Lead Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Framer

Company: D.R. Horton, Inc.

Location: Rochester Hills, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Construction & Trades

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for executing advanced residential framing tasks and providing technical leadership to framing crews.

• Responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and efficiency of framing operations on construction sites.

• Acts as a key liaison between framing crews and the Framing Foreman, facilitating clear communication and task coordination.

• Requires hands-on expertise in residential wood-frame construction and the ability to interpret complex construction documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a technical lead within a framing crew, implying a strong emphasis on practical skills, mentorship, and adherence to D.R. Horton's construction standards. The "Lead Framer" title suggests a step up from a standard Framer, with increased responsibility for guiding others and ensuring project quality.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute advanced residential framing, including the precise layout and construction of walls, floors, roofs, and openings.

• Interpret construction drawings, specifications, dimensions, and framing layouts to ensure accurate and compliant construction.

• Provide direct technical instruction and hands-on guidance to Framers and Apprentice Framers on framing methods, tool usage, quality standards, and safety protocols.

• Assist the Framing Foreman by organizing daily work assignments, sequencing activities, and communicating production priorities to the crew.

• Verify the accuracy of measurements, alignment, plumb, level, fastening, and installation of all framing components prior to subsequent construction phases.

• Proactively identify and report framing discrepancies, material issues, or construction concerns to the Framing Foreman for timely resolution.

• Consistently follow and enforce company safety procedures, jobsite requirements, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Maintain all tools, equipment, materials, and work areas in a safe, organized, and productive condition.

• Support material inventory management, staging, and preparation for upcoming framing activities to ensure smooth workflow.

• Assist with quality inspections and punch-list corrections to ensure the completion of framing work to D.R. Horton's standards.

• Conduct all business activities in a professional and ethical manner, contributing to customer satisfaction and company profitability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct labor, technical guidance, and operational support. The emphasis on interpreting drawings, verifying measurements, and identifying discrepancies points to a role requiring meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of construction principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Experience: Four or more years of dedicated residential framing or carpentry experience.

Required Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of residential wood-frame construction methods and framing techniques.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting residential construction drawings, layouts, dimensions, and specifications.

• Demonstrated ability to operate framing hand tools, power tools, and applicable construction equipment safely and effectively.

• Physical capability to perform all aspects of residential framing, including standing, walking, climbing, bending, lifting, carrying, reaching, and working at heights and in varying weather conditions.

• Strong understanding of common sense to follow written and oral instructions and apply them to DRH applications.

• Ability to work overtime as needed to meet project deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• OSHA 10 certification.

• Previous experience providing day-to-day direction or technical guidance to a residential framing crew.

• Experience in production residential homebuilding environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "advanced knowledge" and "four or more years of experience" indicates this is not an entry-level position. The preferred qualifications suggest that candidates with prior leadership or supervisory experience within framing will have a distinct advantage. The physical demands are clearly outlined, which is crucial for candidates to assess their suitability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio may not be required, candidates are encouraged to be prepared to discuss specific projects they have worked on, highlighting their framing contributions and leadership.

• Be ready to describe your approach to interpreting construction drawings and ensuring accuracy in layout and installation.

• Prepare to detail instances where you identified and resolved framing discrepancies or quality issues.

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety protocols and how you enforce them on-site. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of standard framing workflows, from initial layout to final inspection.

• Discuss experience with material staging, inventory management, and efficient sequencing of framing tasks.

• Articulate how you ensure quality control throughout the framing process, including verification of plumb, level, and fastening.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a hands-on role like Lead Framer, a traditional "portfolio" is less common. The focus will be on interview discussion and potentially practical demonstrations or scenario-based questions related to framing processes and problem-solving. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical knowledge and experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for a Lead Framer in Rochester Hills, Michigan, based on industry standards for a mid-level position with 4+ years of experience, is approximately $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This range can vary based on specific experience, skills, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Personal Time)

• Company Holidays Working Hours:

This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week, with the expectation of potential overtime as project demands require.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general construction industry data for a lead trade position in the specified region. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting D.R. Horton's commitment to its employees as a Fortune 500 company. The inclusion of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan is a notable benefit for long-term employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Residential Homebuilding. D.R. Horton is the largest homebuilder in the United States, operating across numerous markets. This scale provides stability and opportunities for growth, but also implies a need for standardized processes and high-volume production.

Company Size: Large (Fortune 500 company). This means established corporate structures, potentially more formal processes, and a wide range of resources and support systems.

Founded: 1978. With decades of experience, D.R. Horton has a well-established reputation and deep understanding of the homebuilding market.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Framer will be part of a dedicated framing crew, likely comprising multiple Framers and Apprentice Framers.

• This individual will report directly to the Framing Foreman, who oversees the overall framing operations for specific construction sites or projects.

• Close collaboration with other site supervisors, superintendents, and potentially subcontractors is expected to ensure seamless project progression. Methodology:

• Emphasis on production-driven construction, focusing on efficiency and volume while maintaining quality standards.

• Adherence to established construction methods and D.R. Horton's specific building codes and specifications.

• Strong focus on safety protocols and compliance with OSHA regulations.

• Data-driven decision-making is likely applied at the project management level, with crews expected to execute plans efficiently.

Company Website: www.drhorton.com

📝 Enhancement Note: D.R. Horton's status as the largest homebuilder suggests a culture that values efficiency, standardization, and scale. The "We Build People Too" slogan indicates a focus on employee development and career growth, which is a positive sign for candidates seeking long-term opportunities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level/Lead. This role is a step above an entry-level Framer, requiring significant experience and the ability to guide less experienced team members. It signifies a progression in responsibility and technical expertise within the framing trade.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Framing Foreman. This establishes a clear line of management and support. The Lead Framer's role is to support the Foreman in managing the crew and site operations.

Operations Impact: The framing crew's efficiency and quality directly impact project timelines, construction costs, and the overall structural integrity of the homes. As a Lead Framer, you play a crucial role in ensuring these factors are met, contributing significantly to the company's ability to deliver homes on schedule and within budget.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Framing Foreman: With proven leadership, technical skill, and effective crew management, the natural next step is to become a Framing Foreman.

• Specialized Training: Opportunities may arise for specialized training in advanced framing techniques, new materials, or safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 30).

• Cross-functional Roles: Potential to move into other construction management roles within D.R. Horton, depending on interest and aptitude, such as Assistant Superintendent or site supervisor roles.

• Mentorship: Develop strong mentoring skills by guiding apprentice framers, which is a valuable asset for future leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Lead Framer at a large organization like D.R. Horton is typically within the construction trades. The emphasis is on vertical growth within the framing discipline or related site management roles. The company's size suggests structured training programs and clear promotion pathways.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily on-site at active residential construction sites. This is a field-based role with minimal office work.

Office Location(s): Rochester Hills, Michigan, and surrounding areas where D.R. Horton is building. Specific job sites will vary.

Workspace Context:

• Work will occur in various weather conditions, on uneven terrain, and at heights.

• The environment will involve typical construction site noise, dust, and the presence of heavy equipment and materials.

• Collaboration will be frequent and direct with framing crew members and the Framing Foreman.

• Access to necessary tools, equipment, and materials will be provided, but maintaining personal tools may also be expected. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) are expected, with the flexibility to work overtime as required by project schedules and deadlines.

• Early morning starts are typical for construction roles to maximize daylight hours and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a physically demanding, outdoor role. Candidates must be comfortable with the inherent risks and challenges of a construction site environment, including exposure to elements and the need for constant vigilance regarding safety.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• **Initial