Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aluminum Door Fabricator

🎯 Role Definition

An Aluminum Door Fabricator is responsible for accurately fabricating, assembling and preparing aluminum doors, frames and storefront systems to blueprint specifications for commercial and institutional projects. This role requires precision measuring and cutting, mechanical and/or welded assembly, glazing and sealant application, hardware preps, finishing and packaging for shipment or installation. The ideal candidate brings fenestration experience, attention to detail, strong safety habits and the ability to read shop drawings and use common fabrication shop machinery.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Fabrication Apprentice or Entry-Level Metal Fabricator
Sheet Metal Worker or General Production Associate
Carpenter/Glazier or Door & Window Installer

Advancement To:

Lead Fabricator / Shop Lead
Shop Foreman or Production Supervisor
Installation Supervisor or Project Coordinator
Estimator or Project Manager in fenestration/architectural glazing

Lateral Moves:

Glazier / Glass Setter
CNC Programmer / Machine Operator
Welding Specialist (TIG/MIG) or Hardware Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret and verify architectural plans, shop drawings and material lists to determine fabrication sequence, tolerances, hardware locations and finishing requirements for aluminum doors, sidelites and storefront systems.
Precisely measure and mark extrusions and plate stock using calipers, tape measures and layout tools to ensure components meet dimensional tolerances and ADA/code requirements prior to cutting and assembly.
Operate manual and powered fabrication equipment (cold saws, chop saws, mitre saws, shear, brake, drill presses, punch presses, rollers, and CNC machines) to cut, drill, punch, and machine aluminum profiles to specified lengths and configurations.
Perform mitering, coping, and fitting of aluminum extrusions to assemble door frames and sashes with accurate seam alignment and square corners using jigs, clamps and fixtures.
Prepare and apply thermal breaks, gaskets and weatherstripping as specified to maintain energy performance and air/water infiltration ratings for doors and storefront assemblies.
Install and set glazing (insulated glass units, single pane or laminated glass) into frames using setting blocks, glass tape, gaskets and structural sealants while maintaining pressure-equalized and weep system integrity.
Pre-fit and machine hardware locations for hinges, closers, locks, panic devices and striking plates to blueprint-specified tolerances; install temporary hardware for test-fit and final hardware when required.
Execute welding, brazing or adhesive bonding as required on specialty components and shop-fabricated anchors, following weld procedures and grinding/wire-brushing finishes to prepare for anodizing or painting.
Apply silicone, structural sealant, EPDM and other glazing sealants in a neat, consistent manner ensuring proper bead size, tooling and adhesion for long-term performance and aesthetics.
Inspect every fabricated unit for squareness, plumb, true reveal spacing and final dimensions, documenting and correcting defects or deviations prior to finishing or shipment.
Perform finishing prep including deburring, sanding, masking and cleaning of aluminum surfaces to meet anodize or powder coat shop requirements and protect finish integrity.
Package and protect finished doors and frames for transport using custom crating, spacers, corner protectors and shipping documentation to prevent damage during transit and on-site handling.
Maintain accurate production records, labor/time logs and traveler cards, capturing part numbers, extrusion codes, hardware schedules and QC checklists for traceability.
Collaborate with the installation team to provide field-fit guidance, pre-installation coordination, and site measurements to resolve discrepancies between shop drawings and field conditions.
Set up and maintain fixtures, jigs and tooling for repetitive runs to improve throughput while maintaining consistent quality and interchangeability between units.
Troubleshoot fabrication problems such as binding joints, misaligned hardware or uneven sealant lines and propose corrective actions or design clarifications to the project manager.
Follow shop safety procedures, wear appropriate PPE, and participate in lockout/tagout, machine guarding and hazard assessments to reduce workplace injuries and maintain a compliant shop environment.
Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on fabrication equipment, report machine issues to shop management and coordinate scheduled service to minimize downtime.
Participate in material staging and inventory checks; receive aluminum extrusions, glass units and hardware, verify counts and report shortages or damages to purchasing.
Support final QA/QC inspections for curtainwall and storefront mockups, documenting air, water and structural test results and implementing remedial actions where necessary.
Train and mentor junior fabricators and apprentices on shop best practices, machine operation, safe handling of materials and reading of complex shop drawings.
Work with production planners to sequence jobs for optimized paint/anodize batches, glass installation windows and shipping schedules to meet project milestones and reduce rework.
Maintain a clean, organized workstation and contribute to 5S / continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and reducing waste in the fabrication process.

Secondary Functions

Assist estimating and engineering teams by providing practical fabrication feedback on design-for-manufacturability, suggested changes to reduce field labor, and cost-saving alternatives.
Support pre-install surveys and field mock-ups by providing technical input and, when requested, attending site meetings to troubleshoot fit issues with contractors and architects.
Contribute to the documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for common assemblies and update process sheets to reflect improved tolerances or tooling changes.
Participate in cross-functional root-cause analysis for recurring defects and help implement corrective action plans aligned with ISO or company quality standards.
Help coordinate subcontract services (powder coating, anodizing, glass tempering) and confirm finish schedules, lead times and acceptance criteria prior to release to finishing vendors.
Provide ad-hoc on-site installation support when needed, including final adjustments, weatherproofing details and hardware troubleshooting to ensure owner satisfaction.
Keep up-to-date with fenestration code changes, ADA requirements and product standards (AAMA, NFRC, ASTM) and apply those standards to daily fabrication practices.
Assist shipping/receiving with load building and cross-checking packing lists to ensure correct units, glass types and hardware are included for each job.
Participate in continuous improvement projects to reduce cycle time, scrap and rework; suggest layout changes, tooling upgrades and training needs to management.
Support customer service by responding to fabrication-related inquiries from sales, architects and general contractors with accurate lead times and technical clarifications.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in reading and interpreting architectural shop drawings, elevations, hardware schedules and material lists specific to aluminum doors, storefronts and curtainwall systems.
Experience operating fabrication machinery: cold saws, miter saws, CNC routers, punch presses, drill presses, brake presses, and rollers.
Skilled in precision measuring and layout using calipers, micrometers, squares, levels and laser measuring tools.
Competent in glazing techniques: setting insulated glass units (IGUs), installing gaskets, applying structural/sealant systems and understanding glass handling safety.
Hardware prepping and installation skills including hinge mortising, lock prep, strike alignment, closer installation and door coordinator prep.
Knowledge of aluminum finishing processes: anodizing, powder coating, etching and pre-treatment requirements.
Familiarity with thermal break systems, weatherproofing details, drainage and pressure-equalized glazing principles for storefronts and doors.
Welding and metal-joining abilities (MIG/TIG or brazing) when applicable and proper post-weld finishing for subsequent coatings.
Experience with CNC programming or reading basic CNC code and the ability to set up tooling and fixtures for repeatable runs.
Quality control and inspection skills: dimensional verification, run-out checks, squareness testing and use of inspection checklists.
Basic mechanical repair and preventive maintenance of shop equipment to minimize production interruptions.
Proficiency with shop management tools and digital documentation: production tracking, cut lists, traveler cards and basic MS Office or shop-specific software.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and quality-first mindset; consistently produces work that meets tight tolerances and aesthetic standards.
Effective verbal communication to collaborate with installers, project managers, estimators and external vendors.
Problem-solving orientation with the ability to analyze fit-up issues and apply practical fabrication fixes quickly.
Time management and organizational skills to prioritize multiple jobs, meet due dates and support just-in-time production.
Team player attitude who can both take direction and provide mentorship to junior staff and apprentices.
Adaptability to changing job requirements, custom details and last-minute design revisions while maintaining quality.
Safety-minded with a demonstrated commitment to PPE use, lockout/tagout procedures and safe material handling.
Dependability and strong work ethic, including reliable attendance and the ability to work extended shifts during peak production periods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High school diploma or GED; proven experience in metal fabrication, carpentry, glazing or millwork may substitute for formal education.

Preferred Education:
Certificate or diploma from a technical school in metal fabrication, welding, architectural glazing or a related trades program; completion of a fabrication apprenticeship preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Metal Fabrication / Sheet Metal Technology
Welding Technology
Architectural Glazing / Fenestration Technology
Carpentry / Building Trades
Mechanical or Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–5 years of hands-on aluminum door, storefront or architectural metal fabrication in a production shop environment.

Preferred: 3–7 years of specialized experience fabricating aluminum doors and storefront systems with demonstrated proficiency in hardware prep, glazing, finishing coordination and quality inspections. Prior experience on commercial projects and familiarity with AAMA/ASTM performance standards strongly preferred.