Giants of Skilled Trades: Jonathon Davis, Dynasty Fab
In Detroit, pride in American manufacturing runs deep, and Jonathon Davis is one of the skilled tradespeople driving it forward. As Quality Manager at Dynasty Fab, Davis brings precision, purpose and years of hard work to the job every day. His journey began in a small Michigan town and has led him to a mission with national impact: helping build the submarines that defend our country.
Davis’s career is one built on curiosity, grit and a commitment to quality. From watching molten metal pour into sand molds as a kid at the non-ferrous foundry his father worked at, to leading quality control for a company contributing to the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base, his path shows what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Today, Davis helps ensure every weld and assembly meets the highest standards because lives depend on it.
We had the opportunity to chat with Davis about his background, career milestones and what advice he has for those considering a future in the skilled trades.
How did working in your father’s foundry influence your passion for welding and metalwork?
At a young age I would go to work with my father on the weekends because I liked watching how the molten metal flowed so effortlessly. Watching the process start from an ingot being melted down to pulling a finished product out of the sand gave me the mind set you can make anything you want out of metal.
What does a quality manager do for a manufacturing company? Why are they so important?
The Quality Manager ensures that our products meet or exceed our customers' quality standards. This is achieved by identifying issues and creating and implementing quality control procedures, while continually overseeing the manufacturing process. Quality is important to maintain high standards and cost efficiency.
Can you describe a defining moment in your career when you realized you wanted to pursue quality management?
After I obtained my Certified Weld Inspector certificate, I realized quality was more than just making a product look good. Following a specific procedure and adhering to critical specifications became a goal for me.
What was the most challenging and exciting part of obtaining your Certified Weld Inspector certification?
For me, it was actually setting aside the time to take the required testing. The time constraints put on the testing and the waiting period to see if you passed builds a little tension, but the letter coming in the mail with your scores and seeing the word "congratulations" made it worth it.
What are your biggest accomplishments since working at Dynasty Fab?
Helping set up and implementing documentation for our Quality Management System and improving overall performance from the welding team.
What does it mean to you to work in the defense industry and contribute to something as critical as submarine manufacturing?
The defense industry is a critical part of American infrastructure. Knowing that I can work for a company like Dynasty Fab and help make a difference for our troops and country is comforting.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in skilled trades who wants to follow a path similar to yours?
Define goals that align with you and your family's ideology. Gain the necessary experience and create professional relationships with people who are or have been where you want to be. Mistakes are inevitable but giving up is not an option.
What quality makes a great skilled tradesperson?
Attention to detail, personable communication, and the knowledge of your tools and skills.
Thousands of careers are available right now in the Opportunities section of BuildSubmarines.com. You can also visit the Training section if you are looking to gain the skills for a skilled trades career.
Written by:
Taylor Massey, BlueForge Alliance
(Photos from Dynasty Fab)
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