ITAC serves Process & Industrial clients with integrated engineering and construction services for complex capital projects. We also offer specialty services including power systems services and products, custom machine fabrication, and fall protection services and equipment. Founded in 1988 on a dream and a $5K loan, ITAC is a true success story. From humble beginnings to an ENR-Ranked Top Design Firm with a nationwide footprint and over 450 employees operating from 6 offices in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, we provide Fortune 500 companies with innovative design-build solutions. We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products, advanced manufacturing, and minerals & metals.

ITAC’s purpose is to make life better. For our employees, this means providing them with the resources and flexibility they need to have both a rewarding career and a fulfilling family life. ITAC is 100% employee-owned. Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and Direct Stock Ownership, every team member has the unique opportunity to be an owner who shares in the company’s growth and earnings. We offer our team a comprehensive benefits package and numerous employee incentives. Rooted in love, we serve and care for our employees like family.

We hire passionate and motivated people with an innovative mindset and the desire to grow. If the thought of challenging, fast-paced projects excites you, then you’ve come to the right place. At ITAC, you’ll be part of a collaborative team that works hard to make life better. For more information, visit itac.us.com.

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Lead Sheet Metal Mechanic to join our manufacturing team onsite in Chester, VA. This is a full-time, hourly position for a dependable professional with a minimum of 5 years of proven experience in precision sheet metal fabrication. In this role, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of sheet metal fabrication, from raw material processing to final product assembly. The ideal candidate has extensive, hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC Laser and Plasma cutters, working with both manual and CNC press brakes, and possesses strong welding, part fit-up, and assembly capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design & Programming: Utilize standard design software to design sheet metal parts directly for CNC Laser and Plasma systems, ensuring accurate flat patterns and efficient nesting layouts.
• Machining & Cutting: Set up, program, and operate CNC Laser and CNC Plasma cutting systems to produce high-quality flat patterns according to technical drawings.
• Forming & Bending: Operate both manual and CNC press brakes to bend, shape, and form sheet metal components to exact tolerances and angles.
• Welding: Perform MIG/TIG and spot welding on various materials (steel, aluminum, stainless steel) to join structural components and finished assemblies.
• Fit-Up & Assembly: Interpret complex blueprints, CAD layouts, and engineering specifications to properly measure, align, and fit-up sheet metal parts. Complete mechanical assembly using fasteners, rivets, and hardware.
• Material Handling: Safely operate a forklift to move raw metal sheets, heavy tooling, and completed assemblies throughout the shop floor.
• Quality & Compliance: Inspect finished parts using calipers, micrometers, and tape measurers to ensure precise dimensional accuracy. Actively participate in all shop safety protocols, including correct use of PPE and OSHA guidelines.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in a precision sheet metal or custom fabrication environment.
• · Technical Mastery: Proven proficiency setting up and operating CNC Laser/Plasma cutters and CNC/manual press brakes.
• · Welding Standards: Strong competency in MIG and TIG welding processes across various metal gauges.
• · Certification: D1.1 and D1.3 recommended or achievable within first 30 days. Forklift, Lull, Rigging and Bridge Crane certification provided upon hire. Candidate will also be required to take a Laser Safety Officer Class.
• · Blueprint Literacy: Advanced ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, flat-pattern layouts, and welding symbols.
• · Logistics: Must have reliable, personal transportation to guarantee timely arrival.
• · Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and handle heavy shop tooling safely.

Benefits

From internships to seasoned professionals, our growing company provides career opportunities for all levels of experience. We offer our team a comprehensive benefits package and numerous employee incentives. For life’s challenges, we also provide our employees and their immediate families with certified chaplains for around-the-clock encouragement and support. Rooted in love, we serve and care for our employees like family. ITAC provides benefits such as

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• 401k & ESOP
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development
• Wellness Program
• Safety Incentive Program
• 24/7 Chaplain Care

The typical base salary range for this position is between $45,000 - $65,000 based on experience