Expert Metal Fabricator / Welding Department Manager Lacey, WA Compensation: $85,000 – $100,000 annually (DOE) + full benefits Precision. Leadership. Custom Fabrication at Its Best. I-5 Design Build is a nationally recognized leader in the creation of high-impact, custom-built environments for premier casinos and hospitality venues. We are seeking an expert metal fabricator with a strong welding background and proven leadership skills to manage our specialty welding department. This role combines hands-on custom fabrication with departmental oversight. You’ll be responsible for building complex components primarily from aluminum, with additional work in copper, brass, and stainless steel. You’ll lead a team committed to excellence, and you’ll play an important role in mentoring and developing welders to meet I-5’s high standards for quality and finish. Key Responsibilities • Lead day-to-day operations in the metal welding and fabrication department • Perform and oversee high-end MIG and TIG welding on aluminum (approx. 85% pulse-synergic MIG / 15% TIG) • Fabricate architectural and structural components in aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel • Interpret detailed shop drawings to ensure dimensional accuracy and clean execution • Maintain consistent quality and craftsmanship across a range of custom projects • Train and mentor welders to develop skillsets, support team growth, and uphold department standards • Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and shop leads to align with project goals What You Bring • 5+ years of experience welding aluminum with MIG (pulse-synergic) and TIG in a custom fabrication setting • Working knowledge and fabrication experience with copper, brass, and stainless steel • Strong layout and fit-up skills with an emphasis on clean, precise workmanship • Experience leading or supervising welders or fabrication teams • Commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement • Excellent communication and a collaborative, team-focused mindset What We Offer • Competitive salary: $85,000 – $100,000/year DOE • Full benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) • Paid vacation and holidays • A clean, well-equipped fabrication environment • A team culture that values accountability, mentorship, and exceptional craftsmanship Ready to Build with Excellence? If you're a skilled metal fabricator with leadership experience and a passion for precision, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to join I-5 Design Build—where design, craftsmanship, and execution come together to create extraordinary environments. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year Benefits: • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Life insurance • Paid time off • Vision insurance Application Question(s): • Record a short, 30-second video telling us why we should hire you: https://forms.gle/EUdJrBp3sWKtFhyS8 Experience: • welding: 5 years (Required) Ability to Commute: • Lacey, WA 98516 (Required) Work Location: In person
See More Details >>Becoming a welder in Lacey, WA typically starts with a technical school program or apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about 6 to 18 months, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 402,333 welders nationwide, with approximately 9,463 active job openings at any given time. The American Welding Society projects a 2-3% job growth in the welding sector from 2025 to 2029. Apprentices earn an average of $1,303.50 per week in Lacey, WA, with an annual overtime average of $4,629.60. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $45,190 annually for experienced professionals.
