Sheet Metal Mechanic

About the Role

UW Facilities Maintenance & Construction has an outstanding opportunity for a Sheet Metal Mechanic. This full-time position is based at the Plant Services Building on the Seattle campus. Reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor II and receiving day-to-day direction from the Sheet Metal Mechanic Lead, the Sheet Metal Mechanic performs journey-level fabrication, installation, alteration, and repair work on a wide range of metal components and systems across University facilities. The position supports construction and renovation projects involving HVAC, architectural, structural, and custom-fabricated metal systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, install, modify, and repair diverse metal components and systems using stainless steel, galvanized steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and other materials.
• Fabricate and install sinks, counters, trays, pans, shelving, casework, and other custom sheet metal components.
• Layout, fabricate, and install HVAC components, fixtures, fittings, ductwork, and related mechanical system components.
• Fabricate and install architectural and structural metal components, including decking, roofing, stairs, railings, ramps, metal buildings, tools, and other custom components.
• Perform work from blueprints, drawings, specifications, technical manuals, field measurements, and verbal instructions; interpret mechanical system requirements and modify designs as necessary to meet field conditions and applicable building, structural, welding, safety, and ADA requirements.
• Perform welding and metal joining using Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), soldering, brazing, plasma arc cutting, oxyacetylene cutting, and other appropriate methods.
• Operate sheet metal fabrication equipment, including shears, brakes, drill presses, grinders, punches, hydraulic presses, and other shop and field equipment.
• Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, high rangers, UW vehicles, and other equipment; load, unload, handle, transport, and stage personnel, materials, tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Coordinate work with leads and supervisors, including proposed project changes, work progress, material and equipment needs, and conditions affecting project scope or completion; may provide work direction or instruction to semiskilled workers.
• Communicate and coordinate with other UW Facilities shops and campus partners to facilitate assigned work and provide professional customer service.
• Perform work in accordance with applicable occupational health and safety requirements, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Hazard Review Checklists (HRCs), required personal protective equipment (PPE), and UW and UW Facilities policies and procedures.
• Participate in required meetings, training, process improvement activities, and other departmental initiatives.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Sheet metal fabrication equipment: shears, brakes, drill presses, grinders, punches, hydraulic presses.
• Welding and cutting methods: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, soldering, brazing, plasma arc cutting, oxyacetylene cutting.
• Operating equipment: forklifts, scissor lifts, high rangers, UW vehicles.
• Materials: stainless steel, galvanized steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper, brass.
• Safety standards: SDS, HRCs, PPE, WISHA, OSHA.
• Software: Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent products.

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a sheet metal mechanic; OR full journey status as a sheet metal mechanic in a union; OR four years’ applicable work experience.
• Vocational training may be substituted for work experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license may be required.
• Experience working effectively as part of a team, following direction, and communicating clearly.
• Experience welding and cutting a variety of metals, including heavy plate and structural steel.
• Sheet Metal Welding and/or Structural Welding Certification from the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO).
• Experience with architectural envelope systems and familiarity with Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) standards.
• Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA and OSHA requirements.

Working Conditions

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• May be required to accept a variable work shift.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Work may require access to confined spaces and heights.
• Ability to lift and move heavy materials.
• Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator.
• Must wear approved footwear.
• Must participate in medical screening/monitoring (e.g., TB screening, measles inoculation).