Material Handler / Shop Hand
Lew's Welding Service | Tyler, Texas | Full-time, on-site
About the Role
Lew's Welding Service is a job shop doing machining and fabrication. We are looking for a dependable Material Handler / Shop Hand to keep material moving and to support our welders, fitters and machinists on the shop floor. This is a hands-on role and a good starting point for someone who wants to learn the trades and grow into a skilled position.
Responsibilities
Material Handling
- Receive, unload and inspect incoming steel and other material, and check it against packing lists and purchase orders.
- Stage and store plate, tube, channel and bar stock; keep inventory organized and tagged.
- Cut material to length on saws and other equipment according to cut lists.
- Move material and parts between departments using a forklift, overhead crane, pallet jack and rigging.
- Load and secure finished work for delivery or pickup, and assist with truck loading and unloading.
Shop Support
- Grind, deburr, clean and prepare parts for welding, machining and finishing.
- Assist welders and fabricators with layout, fit-up and positioning of heavy parts.
- Perform basic assembly and tack welding as skills develop.
- Operate drills, band saws and other basic shop equipment.
- Help with painting, finishing and packaging as needed.
Safety and Housekeeping
- Follow all safety procedures and wear required PPE at all times.
- Inspect forklifts, slings, chains and hand tools before use and report defects.
- Keep work areas, aisles and storage areas clean and organized.
- Take part in safety meetings and training.
Qualifications
Required
- Able to read a tape measure accurately and do basic shop math (fractions and decimals).
- Reliable, on time and willing to work as part of a team.
- Able to follow written and verbal instructions and work safely.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Preferred
- Forklift and overhead crane experience (we will train and certify the right candidate).
- Experience in a fabrication, machining or industrial setting.
- Ability to read basic fabrication drawings.
- Rigging experience.
- Interest in learning welding, fitting or machining.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently lift and carry up to 50 lbs, and handle heavier items with proper equipment or help.
- Stand, walk, bend and climb for the full shift.
- Work in a shop environment with noise, heat and dust, and occasionally outdoors.
Growth Path
Strong performers can move into welder, fitter or machinist positions with on-the-job training.