Independent Contractor Rig Welders Jobs in La Crosse, WI

Position: Sheet Metal Fabricator/Estimator
Reports To: Service Manager
Department: Service
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Employment Type: Full time
Position Summary
The Sheet Metal Fabricator/Estimator position combines hands on metal fabrication expertise with analytical estimating skills to prepare accurate cost quotes for custom metal projects. Responsibilities include interpreting blueprints, calculating material and labor costs, preparing bids, and supporting fabrication and installation of metal structures and equipment for commercial refrigeration, HVAC, and mechanical projects. The role works independently with occasional team collaboration under direct supervision.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Review and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications to conduct material take offs and develop accurate labor, material, and equipment cost estimates.
• Prepare comprehensive bid proposals, RFIs, and RFQs.
• Solicit and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotes for competitive pricing.
• Work with project managers to transition awarded bids into production.
• Use management systems and cost databases to document work, track estimates, and analyze bid performance.
• Perform fabrication tasks including measuring, cutting, bending, shaping, welding, riveting, soldering, and assembly of sheet metal components.
• Maintain clean and orderly workspaces.
• Mentor and train shop personnel.
• Support team and departmental goals through effective communication, professionalism, and reliability.
• Comply with all company and industry safety standards.

Marginal Functions/Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned by authorized personnel.

Requirements
Education/Experience/Training Requirements

• 2-5+ years of experience in precision metal fabrication, machining, or welding (required).
• Experience in mechanical construction estimating (preferred).
• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Vocational/technical training, apprenticeship, or related certifications (preferred).

Licensing Requirements

• Valid Class D Driver's License with insurability.

Skills/Abilities Requirements

• Strong mechanical aptitude, analytical skills, and creativity.
• Excellent math skills and attention to detail for accurate cost estimating.
• Proficiency in blueprint reading, fabrication processes, estimation software (e.g., AutoBid/QuickPen), and Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of commercial refrigeration/HVAC equipment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Skilled in safe operation of metal fabrication tools and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret manuals, schematics, and technical documents.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn new software.

Language, Match & Reasoning Skills

• Ability to read, write, and understand simple instructions and correspondence.
• Ability to present information in one on one and small group settings.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram based instructions and resolve routine problems.

Physical Demands
Stationary Position Able to remain in one position for 2-4 hours.
Move Frequent walking, lifting, reaching, and handling of large metal components.
Operate Regular use of fabrication machinery, power tools, computers, and office equipment; repetitive hand and arm motions required.
Ascend/Descend Occasional stair and ladder use.
Positions self Frequent standing, bending, stooping, and working at/below chest level; prolonged downward head/neck positioning.
Communicate Occasional verbal communication with customers and coworkers; must perceive and communicate information accurately.
Observe/Inspect Ability to see at close, distant, and peripheral ranges and adjust focus; frequent visual inspection of equipment and technical materials.
Transport Regularly lift/push/carry up to 50 lbs; occasionally 75+ lbs.
Exposed to Frequent exposure to moving machinery, loud noise, vibration, and sharp/raw metal edges.
WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Medical, dental, vision and supplemental insurance offerings
• HSA (Health Savings Account)
• Dependent Care & Health Care FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
• 401K with employer match
• Bonus potential
• Year-round work
• Paid Time Off
• Weekly paycheck
• Company swag and uniform programs
• Educational assistance
• Employee support services
• Company provided cell phone for qualifying positions
• Company provided vehicle for qualifying positions
• Latitude to determine parts stocking for technician assigned service vehicles
• Electronic work orders/time entry system
• Experienced technician support team
• Continuous training & development
• Advancement opportunities and more!!

WHO WE ARE?
Benedict Sales & Service, Inc., is a leading commercial mechanical contractor with operations throughout central and northern Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. We are family owned and have been in business since 1938! We offer dynamic service and installation departments encompassing craftspeople in food service equipment, refrigeration, HVAC, metal fabrication, and beer/beverage systems all of which are supported by our experienced office support teams located in Altoona, WI, West Salem, WI, and Winona, MN!
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE!
At Benedict Sales & Service, we go the extra mile - to connect business to family . This is our purpose statement and standard of business; it's who we strive to be day in and day out. Go the extra mile, might speak for itself, as we always want to go above and beyond the normal expectations. To connect business to family, speaks to how we go about our daily business. We need to always stay mindful of good business practices, but we strive to run those business practices through a family lens. We all want the best for our families, so why not conduct business in that same manner. Whether it is how we treat our staff or how we treat our customers, we want them all to know we have their best interests in mind as we strive to treat them like family.
Benedict Sales & Service is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.