Maintenance Lead Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington
Maintenance lead visa sponsorship jobs in Washington are concentrated in the state's aerospace, manufacturing, and facilities sectors. Boeing's Puget Sound operations, Amazon's distribution network, and Microsoft's Redmond campus all employ maintenance leads. Seattle, Everett, Renton, and Tacoma are the primary hiring hubs for international candidates seeking sponsored roles in this trade.
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Get Access To All JobsMonths Per Year:
12
Work Model:
Onsite
Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.
Seattle University's Core Competencies
Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.
Job Description Summary
Reporting directly to the Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance, the Lead Maintenance Plumber serves as the technical lead for plumbing and pipefitting operations supporting Seattle University's Cornish College while providing project and system support for the First Hill campus as needed.
This position combines advanced journey-level plumbing expertise with work coordination, project leadership, customer service, contractor oversight, and team leadership responsibilities.
The Lead Maintenance Plumber leads day-to-day work activities for general maintenance personnel at the South Lake Union campus, coordinates plumbing projects across multiple campus locations, and ensures the reliable, safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of campus plumbing, mechanical, water, gas, drainage, and related building systems. Emergency response and occasional overtime may be required to support campus operations.
This position is represented by United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United State and Canada, Local 32.
Technical Operations and Maintenance (40%)
- Perform advanced journey-level plumbing, pipefitting, and mechanical maintenance on campus systems.
- Install, repair, replace, troubleshoot, and maintain plumbing, domestic water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, natural gas, compressed air, vacuum, RO/DI water, pool, and water feature systems.
- Diagnose and correct water pressure issues, cross-connections, drainage problems, and system failures.
- Install and repair pumps, valves, heat exchangers, coils, regulators, tanks, fixtures, piping assemblies, and related equipment.
- Build and fabricate piping systems using industry-standard methods including threading, soldering, brazing, and welding preparation.
- Perform backflow testing, maintenance, and compliance activities.
- Interpret blueprints, specifications, schematics, and construction documents.
- Support energy conservation, water efficiency, and sustainability initiatives.
- Review contractor work and ensure compliance with university standards.
- Respond to routine and emergency service requests.
Leadership and Work Coordination (35%)
- Serve as the lead plumbing resource for the Cornish campus.
- Coordinate, prioritize, assign, and monitor daily work activities for maintenance personnel supporting South Lake Union facilities.
- Assess work orders and determine staffing, sequencing, materials, and scheduling requirements.
- Coordinate multi-trade projects with Facilities managers, project managers, shop leads, contractors, and vendors.
- Track work through the CMMS and ensure timely completion and closeout.
- Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, procurement requirements, and material lists.
- Maintain inventory levels and ensure availability of critical plumbing materials and supplies.
- Participate in hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and technical training of maintenance staff.
- Promote a collaborative, accountable, and customer-focused work environment.
Customer Service, Communication, and Administration (15%)
- Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, contractors, and campus partners regarding work status and scheduling.
- Provide project recommendations, budget input, and technical guidance to Facilities leadership.
- Maintain accurate records, work orders, inspections, permits, and compliance documentation.
- Prepare reports, estimates, and planning documents as requested.
- Represent the plumbing shop in meetings, project planning efforts, and campus initiatives.
Safety and Compliance (10%)
- Promote and enforce safe work practices, including lockout/tagout procedures.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, permits, and university standards.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
- Participate in emergency response activities and after-hours support as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Washington State Journeyman Plumber License.
- Valid Washington State Driver License.
- Five years of progressively responsible journey-level plumbing experience, including project coordination or lead work responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret plans, specifications, and technical documents.
- Demonstrated leadership, customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to Seattle University's mission, vision, and values.
Preferred Qualifications
- City of Seattle 3rd Grade Steam Engineer License.
- AS-1 Sprinkler Confidence Testing License.
- Backflow Tester Certification.
- City of Seattle Gas Piping License.
- Building Operator Certification (BOC).
- Experience leading maintenance teams in higher education, healthcare, research, or institutional environments.
- Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of plumbing, piping, mechanical systems, applicable codes, project coordination, contractor management, preventive maintenance practices, safety regulations, and customer service principles. Ability to lead teams, coordinate multiple priorities, mentor staff, and work independently in a complex campus environment.
Physical Requirements
Requires standing, walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, crawling, lifting up to 50 pounds, operating tools and equipment, and working in mechanical rooms, utility spaces, rooftops, construction sites, and occupied buildings.
Working Conditions
Work is performed throughout university facilities including Cornish College, South Lake Union, and First Hill campus locations. The position may require responding to emergencies outside normal business hours and working occasional overtime to support critical campus operations.
Compensation at a Glance
Hourly Rate: $47.82
Lead Pay per hour: $2.50
Annual Salary: approximately $104,665.60
Application Instructions
Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.
Benefits at a Glance
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Benefits are available to eligible employees working at an FTE of 0.53 or greater. Eligible employees may choose from three medical plans, as well as dental and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short- and long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution toward retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions, up to a maximum of 5%.
Eligible employees may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for themselves and eligible dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an on-site fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid December holiday break closure, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave.
Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3–6 months. In these cases, the role typically begins fully on campus to support onboarding and training, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement thereafter.
Positions designated as on-site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus.
All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university’s discretion.
Months Per Year:
12
Work Model:
Onsite
Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.
Seattle University's Core Competencies
Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.
Job Description Summary
Reporting directly to the Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance, the Lead Maintenance Plumber serves as the technical lead for plumbing and pipefitting operations supporting Seattle University's Cornish College while providing project and system support for the First Hill campus as needed.
This position combines advanced journey-level plumbing expertise with work coordination, project leadership, customer service, contractor oversight, and team leadership responsibilities.
The Lead Maintenance Plumber leads day-to-day work activities for general maintenance personnel at the South Lake Union campus, coordinates plumbing projects across multiple campus locations, and ensures the reliable, safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of campus plumbing, mechanical, water, gas, drainage, and related building systems. Emergency response and occasional overtime may be required to support campus operations.
This position is represented by United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United State and Canada, Local 32.
Technical Operations and Maintenance (40%)
- Perform advanced journey-level plumbing, pipefitting, and mechanical maintenance on campus systems.
- Install, repair, replace, troubleshoot, and maintain plumbing, domestic water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, natural gas, compressed air, vacuum, RO/DI water, pool, and water feature systems.
- Diagnose and correct water pressure issues, cross-connections, drainage problems, and system failures.
- Install and repair pumps, valves, heat exchangers, coils, regulators, tanks, fixtures, piping assemblies, and related equipment.
- Build and fabricate piping systems using industry-standard methods including threading, soldering, brazing, and welding preparation.
- Perform backflow testing, maintenance, and compliance activities.
- Interpret blueprints, specifications, schematics, and construction documents.
- Support energy conservation, water efficiency, and sustainability initiatives.
- Review contractor work and ensure compliance with university standards.
- Respond to routine and emergency service requests.
Leadership and Work Coordination (35%)
- Serve as the lead plumbing resource for the Cornish campus.
- Coordinate, prioritize, assign, and monitor daily work activities for maintenance personnel supporting South Lake Union facilities.
- Assess work orders and determine staffing, sequencing, materials, and scheduling requirements.
- Coordinate multi-trade projects with Facilities managers, project managers, shop leads, contractors, and vendors.
- Track work through the CMMS and ensure timely completion and closeout.
- Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, procurement requirements, and material lists.
- Maintain inventory levels and ensure availability of critical plumbing materials and supplies.
- Participate in hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and technical training of maintenance staff.
- Promote a collaborative, accountable, and customer-focused work environment.
Customer Service, Communication, and Administration (15%)
- Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, contractors, and campus partners regarding work status and scheduling.
- Provide project recommendations, budget input, and technical guidance to Facilities leadership.
- Maintain accurate records, work orders, inspections, permits, and compliance documentation.
- Prepare reports, estimates, and planning documents as requested.
- Represent the plumbing shop in meetings, project planning efforts, and campus initiatives.
Safety and Compliance (10%)
- Promote and enforce safe work practices, including lockout/tagout procedures.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, permits, and university standards.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
- Participate in emergency response activities and after-hours support as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Washington State Journeyman Plumber License.
- Valid Washington State Driver License.
- Five years of progressively responsible journey-level plumbing experience, including project coordination or lead work responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret plans, specifications, and technical documents.
- Demonstrated leadership, customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to Seattle University's mission, vision, and values.
Preferred Qualifications
- City of Seattle 3rd Grade Steam Engineer License.
- AS-1 Sprinkler Confidence Testing License.
- Backflow Tester Certification.
- City of Seattle Gas Piping License.
- Building Operator Certification (BOC).
- Experience leading maintenance teams in higher education, healthcare, research, or institutional environments.
- Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of plumbing, piping, mechanical systems, applicable codes, project coordination, contractor management, preventive maintenance practices, safety regulations, and customer service principles. Ability to lead teams, coordinate multiple priorities, mentor staff, and work independently in a complex campus environment.
Physical Requirements
Requires standing, walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, crawling, lifting up to 50 pounds, operating tools and equipment, and working in mechanical rooms, utility spaces, rooftops, construction sites, and occupied buildings.
Working Conditions
Work is performed throughout university facilities including Cornish College, South Lake Union, and First Hill campus locations. The position may require responding to emergencies outside normal business hours and working occasional overtime to support critical campus operations.
Compensation at a Glance
Hourly Rate: $47.82
Lead Pay per hour: $2.50
Annual Salary: approximately $104,665.60
Application Instructions
Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.
Benefits at a Glance
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Benefits are available to eligible employees working at an FTE of 0.53 or greater. Eligible employees may choose from three medical plans, as well as dental and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short- and long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution toward retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions, up to a maximum of 5%.
Eligible employees may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for themselves and eligible dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an on-site fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid December holiday break closure, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave.
Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3–6 months. In these cases, the role typically begins fully on campus to support onboarding and training, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement thereafter.
Positions designated as on-site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus.
All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university’s discretion.
Maintenance Lead Job Roles in Washington
See all Maintenance Lead Jobs in Washington
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Search Maintenance Lead Jobs in WashingtonMaintenance Lead Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for maintenance leads in Washington?
Washington's largest maintenance lead sponsors tend to be aerospace manufacturers, logistics operators, and large tech campuses. Boeing in Everett and Renton, Amazon at its fulfillment centers throughout the Puget Sound region, and facilities management contractors serving Microsoft and other Eastside tech employers have all filed sponsorship petitions for maintenance and facilities roles. Semiconductor and defense manufacturers in the Spokane corridor are smaller but active sponsors.
Which visa types realistically fit maintenance lead roles in Washington?
Maintenance lead is a skilled trades role, not a specialty occupation requiring a directly related bachelor's degree, so H-1B visa, E-3 visa, H-1B1 visa, and TN visa do not apply. The most realistic path is an employment-based green card through the EB-3 skilled worker category, which covers positions requiring at least two years of training or experience. The employer must complete PERM labor certification through DOL. Workers already in H-2B visa status for temporary non-agricultural work may also be sponsored in some seasonal maintenance contexts.
How to find maintenance lead visa sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate lists Washington employers with verified sponsorship history for maintenance and facilities roles, searchable by city and employer. Because EB-3 green card sponsorship requires PERM labor certification rather than an LCA, targeting employers who have filed PERM applications for similar trades roles in Washington is a practical starting point. Migrate Mate surfaces this employer-level data so you can focus outreach on companies already familiar with the sponsorship process for skilled trades workers.
Which cities in Washington have the most maintenance lead sponsorship jobs?
Everett and Renton lead due to Boeing's large manufacturing footprint, with ongoing demand for maintenance leads in aerospace production facilities. Seattle proper concentrates roles in building operations, hospitality, and tech campuses. Tacoma and Kent are active hubs for port logistics and warehousing operators. Spokane has a smaller but growing industrial base tied to defense and food processing that periodically sponsors for trades supervisors.
Are there state-specific factors that affect maintenance lead sponsorship in Washington?
Washington's aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors drive consistent demand for experienced maintenance leads, which supports employer willingness to pursue EB-3 PERM sponsorship. Washington has no state income tax, which affects total compensation comparisons but not visa eligibility. Apprenticeship programs through unions like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and other trades councils are common pathways to the experience level employers require before initiating green card sponsorship for a maintenance lead.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored maintenance lead jobs in Washington?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.