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Steel Fabrication Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Perform quality inspections to verify parts meet specifications and company standards * Safely ... Experience working with stainless steel, aluminum, acrylics, or custom fabricated products

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Ensure welds pass visual inspections and X-ray testing. · General: Maintain a clean, organized ... steel or pressure vessel fabrication (ASME experience preferred). · Ability to read and interpret ...

Designer | Everett, WA

Everett, WA · On-site

$38 - $50/hr

... structural steel fabrication through electrical and mechanical systems. If you are motivated to ... In the factory setting, you may inspect and handle materials and be exposed to shop elements such ...

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Steel Fabrication Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$27.9K

$62.5K

$112.7K

How much do steel fabrication inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for steel fabrication inspector in Seattle, WA is $62,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $72,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a steel fabrication inspector?

A Steel Fabrication Inspector is responsible for ensuring that fabricated steel structures and components meet industry standards, project specifications, and safety regulations. They inspect welds, dimensions, coatings, and overall quality through visual checks and non-destructive testing methods. Inspectors also review blueprints, verify material compliance, and document their findings in reports. Their role is essential in maintaining the structural integrity and safety of steel constructions in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a steel fabrication inspector?

To excel as a Steel Fabrication Inspector, you need a solid understanding of steel fabrication processes, quality control standards, blueprint reading, and typically a background in engineering or construction. Familiarity with tools such as calipers, micrometers, weld gauges, and quality management systems (QMS) as well as certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills will set you apart in this role. These capabilities are critical for ensuring fabricated steel meets safety, industry, and project specifications, while also facilitating clear collaboration between manufacturing teams and project stakeholders.

What are some common challenges steel fabrication inspectors encounter on the job?

Steel Fabrication Inspectors often face challenges such as identifying subtle defects in complex fabricated components, keeping up with evolving industry standards, and managing tight project schedules. You may need to navigate communication between fabricators, engineers, and project managers to resolve discrepancies or clarify technical requirements. The role can also involve frequent site visits and working in industrial environments, which requires attention to safety practices. However, these challenges offer opportunities to develop expertise, build strong professional relationships, and contribute directly to the quality and safety of large-scale construction projects.

How to become a steel fabrication inspector?

To become a steel fabrication inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in welding, fabrication, or construction. Earning certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or NASP Structural Steel Inspector can improve job prospects, and familiarity with inspection tools and safety standards is essential.

Is welding inspection a good career?

Welding inspection is a valuable career within steel fabrication inspection, involving the assessment of weld quality to ensure safety and compliance with standards. It often requires certifications such as AWS or ASME, and inspectors work in industrial environments with tools like ultrasonic testers and visual inspection equipment. The role offers steady employment opportunities with potential for advancement in the manufacturing and construction industries.

What job categories do people searching Steel Fabrication Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Steel Fabrication Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Steel Fabrication Inspector job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,522 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

ESTIMATOR-PROJECT MANAGER- STEEL FABRICATION

Jesse Engineering Co.

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

ESTIMATOR-PROJECT MANAGER-STEEL FABRICATION
The primary role of the Estimator-Project Manager at Jesse Co. is to process customer bid requests, must be able to consistently demonstrate thorough understanding of the fabrication processes, materials, coatings and estimating methods for Heavy Steel Fabrication. When necessary, must be able to consistently and successfully execute project(s), after contract is awarded. A familiarization with these Heavy Steel Fabrication concepts will assist the individual in executing job responsibilities.
  • Structural steel fabrication and welding processes.
  • Structural steel materials, specifications, and properties.
  • Strong design drawing interpretation skills.
  • Strong reading and writing skills.
  • Strong computer skills.
  • High strength fastener types, specifications and applications.
  • Fabrication/Welding Inspection types, specifications and processes.
  • High Performance Coatings, types, specifications and processes.
  • Strong vendor selection, collaboration and partnership building skills.
  • Maintain open/effective communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Provide Technical Guidance to PM's, Detailers and customers.
  • Assess potential technical or financial risks associated with a project and discuss with Supervisor.
  • Self-directed, self-reliant and resourceful.
  • Well organized with excellent time management skills.
  • Ability to understand and successfully execute a project(s) per Jesse Co. Project Management Procedure.

The tasks and responsibilities of this position, and the skills required may include:
General
    • Work is performed in person, at Jesse Co. office, Tacoma, WA (Mon-Fri)
    • Assume the primary contact role with the customer, during bid process and thereafter.
    • Perform a detailed review of the project plans and specifications.
    • Generate detailed materials/weld takeoffs from design drawings and specifications.
    • Author timely and comprehensive bid proposals to customers.
    • Administer the project turnover meeting with PM staff for a briefing on the project, on the selected significant materials suppliers and subcontractors, the schedule, and the cost estimate.
    • Prepare or supervise preparation of shop drawings and purchase orders for raw materials, merchandise, and subcontracted services
    • Perform a monthly progress estimate, or budget analysis
    • Manage the risk of each project by ensuring compliance with the project plans and specifications
  • Report to the Supervising Project Manager

Schedule
  • Develop and maintain bid/project schedule(s) with reference to the agreed delivery date, through dialogue with Jesse production management, subcontractors, and suppliers. Advise the customer as needed. The complexity of the project generally dictates the level of detail required.

Vendors/Subs
  • Identify suitable vendors and subcontractors for raw materials, merchandise, and services.
  • Prepare detailed purchase orders for raw materials and merchandise using an MRP system.
  • Prepare detailed purchase orders for subcontracted services, e.g. forming, painting, drafting, ensuring the relevant contract plans and specifications are included therein.
  • Monitor progress and performance of vendors and subcontractors, adherence to quality, cost, and schedule requirements.

Customer Relations
  • Meet with customers as needed, to identify potential barriers and develop resolutions and strategies that maximize production and minimize costs.
  • Cultivate and maintain positive, productive relations with project team members, owners, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, etc.
  • Represent Jesse Co in a professional, positive and respectful manner at all times.

Document Control
  • Ensure all aspects of projects are properly and thoroughly documented to ensure Jesse's interests are protected. This may include customer requested changes, errors in the plans and specifications, and supplier performance issues
  • Prepare and route project submittals as specified with the contact specifications, including shop drawings, materials certifications, weld procedures, etc.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
  • 3-5 years' experience in Heavy Steel Industry/Fabrication Estimating and Project Management. General knowledge of:
    • Fabrication/Welding and erection standards and procedures
    • AISC standards and AWS codes
    • Microsoft Office Suite, MS Project and MRP systems
    • Blueprint reading
  • As a salaried exempt employee use of one's personal mobile phone, vehicle may be appropriate, local area only, mileage reimbursed.

Note: this job description is not all inclusive and may include other duties, as assigned.
EOE