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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aluminum Structural Installer

💰 $50,000 - $85,000

ConstructionInstallationAluminumGlazingFaçade

🎯 Role Definition

The Aluminum Structural Installer installs, assembles and seals aluminum framing systems for commercial and industrial building envelopes, including storefronts, entrances, curtain walls, glazing, canopies and louvers. The role requires interpreting shop drawings and architectural plans, performing accurate field layouts and measurements, installing anchors and anchors systems, setting and securing frames and glass, applying sealants and flashings, and ensuring systems meet performance, code and manufacturer specifications. Candidates must be safety-focused, skilled with hand and power tools, experienced with scaffolding, rigging and fall protection, and capable of coordinating with project managers, fabricators and general contractors to deliver high-quality façades on schedule and within budget.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aluminum Installer Helper / Laborer
  • Apprentice Glazier or Carpenter
  • Sheet Metal Fabrication Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Lead Aluminum Installer / Foreman
  • Site Supervisor / Field Superintendent
  • Façade Project Manager or Estimator

Lateral Moves:

  • Glazing Technician
  • Storefront and Entrance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Read and interpret architectural drawings, shop drawings and installation specifications to plan vertical and horizontal layout for aluminum storefronts, curtain wall systems and entrances.
  • Take accurate field measurements and verify dimensions against shop drawings before cutting, anchoring or ordering materials.
  • Prepare, layout and assemble aluminum frames and mullions in the field, verifying plumb, level and square to meet manufacturer and code tolerances.
  • Install curtain wall units, storefront frames, entrances, fixed windows, sidelites, transoms, sunshades and canopies per engineered details and manufacturer instructions.
  • Set, secure and adjust glazing units (insulating glass, laminated glass, tempered glass) into aluminum framing using proper bedding, setting blocks and pressure plates.
  • Install anchors, expansion anchors, epoxy anchors, through-bolts and bracketry into concrete, metal and masonry substrates using powder-actuated tools, drill and anchor systems.
  • Apply sealants, backer rods, flashing tapes and waterproofing membranes to perimeter joints, interfaces and transitions to ensure weather-tight systems.
  • Install thermal break components, gaskets, weatherstripping, and hardware (panic devices, closers, hinges, locksets) and verify smooth operation.
  • Align and shim frames, adjust anchors and install brackets to achieve required tolerances and support load paths for curtain wall and storefront systems.
  • Cut, mitre and finish aluminum members and trim at shop or field using saws, shears, grinders and specialized fabrication equipment.
  • Coordinate with glass shops and fabricators to confirm glass sizes, blocking and reinforcement points, and to resolve fabrication issues before installation.
  • Use scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), swing stages and rigging equipment safely to access installation locations at height.
  • Perform quality control inspections during and after installation, create punch lists, and correct defects to meet owner and architect standards.
  • Collaborate with general contractors, trade partners and project managers to sequence work, coordinate openings, and maintain schedule milestones.
  • Follow manufacturer installation guides and tested assembly procedures for curtain walls, structural silicone glazing (SSG) and unitized systems.
  • Install polycarbonate panels, louvers and metal cladding where required and integrate with aluminum framing systems.
  • Maintain clean and secure job site conditions, protect finished surfaces, and implement dust and debris control protocols.
  • Maintain accurate installation records, as-built markups, and submit field reports, RFIs and photographs to project management.
  • Troubleshoot and provide field solutions for misaligned openings, out-of-tolerance substrates, and unforeseen site conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
  • Demonstrate and adhere to all required safety procedures, including fall protection, PPE usage, confined space entry (if applicable), and hazard communication.
  • Perform glass setting for unitized panels, ensure proper bite and setting block placement, and verify glazing pressure plate torque sequences.
  • Read and interpret structural calculations and anchorage details to confirm proper load transfer and anchorage patterns.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist foremen and project management with material staging, inventory control and on-site measurement verification to reduce waste and rework.
  • Train and mentor apprentices and new installers on installation best practices, tool usage and safety expectations.
  • Participate in pre-installation coordination meetings and conduct site readiness checks before arrival of materials.
  • Support commissioning and field testing (water infiltration and air infiltration mock-ups) as required by project scope.
  • Maintain and perform preventive maintenance on hand tools, saws, grinders, fastening tools and power equipment.
  • Source and verify replacement parts, fasteners and specialty hardware when required for retrofit or repair work.
  • Provide cost and time estimates for small scope changes and assist the estimator with labor takeoffs when requested.
  • Perform final caulking, touch-up painting and protective film removal to deliver a finished, owner-acceptable façade.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in reading blueprints, shop drawings, elevations and installation specifications for storefront and curtain wall systems.
  • Field measurement and layout expertise with tape measures, levels, laser distance meters and plumb devices.
  • Experience installing aluminum storefronts, entrances, curtain walls, unitized systems, and structural glazing.
  • Glass setting and glazing techniques for insulating, laminated and tempered glass, including setting block placement and bite calculations.
  • Competence with sealants, backer rod, flashing systems, and waterproofing details to achieve air- and watertight seals.
  • Skilled with power and hand tools: circular saws, mitre saws, drills, impact drivers, grinders, rivet guns, and rotary hammers.
  • Familiarity with anchorage systems: expansion anchors, epoxy anchors, through-bolts and concrete anchors.
  • Working knowledge of scaffolding, swing stage operations, MEWPs (scissor lifts and boom lifts) and fall protection systems.
  • Experience with metal cutting, trimming, punching, bending and on-site fabrication of aluminum members.
  • Ability to follow manufacturer installation manuals and maintain installation tolerances and load requirements.
  • Competence in rigging and material handling for glass and large frame units; use of suction lifters and spreader bars.
  • Basic understanding of building envelope performance testing (water and air infiltration) and mock-up protocols.
  • OSHA and construction safety compliance knowledge (OSHA 10/30, fall protection training preferred).
  • Familiarity with caulking guns, sealant tooling, and finishing techniques to produce factory-quality joints.
  • Use of shop software or basic digital tools for reading PDFs, markups and submitting field documentation.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship.
  • Effective verbal communication with supervisors, architects, GCs and team members.
  • Problem-solving mindset to diagnose field issues and propose practical corrective actions.
  • Team player who can collaborate across trades and support production-driven schedules.
  • Time management and ability to work under tight project deadlines.
  • Safety-first attitude with proactive hazard identification and mitigation.
  • Adaptability to complex site conditions and changing scope or sequencing.
  • Customer-facing professionalism when interacting with site owners or tenant representatives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate or trade school completion in glazing, carpentry, sheet metal or construction technology.
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification; fall protection and scaffold competency cards preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Construction Technology
  • Architectural Drafting / CAD fundamentals
  • Carpentry and Sheet Metal Fabrication
  • Glazing / Façade Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–8 years of hands-on experience installing aluminum storefronts, curtain walls and commercial glazing systems.

Preferred: 5+ years of progressive experience on commercial projects including proven work with unitized curtain wall, structural glazing and storefront installations, plus supervisory or lead experience for senior roles.

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