Structural Fabricator / Welder

About Us

Global Metal Works & Erectors (GMWE) is a structural steel fabrication and erection company in Tacoma, WA. We are a small, close-knit shop, and that is on purpose. Everyone on the floor is known by name, your work is seen, and your ideas are heard.

We are growing our structural bay and looking for a fabricator / welder who wants more ownership of their work than a big shop allows.

The Role

As a Structural Fabricator / Welder, you will build structural steel members and assemblies from shop drawings, working independently in our structural bay with the support of a small, experienced crew.

What you'll do

• Read and interpret shop drawings, weld symbols, and fabrication details
• Lay out, torch, fit, and tack beams, columns, braces, plates, and miscellaneous steel
• Weld structural connections using FCAW and/or SMAW to drawing and code requirements
• Verify dimensions, squareness, and fit-up before and after welding
• Handle and move material safely with overhead cranes, forklifts, and rigging
• Keep your work area safe and clean, and flag material or drawing issues early
• Work with the foremen to hit schedule and quality targets

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 3 years of direct structural fabrication and welding experience
• AWS D1.1 structural welding certification
• Ability to read shop drawings and welding symbols
• Proficiency with fit-up, layout, and measuring tools
• Comfortable with cranes, rigging, and safe material handling
• Commitment to safe work practices and quality workmanship
• Reliable, self-directed, and able to work well without close supervision

Preferred

• Experience with plate, built-up members, and miscellaneous steel
• Familiarity with AISC standards and shop QC / inspection processes
• Experience building stairs and working with angles
• Developing unique tooling for processing of work

Physical requirements

• Able to work in a shop environment with welding fumes, noise, and heat, using required PPE
• Able to deal with occasional tight time lines.

Why Work Here

• A small but highly effective team. The structural shop is a tight crew that achieves outsized results.
• Independent and team work. A wide array of projects pass through the shop and will offer opportunities for processing as a team, while others require independent work.
• Autonomy in how the work gets done. Opportunities for input to improve processes.
• Safety first. Focus on achieving and maintaining a safe work environment for self and team members.

Compensation and benefits

• Pay: $28.00 to $40.00 per hour, based on experience and certifications
• 401-k employer match contribution.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage available, with the company paying a portion of the premium
• Standard work hours: 6AM - 2:30PM with opportunities for overtime
• Location: 1144 Thorne Rd, Tacoma, WA

GMWE is an equal opportunity employer.