Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aluminum Frame Fabricator

🎯 Role Definition

The Aluminum Frame Fabricator is a skilled tradesperson responsible for transforming aluminum extrusions, sheets and components into precise frames, storefronts, curtainwall systems, doors and windows. This role requires strong blueprint interpretation, hands-on machine setup and operation (manual and CNC), precise measuring and fitting, finishing preparation for anodizing or painting, and consistent adherence to quality and safety standards. The role supports production, installation teams and project managers to deliver accurate, durable architectural metalwork on schedule.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Junior Fabricator / Apprentice (metal shop)
General Metalworker or Bench Technician
Sheet Metal Helper or Installer

Advancement To:

Senior Fabricator / Lead Fabricator
Shop Supervisor / Production Supervisor
Field Foreman / Installation Lead
Estimator or Project Coordinator (facade/architectural metal)

Lateral Moves:

CNC Machinist (metalwork)
Welding Specialist (TIG/MIG)
Quality Inspector / Metrology Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret and apply engineering drawings, shop drawings, specifications and bill of materials to accurately layout, measure and cut aluminum extrusions, sheets and tubing for windows, doors, storefronts and curtainwall systems.
Set up and safely operate manual and CNC saws, mitre saws, shear, hydraulic/pneumatic presses, punch presses, routers and milling machines to cut, drill, mill and form aluminum components to specified tolerances.
Perform precise mitre cutting, corner cleating, splice fitting and full-frame assembly for storefronts, curtainwalls, entrances and window frames using jigs, fixtures, clamps and alignment tools to ensure square, plumb and true assemblies.
Assemble frames, sashes, mullions and reinforcement members using rivets, bolts, mechanical fasteners, adhesives and specialized joining systems per engineering instructions and quality standards.
Prepare and install gaskets, glazing beads, thermal breaks and sealant to ensure weatherproofing, thermal performance and structural integrity of aluminum frame systems.
Operate MIG, TIG and brazing equipment for aluminum joining where required, following approved welding procedures, and perform appropriate pre- and post-weld cleaning and treatment.
Deburr, grind, sand and finish cut surfaces and welds to meet surface finish specifications and to prepare assemblies for anodizing, painting or powder coating processes.
Use precision measuring tools — calipers, micrometers, height gauges and angle plates — and inspection fixtures to perform in-process and final quality checks against tolerances and drawing callouts.
Maintain and adjust fabrication tooling, jigs and fixtures; report wear and coordinate preventive maintenance with supervisors to minimize downtime and maintain dimensional accuracy.
Nest and optimize cutting patterns and material layouts to reduce scrap and control material usage when working with extrusions and sheet stock.
Follow and enforce lockout/tagout and other safety protocols when setting up and servicing equipment; use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe material handling practices.
Load, unload and stage raw materials and finished assemblies safely using forklifts or material handling equipment, ensuring proper storage to protect finishes and prevent warping.
Document production activities, QC checks and material use in the shop’s ERP/MRP system or job travelers to ensure traceability and support inventory control.
Identify and report defective materials, nonconformances and process deviations; initiate corrective actions or rework procedures to maintain product quality and customer requirements.
Collaborate with engineers, project managers, estimators and field installers to clarify design intent, recommend fabrication solutions and resolve on-site fit or installation issues.
Prioritize work orders and schedule production sequences to meet customer delivery dates and installation timelines while balancing job complexity and tooling availability.
Apply company quality systems and industry standards (e.g., AAMA, ASTM) during fabrication and finishing prep to ensure compliance with architectural and performance specifications.
Train, mentor and evaluate junior fabricators and apprentices on safe equipment operation, proper measurement and assembly techniques, and quality expectations.
Conduct basic nondestructive testing (visual inspection, dye penetrant as required) and record results; work with QA to escalate issues requiring formal inspection or engineering review.
Maintain a clean, organized and 5S-compliant work area; contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to improve ergonomics, throughput and reduce cycle time.
Participate in jobsite mock-ups and prototype builds, providing hands-on input to refine fabrication details prior to full production.
Assist in fixture design and shop layout improvements to streamline production flow, reduce manual handling and improve repeatability for high-volume runs.

Secondary Functions

Support inventory control by verifying incoming aluminum extrusion lots, documenting serials or batch numbers and flagging discrepancies to purchasing.
Assist production planning and procurement teams by providing lead-time estimates for complex assemblies and suggesting material substitutions when appropriate.
Help coordinate logistics of finished goods, preparing crates and protective packaging to prevent finish damage during shipping and installation.
Provide technical input for change orders, RFI responses and field modification requests based on hands-on fabrication experience.
Participate in cross-functional improvement teams (Lean, Kaizen) to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste and standardize best practices across fabrication processes.
Occasionally perform light field support or installation assistance for complicated assemblies to verify fit and hand off fabrication learnings to installers.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Blueprint and shop drawing interpretation (architectural and structural).
Precision measurement: calipers, micrometers, height gauges, protractors and inspection fixtures.
Operation and setup of manual and CNC cutting machinery: mitre saws, saws, routers, punch and press equipment.
Aluminum-specific joining techniques: riveting, mechanical fastening, thermal break installation and adhesive bonding.
Aluminum welding/brazing experience (MIG, TIG, brazing) and knowledge of aluminum alloys and heat distortion control.
Glazing and gasket installation for storefronts, curtainwalls, doors and windows.
Material preparation for anodizing, powder coating and painting (degreasing, bead blasting, masking).
Familiarity with AAMA/ASTM/NFRC specifications and architectural metal standards.
Basic CAD reading and familiarity with SolidWorks/AutoCAD or shop nesting software for pattern optimization.
Forklift and material handling equipment operation (certification preferred).
Use of ERP/MRP systems or job traveler documentation for production tracking.
Fixture design, jig setup and shop tooling maintenance.
Knowledge of shop safety standards, lockout/tagout and PPE procedures; OSHA awareness.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work.
Clear verbal and written communication to coordinate with engineers, installers and supervisors.
Problem-solving mindset to troubleshoot fit-up, assembly and finish issues.
Time management and the ability to prioritize multiple production orders.
Team orientation and willingness to train and mentor less-experienced technicians.
Adaptability and flexibility in a production environment with shifting priorities.
Continuous improvement mentality with openness to Lean and 5S practices.
Customer-focused attitude when supporting shop-built mock-ups and site-related issues.
Physical stamina and manual dexterity for repetitive hand work and machine operation.
Safety-first mindset and the ability to enforce safe work practices.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED; relevant vocational training or trade school coursework preferred.

Preferred Education:

Technical certificate or diploma in welding, metal fabrication, machining, or architectural metals.
Coursework or certification in blueprint reading, CNC operation or welding (AWS/TIG/MIG).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Welding Technology / Welding Fabrication
Metal Fabrication / Sheet Metal Technology
Mechanical or Manufacturing Technology
Architectural Metals / Curtainwall Fabrication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of hands-on aluminum fabrication experience; up to 7+ years for senior roles.

Preferred:

3+ years specifically fabricating aluminum storefronts, curtainwalls, windows, doors or similar architectural systems.
Experience with CNC saws and punch/press equipment, welding aluminum and preparing parts for anodize/powder coat.
Prior exposure to jobsite mock-ups, installation support and working from architectural shop drawings.