Tekla Software Administrator

The Tekla Administrator is responsible for the daily administration, configuration, and continuous improvement of Harbor Fab’s Tekla-based systems, including Tekla Structures and Tekla EPM. This role ensures that Tekla supports a fully integrated workflow across estimating, detailing, fabrication, and shipping functions.

The position plays a critical role in enabling Harbor Fab’s closed-loop operating system (Estimate Execute Improve) by ensuring system integrity, data consistency, and alignment between estimating outputs and actual shop performance. The Tekla Administrator serves as a system integrator and enabler, supporting estimating, operations, and data governance functions while driving automation, reporting, and process standardization across all facilities.

Primary Responsibilities

• System Administration and Maintenance

• Maintain and administer Tekla Structures and Tekla EPM environments across all Harbor Fab locations
• Manage system updates, configurations, and performance to ensure reliability and scalability
• Troubleshoot and resolve Tekla-related issues and user challenges
• Ensure standard steel shapes, material databases, and pricing structures are accurate and up to date
• Import and validate complete project packages including drawings, CNC files, BOMs, KSS, and ship mark lists

• Workflow Integration (Estimate to Fabrication to Shipment)

• Ensure seamless data flow between estimating, detailing, fabrication, and shipping
• Support integration of Tekla with CNC equipment and downstream systems
• Validate model integrity and accuracy of production files including NC1 and BOMs
• Reduce manual data entry through system optimization and automation

• Labor Calibration Loop (Phase II Alignment)

• Support Harbor Fab’s labor calibration loop: Estimate, Execute, Actual, Adjust
• Develop reporting and dashboards to track labor variance by product type and operation
• Provide visibility into estimated versus actual performance
• Track throughput metrics such as MH per ton and LF per ton
• Enable continuous improvement efforts through accurate, system-driven data

• Estimating and Parametric Assembly Support

• Support estimating team in maintaining clean, standardized estimating data
• Assist in implementation and consistency of production code structures
• Support development and maintenance of parametric assembly frameworks
• Ensure assemblies align with real fabrication methods
• Assist in Tekla EPM Go rollout and estimating system improvements

• Operations Alignment and Validation Support

• Support operations team in validating labor expectations by operation and product type
• Ensure production codes align with actual shop processes
• Assist in validating parametric assemblies against real fabrication workflows
• Support identification of gaps between estimated and actual execution
• Support shop feedback loop including actual labor tracking

• Reporting, Dashboards, and Operational Visibility

• Develop customized reports and dashboards for Director of Fabrication, Plant Managers, Project Managers, and Estimators
• Track key operational metrics including labor productivity, throughput, backlog, and on-time shipping
• Support backlog burn-down and production planning visibility

• Training, Adoption, and Playbook Execution

• Lead Tekla onboarding for new employees
• Support development and rollout of Tekla training programs
• Execute and sustain the Tekla Playbook across all Harbor Fab locations
• Conduct user competency assessments and promote standardized workflows

• Automation and System Development

• Build and maintain templates, plugins, and macros to automate repetitive tasks
• Reduce manual data entry and improve workflow efficiency
• Support real-time data flow between estimating, detailing, fabrication, and shipping
• Assist in TAKT time analysis, backlog tracking, and labor forecasting through Tekla EPM

• Data Governance Support

• Support data governance processes under direction of designated ownership
• Maintain discipline in data imports including IFC and PFXT and system standards
• Ensure consistency in shapes, grades, sizes, and system structures

Role Alignment and Boundaries

• This role does not own estimating accuracy or operational execution
• This role enables both functions by ensuring Tekla systems, data, and workflows are aligned
• Works in coordination with estimating, operations, and data governance, * Supports achievement of less than 1 percent estimating variance through system alignment
• Accurate labor tracking and reporting by operation and product type
• Improved alignment between estimating and fabrication execution
• Increased adoption and consistency of Tekla workflows across all facilities
• Reduction in manual processes and data inconsistencies
• Improved visibility into operational performance and throughput

• Strong experience with Tekla Structures and or Tekla EPM
• Understanding of structural steel fabrication processes and workflows
• Ability to read design, fabrication, and erection drawings
• Experience with production tracking, labor analysis, and reporting systems
• Familiarity with parametric modeling, automation tools, and system integration
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently