Sheet Metal Estimator / Fabrication Lead

Location: Portland, OR
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Fabrication / Operations

About the Position

River City Environmental is looking for an experienced Sheet Metal Estimator / Fabrication Lead to help grow our sheet metal operations. This is a hands-on role for someone who has a strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication, welding, estimating, and project development—and who can also lead and mentor a team of fabricators and welders.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to identify and develop new opportunities and projects, estimate projects accurately, oversee fabrication and welding, and help build a strong, efficient fabrication team.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and develop residential and commercial custom sheet metal projects across a wide range of applications, including architectural metalwork, custom ductwork, specialty fabrication, trailers, fencing, and other custom-fabricated metal projects. Identify opportunities, build customer relationships, and develop accurate project estimates from concept through proposal.

• Develop relationships with contractors, general contractors, HVAC companies, builders, and other potential customers to identify new project opportunities.

• Review drawings, specifications, and project requirements to determine labor, material, equipment, and production needs.

• Prepare accurate and competitive estimates, bids, and proposals for sheet metal projects.

• Coordinate with customers, vendors, and internal teams throughout the estimating and project development process.

• Oversee and participate in sheet metal fabrication, welding, assembly, and finishing as needed.

• Provide technical guidance and hands-on support to welders and fabricators.

• Lead, train, and mentor welders and fabricators to improve quality, productivity, and safety.

• Help plan and prioritize fabrication work to meet project deadlines.

• Review completed work for accuracy, quality, and compliance with project specifications.

• Identify opportunities to improve fabrication processes, efficiency, and profitability.

• Assist with material sourcing, purchasing, and inventory management.

• Maintain strong working relationships with customers and ensure projects meet expectations.

• Promote a safe, professional, and productive work environment.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in sheet metal fabrication; experience with MIG, TIG, and stick welding.

  
  

• Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication methods, materials, tools, and equipment.

• Experience reading and interpreting shop drawings, blueprints, and project specifications.

• Experience estimating sheet metal projects, including labor and material costs.

• Strong welding and fabrication skills.

• Experience leading, training, or mentoring welders and fabricators.

• Strong understanding of project costs, margins, and production requirements.

• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, contractors, vendors, and employees.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to balance estimating, business development, and hands-on fabrication responsibilities.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

• Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening (includes THC)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating custom HVAC, architectural sheet metal, facades, or specialty fabrication projects.

• Established relationships with contractors, builders, HVAC companies, or other potential customers.

• Experience developing new business or sourcing fabrication projects.

• Experience with estimating or construction management software.

• Welding certifications or formal fabrication training.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who can do more than simply estimate jobs. The right candidate will be a builder of the business—someone who can find opportunities, develop customer relationships, accurately price work, understand how the work gets done, and help lead the team responsible for producing it.

If you have strong sheet metal and welding experience and are ready to take ownership of both project development and fabrication operations, we'd like to hear from you.

Benefits:

• Generous PTO package including sick and vacation time.
• 100% employer paid employee medical, dental, vision, life insurance, & EAP.
• 401k with a company match.
• Referral program

River City is a Drug Free Workplace that follows all FEDERAL guidelines for drug testing, which prohibits the use of marijuana.

River City is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.