Sheet Metal Fabricator

Express Employment Professionals; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals is seeking a Sheet Metal Fabricator in Kent, WA. This full-time role involves operating fabrication machinery to shape and alter sheet metal according to specifications. Candidates should possess a high school diploma or GED and ideally have experience in manufacturing.

The position requires proficiency in reading blueprints and using precision measuring tools. The work environment is shop-based with specific safety and physical demands. Interested individuals should be prepared for a dynamic manufacturing atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience in a production or manufacturing role requiring hand tools and material-handling equipment.
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications is essential.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools like micrometers and calipers.

Responsibilities

• Operate sheet metal fabrication machinery.
• Perform machine setups and adjustments based on project requirements.
• Measure and inspect completed workpieces for conformity.

Skills

Reading blueprints

Using precision measuring instruments

Operating fabrication machinery

Using powered hand tools

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

CNC equipment

Grinders

Saws

Job description

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Full Time • Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM • Kent, WA

Sheet Metal Fabricators are responsible for the setup, operation and adjustment of fabrication machines such as saws, shears, punch presses, press brakes, grinders, and CNC equipment (turret punch, router, lasers) to shape and alter sheet metal according to customer specifications.

Essential Functions

• Operate saws, shears, and CNC sheet metal fabrication machinery to cut, shear, punch, bend, or straighten sheet metal or other parts.
• Perform machine setups and adjustments based on program directives using shims, blocks, supports, and fixtures for proper alignment.
• Determine project requirements (materials, cutting lines, dimensions, tolerances) using blueprints, drawings, work orders, or verbal instructions.
• Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on material with precision instruments.
• Measure and inspect completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow directions consistently and accept responsibility for actions and work product.
• Comply with manufacturing processes, work procedures, and supervisor instructions.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and procedures, proactively identifying hazards and collaborating with leadership to minimize risks.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.
• Ensure regular on‑site attendance.
• Level II operators may provide training to Level I operators.

Required Education and Work Experience

• High School diploma or GED equivalent (required).
• Minimum of one year experience in a production or manufacturing role requiring hand tools and material‑handling equipment (preferred). Recent vocational training in a metal‑working or related technical role may be considered in lieu of work experience.
• Higher levels of experience required for placement at Level II.

Other Required Skills and Abilities

• Experience reading and accurately interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, work orders, and customer specifications.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
• Experience using powered electric and/or pneumatic hand tools (e.g., grinders or sanders) is preferred.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience is preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly stand and walk throughout the facility; stand for long periods.
• Regularly lift, carry short distances, and push/pull up to 50–75 pounds with peer assistance or lifting equipment.
• Occasionally reach overhead, out or down, bend, crawl, stoop, squat, or kneel.
• Frequently use hands/fingers to manually inspect parts and operate tools and material‑handling controls.
• Visual acuity required to interpret readings on gauges and measuring devices.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing shop environment with variable conditions.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (occasionally).
• Hazardous equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and machine tools present continuously.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including hearing protection, eye and hand protection, and safety footwear is required.
• Position is safety‑sensitive.
• Must meet ITAR compliance; qualified candidates must be a U.S. Person (citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected person).

Location

Kent, WA