Machine & Fabrication Welder, Lead

Tacoma Public Utilities has an opportunity for an experienced Machinist & Fabrication Welder Lead to join their team. This position supports Tacoma Power, Water and Rail by performing skilled work in the fabrication, installation, maintenance and repair of a wide variety of instruments and mechanical equipment; serves as a lead, providing work direction, training and mentorship to journey‑level machinists, fabrication welders and other staff.

• Determine workflow: plan and schedule work assignments to ensure optimum utilization of resources and achievement of priority work within guidelines established.
• Operate CNC and manual lathes, milling machines, drill presses, presses, planers, shapers, saws, gas and electric welding machines, plasma cutter, torches, sheet metal breakers, shears, rolls, punches, grinders, and other hand and power tools in the construction and repair of parts, tools, fixtures, machinery, vehicles and equipment.
• Machine and weld various grades of metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass and cast iron.
• Dismantle, repair, and assemble machines and equipment such as pumps, generators, turbines, valves, air compressors, rollers, hydraulics.
• Fabricate bushings, pins, shafts, transformer parts, and small parts; determine and select appropriate materials and fabrication processes.
• Design, program and operate Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) interfaces for various machines.
• Oversee and execute the manufacture of tools, jigs, fixtures, patterns, machine parts, weldments and castings in connection with maintenance, repair and fabrication of equipment and facilities.
• Nurture a culture that supports a safe, organized and efficient shop working environment.
• Prepare and maintain simple job records including material and labor quotes, material certifications, sketches, redlines, calculations and reports related to daily shop activities.
• Procure materials required to meet machine and weld shop tasks.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Completion of a recognized 4‑year machinist apprenticeship and 3 years of experience as a full‑time, journey‑level machinist performing duties with primary responsibility in maintenance/repair and machine tool operations, including six (6) months of experience in the operation of fabrication welding shop equipment; OR completion of a recognized 3‑year fabrication welding apprenticeship and 4 years of experience as a full‑time, journey‑level fabrication welder, including six (6) months of experience in operation of CNC and manual machine shop equipment.

* Trade‑related training, such as a certificate program (e.g., machine tool technology program) or military training, may substitute for apprenticeship requirement on a year‑for‑year basis.

Note: Experience solely as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist, Numerical Control (NC) Machinist or Machine Operator (without Manual Machinist experience) will not be considered as qualifying.

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
• First aid card with CPR by end of probationary period.

• Tools, materials, methods, and standard practices of both the Machinist and fabrication welding trades.
• Strength, weight, resistance, tolerance and other properties of various metals and materials.
• Record‑keeping techniques.
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.
• Occupational health and safety precautions/regulations of the trades.
• Technical aspects of field of specialty.
• Proficient use of computers and standard computer software.

• Operate and maintain various tools, machinery and equipment utilized in the Machinist trade.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Assigning and inspecting the work of others.
• Interpret and work from complex blueprints, shop drawings and sketches for fabrication and assembly of components/parts.
• Lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Prepare material/labor cost estimates.
• Proactive shop organization skills.
• Operate motor vehicles.

City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Appointment is subject to passing a background check and will include a pre‑employment medical examination and drug screen. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 160. New employees must successfully complete a nine‑month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.