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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aluminum Technician

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingFabricationMetalworkingQuality Assurance

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a detail-oriented Aluminum Technician responsible for the safe, efficient fabrication, repair, finishing and quality assurance of aluminum components and assemblies. The Aluminum Technician will operate extrusion and fabrication equipment, interpret engineering drawings, perform finishing processes (anodizing, polishing, powder coating prep), and execute quality checks to ensure parts meet dimensional and surface specifications. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, hands-on metalworking skills, and a safety-first mindset.

Key keywords: Aluminum Technician, aluminum fabrication, extrusion press operator, anodize, powder coat prep, MIG/TIG welding, CNC, blueprint reading, quality inspection, metal finishing, preventive maintenance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Metal Fabricator or Sheet Metal Apprentice with hands-on aluminum experience
  • Production Assembler or Machine Operator in a metalworking environment
  • Welding Assistant or Finishing Technician (anodizing/powder coat)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Aluminum Technician / Lead Fabrication Technician
  • Production Supervisor or Shop Foreman (Fabrication/Finishing)
  • Process Improvement Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer (with additional training)

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Inspector / Quality Technician (metrology focus)
  • Maintenance Technician (mechanical/electrical)
  • CNC Programmer / Operator (milling or routing for aluminum)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate and set up aluminum extrusion presses, perform die changes and extrusion parameter adjustments, monitor extrusion quality and troubleshoot defects such as surface blemishes, dimensional variance, or extrusion defects.
  • Perform precision cutting, mitering, sawing, and trimming of aluminum profiles using manual and automated saws, ensuring accurate lengths per work orders and minimizing material waste.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, CAD prints and work instructions to determine dimensions, tolerances, finishes, and fabrication sequence for aluminum components.
  • Execute secondary machining operations on aluminum parts — including drilling, tapping, milling and routing — using CNC and manual machines while maintaining required part tolerances.
  • Prepare aluminum surfaces for finishing by degreasing, sanding, bead blasting or chemical cleaning to meet anodizing or powder-coating specifications and surface finish standards.
  • Run anodizing and chemical finishing lines (or coordinate with finishing department), monitor bath chemistry and process parameters, record process data and identify corrective actions to meet corrosion resistance and aesthetic requirements.
  • Set up, operate and maintain CNC routers, saws, punches, and forming machines used to fabricate aluminum components, including tool changeovers and program verification.
  • Perform MIG, TIG or brazing repairs and joinery on aluminum parts as required, following welding procedures and ensuring structural integrity and cosmetic appearance.
  • Inspect incoming aluminum stock for dimensional accuracy, surface condition, and certification compliance; quarantine non-conforming materials and communicate with purchasing/suppliers for resolution.
  • Conduct first article inspections and in-process quality checks using calipers, micrometers, height gauges and CMM reports to verify tolerances and complete inspection documentation.
  • Apply rivets, fasteners, adhesives and mechanical joins for assembly of aluminum frames, windows, doors, or custom extrusions, ensuring precise alignment and secure joins per specification.
  • Operate material handling equipment (forklift, hoist, overhead crane) to stage aluminum billets, extrusions and finished goods safely, following load charts and site safety procedures.
  • Perform routine preventive maintenance on extrusion presses, conveyor systems, grinders, and finishing equipment; lubricate moving parts, replace worn components and coordinate downtime for repairs.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic issues on fabrication and finishing equipment, escalate complex repairs to maintenance while documenting failure modes and corrective actions.
  • Maintain accurate production records, work orders, job travelers and traceability documentation for customer-specific alloys and engineered assemblies, ensuring compliance with ISO/AS standards where applicable.
  • Implement and follow continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices to optimize cycle times, reduce scrap and improve process yields for aluminum fabrication workflows.
  • Ensure strict adherence to workplace health and safety regulations, including PPE use, lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space awareness, chemical handling protocols and emergency procedures.
  • Train and mentor junior technicians and temporary staff on safe operation of tools and machines, blueprint reading, quality expectations and company standard operating procedures.
  • Coordinate with engineering and production planning to support new product introductions, prototype builds and design-for-manufacturability feedback for aluminum parts and assemblies.
  • Perform cosmetic repairs, polishing and buffing of aluminum surfaces to achieve specified visual grades for architectural, marine, or consumer applications.
  • Manage inventory of tooling, dies, grinding wheels, abrasives and finishing chemicals; initiate reorder requests and track usage to maintain uninterrupted production.
  • Participate in root cause analysis for rejects or rework, document findings in corrective action reports, and implement preventive measures to eliminate recurrence.
  • Follow environmental compliance for chemical disposal, anodizing rinse water treatment and waste handling associated with aluminum finishing processes.
  • Support after-market aluminum repair operations, including field kit preparation, replacement part assembly and technical documentation for on-site service teams.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with shop organization and 5S activities to maintain clean, efficient and safe work areas.
  • Support inventory counts, cycle counting and parts staging for scheduled production runs.
  • Aid continuous improvement teams with data collection, time studies and sample testing during process changes.
  • Help evaluate and qualify new suppliers for aluminum stock, finishing chemicals, and tooling consumables.
  • Provide hands-on support for small assembly runs, custom orders and rush repair projects to meet customer delivery commitments.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in aluminum extrusion press operation and die changeover procedures.
  • Strong blueprint reading and dimensional tolerance interpretation skills (GD&T basics).
  • Experience with CNC routers, mills, and saws for aluminum machining and finishing.
  • Knowledge of anodizing, powder coating and chemical pre-treatment processes and quality controls.
  • Welding and joining skills for aluminum (MIG, TIG or brazing) with an understanding of heat control and distortion prevention.
  • Skilled in precision measurement tools: vernier calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and basic CMM usage.
  • Mechanical troubleshooting: hydraulic, pneumatic and basic electrical systems on production equipment.
  • Familiarity with material handling equipment (forklift, overhead crane) and load safety.
  • Experience maintaining production documentation, work orders, and traceability for alloys and batches.
  • Use of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Epicor, IQMS) or shop floor data entry for job tracking and inventory.
  • Preventive maintenance and basic machine repair skills, including bearing and belt replacement.
  • Understanding of metallurgical properties of aluminum alloys and how alloy selection affects fabrication and finishing.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing defect-free, high-quality parts.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with engineering and QA.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
  • Time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Team player who can train others, accept feedback and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Adaptability to changing production schedules and new product introductions.
  • Strong safety orientation and commitment to OSHA and company safety practices.
  • Customer-focused attitude, ensuring parts meet specifications and delivery expectations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with mechanical aptitude and hands-on fabrication experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical diploma, trade school certificate, or associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Welding, Industrial Maintenance, or related field.
  • Certifications in welding (e.g., AWS), forklift operation, or anodizing process control are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Welding and Fabrication
  • Mechanical / Industrial Maintenance
  • Materials Science or Metallurgy

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2 to 7 years of direct experience in aluminum fabrication, extrusion, finishing or related metalworking roles.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years operating extrusion presses or working in aluminum finishing (anodize/powder coat).
  • Experience working in fast-paced production environments with ISO or AS quality systems.
  • Demonstrated track record of troubleshooting production equipment and driving process improvements.
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