Fabricator - Structural Steel

About QB Fabrication & Welding, Inc.

QB Fabrication & Welding, Inc. (QB Fabrication) is a trusted leader in custom steel fabrication in the utility industry, specializing in the production of transmission towers and substations. As the largest producer of steel lattice towers in the Pacific Northwest, QB Fabrication is built on a foundation of integrity, technical excellence, and quality products. As we continue to expand, we are looking for excellent leaders to help shape the next phase of our operational success.

Position Overview

QB Fabrication & Welding is seeking a highly skilled Structural Steel Fabricator to join our team in delivering complex substation structures, lattice towers, and other heavy-duty power-related steel components. This is not a general welding or shipyard job; our projects require precision layout, blueprint fluency, and fit-up expertise tailored to the power utility sector. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience interpreting structural steel drawings, laying out components, and welding to AWS D1.1 standards in a production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Blueprint Interpretation & Job Setup

- Read and interpret structural steel blueprints and fabrication drawings, including dimensions, hole placements, weld callouts, and bill of materials.

- Identify required materials from cut lists and blueprints; validate against staging to confirm accuracy.

- Set up jigs, fixtures, and layout tools according to job specifications and tolerances.

Layout & Fit-Up

- Accurately mark and layout beams, angles, plates, and connections using tapes, squares, levels, and center punches.

- Prepare members for fit-up based on engineering drawings, ensuring hole patterns, spacing, and geometry match design intent.

- Collaborate with helpers during setup, ensuring prep work, beveling, and grinding are executed per spec.

Welding

- Perform MIG and Flux-Core (FCAW) welding to AWS D1.1 standards on carbon steel structural components.

- Execute quality welds in all positions; able to weld both small subassemblies and large-scale structures.

- Ensure proper joint preparation, weld size, and weld finish per WPS (Welding Procedure Specification).

Quality Control & Self-Inspection

- Check dimensions during and after fabrication using appropriate measurement tools.

- Identify and resolve fit-up issues before final weld; communicate problems to lead or QC promptly.

- Maintain awareness of project-specific tolerances and weld acceptance criteria.

Shop Safety & Cleanliness

- Follow all QB safety protocols including PPE, crane safety, lockout/tagout, and grinder use.

- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.

- Report all near misses and safety incidents immediately.

Traveler & Documentation Use

- Complete traveler documentation accurately at each production stage.

- Track fabrication progress, inspections, and sign-offs in accordance with the company’s traceability system.

- Adhere to the “no travel/no move” policy: no part progresses without completed documentation.

Qualifications

Required

- 5+ years of experience in structural steel fabrication.

- Proficient in blueprint reading (AISC and shop drawing standards).

- Certified or certifiable to AWS D1.1 (FCAW/GMAW).

- Strong understanding of layout tools and fabrication techniques.

- Comfortable with overhead crane operation and rigging basics.

- Able to work independently with minimal supervision on assigned work packages.

Preferred

- Prior experience with substation or power transmission structures.

- Familiarity with the use of fabrication travelers and traceability systems.

- Bilingual in English and Vietnamese is a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.

- Standing, stooping, crouching, or climbing for extended periods.

- Comfortable working in hot, loud, and dusty shop environments with proper PPE.

Pay Range:

$30 – $40/hour

Depending on experience, certification level, and ability to lead small layout tasks. Candidates with strong blueprint skills and AWS certification will be considered at the top of the scale.