Position Summary
The Lead Fabricator & Onsite Installer is a highly skilled fabricator responsible for leading assigned fabrication and installation projects from start to finish. Working closely with the Shop Foreman, Project Managers, and Sales team, this position helps ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and to Primo Fabrication's quality standards.
This role serves as the technical lead for assigned projects, coordinating fabrication activities, providing guidance to fellow fabricators, and leading onsite installations. While this position does not have direct supervisory responsibility, it is expected to mentor team members, promote quality workmanship, and help maintain productivity throughout each project.
When working at customer facilities, the Lead Fabricator & Onsite Installer acts as Primo Fabrication's onsite lead, coordinating installation activities, communicating directly with customers, resolving field issues, and ensuring projects are completed with minimal disruption to customer operations.
This position also supports the Shop Manager by assisting with quality control, equipment readiness, shop organization, inventory management, and project coordination, allowing the Shop Foreman to focus on production planning, estimating support, and overall shop operations.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Project Leadership
- Lead fabrication and installation projects from start to finish.
- Coordinate project workflow with the Shop Foreman and Project Managers.
- Review drawings and project requirements prior to fabrication.
- Plan fabrication sequences and installation strategies to maximize efficiency.
- Identify and communicate potential project issues before they impact schedules.
- Ensure projects are completed safely, accurately, on budget, and on schedule.
- Maintain excellent communication with office staff regarding project progress.
Fabrication
- Perform layout, fitting, fabrication, welding, assembly, and finishing of custom metal products.
- Read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, and work orders.
- Verify dimensions and quality throughout production.
- Troubleshoot fabrication challenges and recommend practical solutions.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
Onsite Installation
- Serve as the lead installer on customer job sites.
- Coordinate onsite work with customers and other contractors.
- Represent Primo Fabrication with professionalism and exceptional customer service.
- Complete installations while minimizing downtime for customer operations.
- Resolve field issues independently whenever possible and communicate concerns promptly.
- Complete all required onsite documentation accurately and submit paperwork promptly for invoicing.
Team Leadership & Communication
- Provide guidance and mentorship to shop fabricators and installers.
- Promote teamwork and maintain respectful, professional communication.
- Assist with training employees on fabrication techniques, quality standards, and safe work practices.
- Foster a positive work environment focused on accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
- Communicate clearly with customers, coworkers, vendors, and management.
Quality Control
- Inspect completed work to ensure it meets company quality standards before shipment or installation.
- Assist the Shop Foreman with quality assurance and final inspections.
- Identify quality concerns early and implement corrective actions.
Equipment & Shop Maintenance
- Coordinate routine maintenance of company vehicles, forklifts, fabrication equipment, and shop machinery.
- Maintain truck inventory, installation tools, hardware, and consumables.
- Report equipment issues and coordinate repairs as needed.
- Order shop supplies and maintain relationships with key vendors including Fastenal and Central Welding Supply.
Customer Relations & Business Development
- Serve as a professional representative of Primo Fabrication at customer facilities.
- Build strong customer relationships through communication and quality workmanship.
- Identify opportunities for additional work or improvements while onsite and communicate those opportunities to the Project Management team.
- Take measurements, photos, and field notes for future estimating and design work.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 5+ years of fabrication and welding experience.
- Experience leading fabrication or installation projects.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and fabrication drawings.
- Strong knowledge of metal fabrication processes and shop equipment.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to travel regionally for installations.
Preferred
- Experience in custom industrial fabrication.
- Forklift certification.
- OSHA safety training.
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- Leadership or supervisory experience.
Core Competencies
- Leadership
- Fabrication & Welding Expertise
- Project Coordination
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Time Management
- Problem Solving
- Organization
- Quality Control
- Decision Making
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Attention to Detail
- Safety Awareness
- Adaptability
Work Environment
This position works in both fabrication shop and customer job site environments. Employees are regularly exposed to moving machinery, welding operations, airborne particles, loud noise, varying temperatures, and outdoor weather conditions. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, lift, carry, push, pull, use hand tools, and operate fabrication equipment.
The employee must frequently lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift heavier materials with mechanical assistance. Visual acuity, depth perception, manual dexterity, and the ability to safely operate tools and equipment are required.
Position Type & Hours
This is a full-time position.
Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (47.5 hours per week).
Occasional evenings, weekends, overtime, and flexible scheduling may be required to accommodate customer shutdowns, emergency service calls, or project deadlines.
Travel
Regional travel is required for customer installations and service work.
Projects located south of Skagit County (including Island, Snohomish, King, and Pierce Counties) qualify for an additional field premium of $5.00 per hour or more, depending on project requirements.
Other Duties
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change at any time based on business needs.
Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Fabrication: 5 years (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
