’s DS-03 Wayfinding Design Standard and manufacturing procedures, as well as improvements to corporate signage infrastructure.
• Maintains timely communication with Signage Design Coordinators regarding custom sign fabrication and/or stock signage requirements for upcoming projects.
• Performs modifications and repairs to existing equipment and devices; coordination of same through external companies, when/as required.
• Operates and maintains digital production equipment (e.g., vinyl cutter, aqueous printers, UV printers, and router table).
• Operates and maintains workshop and related equipment, including hand and power tools.
• Ensures that adequate inventory levels pertaining to substrates, production/installation materials, and standard sign stock inventory are maintained in compliance with established corporate signage design standards, capital, and operating programs.
• Prepares, maintains, and upkeeps technical and production drawings and specifications utilized in the procurement and/or tender and fabrication processes.
• Provides technical advice and guidance to staff, when/as required.
• Installs and/or applies graphics on site as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.