Fabrication Engineer (Entry-Level)

Salary: $60,000 - $90,000 DOE

Fabrication Engineer (Entry-Level)

Location: Richland, WA
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services
Salary: Competitive, based on experience

About Columbia Energy

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision.

Our collaborative and experienced team is committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to address a wide range of challenges. With a growing presence in Idaho Falls, ID, we continue to expand our capabilities while maintaining our reputation for quality, safety, and integrity.

Why Join Columbia Energy?

We foster a supportive and solutions-driven environment where team members are empowered to learn, grow, and take ownership of their work. If you're early in your career and looking to apply your technical skills in a hands-on environmentparticularly in the nuclear or government spacethis is a great opportunity to learn from a team of experts and build a strong foundation. Youll be surrounded by engineers, project managers, QA professionals, and skilled craftspeople who value accuracy, accountability, and getting things done the right way.

Position Overview

As an Entry-Level Fabrication Engineer at Columbia Energy, youll be primarily engaged on the shop floorworking directly with fabrication supervisors, welders, and QA staff to address real-time production issues and ensure quality standards are met. Youll then transition to your desk to complete associated documentation such as nonconformance reports (NCRs), requests for information (RFIs), and supplier deviation disposition requests (SDDRs). Under the mentorship of senior engineers and QA leads, youll gain hands-on experience within NQA-1 programs and DOE/NRC-regulated environments, while supporting engineering execution and compliance efforts throughout the fabrication process.

Key Responsibilities

Fabrication Support & Engineering Execution

• Assist with the preparation and review of fabrication documentation, including inspection test plans (ITPs), fabrication travelers, and as-built records.
• Support the translation of design intent into shop-floor execution by working closely with fabrication supervisors and welders.
• Interpret and apply basic requirements from fabrication codes and standards (e.g., ASME BPVC Sections III, V, VIII, IX; AWS D1.1).
• Participate in reviews of engineering drawings and bills of material to ensure alignment with fabrication methods and material traceability requirements.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Support QA personnel in the tracking and resolution of fabrication non-conformances.
• Assist in verifying compliance with NQA-1 requirements through documentation and process adherence.
• Contribute to root cause evaluations and help develop corrective/preventive actions.
• Help gather data for internal audits and participate in audit readiness activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, QA/QC staff, and procurement to ensure timely execution of work packages.
• Track materials, documentation, and inspection activities to ensure fabrication readiness.
• Contribute to final data packages and client documentation deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 15 years of relevant experience, including co-ops, internships, or professional roles in fabrication or QA environments
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, weld symbols, and fabrication codes
• Basic understanding of ASME/NQA-1/DOE/NRC requirements or willingness to learn quickly in a structured environment
• Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks or Inventor)
• U.S. citizenship required due to government contract obligations

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting fabrication projects in a regulated industry (e.g., DOE, aerospace, defense)
• Exposure to quality assurance programs such as NQA-1 or ISO 9001
• Familiarity with ERP systems or fabrication tracking tools

Key Success Attributes

• Self-starter eager to learn and grow within a high-performing team
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Collaborative mindset and a willingness to take initiative
• Flexible, curious, and responsive in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout fabrication and test shop areas
• Ability to navigate industrial environments safely and effectively
• Occasional desk-based work including writing documentation (e.g., NCRs, RFIs, etc.)
• Occasional lifting (up to 30 lbs.)

Working Conditions

This role is based in Richland, WA, and primarily involves working on the fabrication shop floor, with regular transitions to office-based workstations for documentation and coordination tasks. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with a focus on quality, compliance, and technical excellence. Safety, professionalism, and accountability are core expectations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.