Machine & Fabrication Welder, Lead

Position Description

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.

Responsibilities Include:

• Determine workflow: plan and schedule work assignments to ensure optimum utilization of resources and achievement of priority work within guidelines established
• operation of CNC and manual lathes and milling machines, drill presses, presses, planers, shapers, saws, lathes, gas and electric welding machines, plasma cutter, torches, sheet metal breaks, shears, rolls, punches, grinders, and other various hand and power tools in the construction and repair of various parts, tools, fixtures, machinery, vehicles and equipment
• Machine and weld a variety of 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, machinery, 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 in the manufacture of tools, jigs, fixtures, patterns, machine parts, values, weldments and castings in connection with the maintenance, repair and manufacture of such equipment and facilities
• Nurture a culture that supports a safe, organized and efficient shop working environment
• Prepare and maintain a variety of simple job records including material and labor quotes/bids, material certifications, sketches, redlines, calculations and reports related to daily shop activities
• Procure materials required to meet machine and weld shop assigned tasks
• Perform related duties as assigned

Qualifications

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 (i.e. machine tool technology program) or military training, may substitute for apprenticeship requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Note:

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

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Washington State Driver’s License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter

First aid card with CPR by end of probationary period

Knowledge & Skills

KNOWLEDGE:

• 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

SKILLS:

• Operate and maintain various tools, machinery and equipment utilized in the Machinist trade
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• 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
• Preparation of material/labor cost estimates
• Proactive shop organization skills
• Operate motor vehicles

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Alissa McLain, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The 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.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 170,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Apply
All interested individuals must apply online that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental question responses reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts as part of the civil service examination. Applicants who pass the examination will be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

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.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or neogov.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

Should you have any questions about this position please call Human Resources at (253) 591-5400 before 5pm on the closing date.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 3/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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