Shop Lead

Miles Sand & Gravel Company; Burlington (WA); On-site; USD 42,705 - 59,236; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

Wellness program

Employee Assistance (EAP)

HSA & HRA

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick Leave

Retirement Plan (Profit Sharing + 401k

Employee Referral Bonus

Job summary

Miles Sand & Gravel Company is seeking an experienced Shop Lead to oversee the welding and fabrication shop. You will lead daily operations while actively performing welding, fabrication, repairs, and maintenance with the team in a safe, organized environment.

The role requires 5+ years in welding/fabrication, leadership experience, blueprint interpretation, and a strong safety focus in an industrial setting. Competitive hourly pay and benefits offered in Washington state.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of welding and fabrication experience in an industrial/heavy equipment environment.
• Experience leading or supervising shop personnel.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings and mechanical plans.
• Strong knowledge of welding, steel fabrication, equipment repair, and shop safety practices.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass required pre-employment drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of the welding and fabrication shop ensuring a safe, organized, and productive work environment.
• Serve as a working lead by performing welding, fabrication, equipment repairs, and maintenance with shop personnel.
• Plan, coordinate, and prioritize shop work to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Read, interpret, and work from blueprints, fabrication drawings, shop sketches, and equipment plans.
• Fabricate and repair structural steel, aggregate processing equipment, and miscellaneous plant components.
• Perform welding (stick and wire), oxy-acetylene cutting, plasma cutting, and related fabrication.
• Maintain inventory levels of shop materials, parts, consumables, and welding supplies.
• Order parts, materials, and consumables to support shop operations while controlling costs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors to ensure timely delivery of quality materials.
• Coordinate outside vendor services and specialty repairs when needed.
• Operate shop and mobile equipment (forklifts, loaders, cranes, etc.).
• Keep tools and equipment in safe operating condition and maintain records.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment and comply with safety rules.

Skills

Leadership

Welding & fabrication

Blueprint reading

Planning & organization

Communication

Vendor management

Safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Welding equipment

Fabrication machinery

Forklifts/Overhead cranes

Job description

Miles Sand & Gravel Company has been a trusted name in the aggregate and concrete industry for over 80 years. We are seeking an experienced Shop Lead to join our team. This is a hands‑on leadership position responsible for leading the daily operations of our welding and fabrication shop while actively participating in fabrication, repairs, and maintenance activities. If you are an experienced fabricator and welder with strong leadership skills looking for a stable, rewarding career with a company that values safety, professionalism, and teamwork, this is the opportunity for you.

What You Will Do

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the welding and fabrication shop while maintaining a safe, organized, and productive work environment.
• Serve as a working lead by performing welding, fabrication, equipment repairs, and maintenance alongside shop personnel.
• Plan, coordinate, and prioritize shop work to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Read, interpret, and work from blueprints, fabrication drawings, shop sketches, and equipment plans.
• Fabricate and repair structural steel, aggregate processing equipment, and miscellaneous plant components.
• Perform proficient arc welding (stick and wire), oxy-acetylene cutting, plasma cutting, and other fabrication processes.
• Maintain inventory levels of shop materials, steel, parts, consumables, and welding supplies.
• Order parts, materials, and consumables to support shop operations while maintaining cost awareness.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of quality materials and services.
• Coordinate outside vendor services and specialty repairs when necessary.
• Operate shop equipment and mobile equipment such as forklifts, loaders, overhead cranes, and man lifts as needed.
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and fabrication machinery.
• Ensure shop equipment is properly maintained and kept in safe operating condition.
• Maintain accurate records of material usage, parts ordering, and completed work.
• Perform housekeeping duties to maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.
• Comply with all company safety rules and regulations, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lead by example in promoting a strong safety culture.
• Be flexible to occasionally work after normal business hours, including some Saturdays.
• Occasionally work in outdoor industrial environments with exposure to weather, noise, dust, and moving equipment.

What We Are Looking For

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Five or more years of welding and fabrication experience in an industrial or heavy equipment environment preferred.
• Previous experience leading or supervising shop personnel is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to read and accurately interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, and mechanical plans.
• Strong knowledge of welding, steel fabrication, equipment repair, and shop safety practices.
• Experience maintaining vendor relationships and purchasing parts, steel, and shop consumables.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license with a clean, insurable driving record.
• Leadership: A dependable self-starter who leads by example, promotes teamwork, maintains accountability, and fosters a positive work environment.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, vendors, and suppliers while coordinating multiple priorities.
• Organization: Strong planning, scheduling, inventory management, and time management skills with the ability to balance multiple projects.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Excellent fabrication skills, mechanical aptitude, and proficiency with shop tools and equipment.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to occasionally lift up to 100 pounds and work standing, kneeling, climbing, or in dirty and/or wet conditions for extended periods.
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed.
• Represent the company in a professional and ethical manner.
• Ability to pass required pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly wage: $31.31-$42.75 per hour
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Wellness, Employee Assistance (EAP) (HSA & HRA)
• Paid Vacation (up to 40 hours the first year)
• Paid Holidays (7 per year)
• Paid Sick Leave (with annual cash-out for hours over 40)
• Retirement Plan (Profit Sharing and 401(k) with Company match)
• Employee Referral Bonus

Pre-Employment Requirements

Prior to employment, applicants must successfully pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening test. This position is safety-sensitive, and therefore, applicants are screened for non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites (e.g., CBD, CBG, CBC, THCA, etc.) for pre‑employment.