Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aluminum Window Fabricator

🎯 Role Definition

The Aluminum Window Fabricator manufactures, assembles, modifies, and inspects commercial and residential aluminum window systems and frames. This role combines precision metal fabrication, glazing preparation, hardware installation, and quality control to deliver shop-ready window units and components that meet architectural specifications, performance standards, and building code requirements. The ideal candidate has experience reading shop drawings, operating fabrication machinery (saws, punching, CNC), applying sealants and thermal breaks, and performing final inspection to ensure dimensional accuracy and weather-tight performance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Metal Fabricator / General Fabrication Technician
Glazier’s Assistant or Window Shop Helper
Sheet Metal Apprentice or Machinist Trainee

Advancement To:

Lead Fabricator / Lead Window Technician
Shop Supervisor / Production Supervisor
Installation Foreman or Field Glazing Specialist
Quality Control Inspector / QA Lead

Lateral Moves:

CNC Operator (Aluminum Profiles)
Sheet Metal Fabrication Specialist
Curtain Wall Pre-Fabrication Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret and follow architectural shop drawings, project specifications, and material lists to accurately layout and fabricate aluminum window frames and sashes to precise tolerances.
Set up and operate cold saws, chop saws, miter saws, CNC profile cutters, extrusion routing machines, and manual cutting equipment to cut and prepare aluminum extrusions to specified lengths and angles.
Operate punching, notching, and milling equipment to create hinge pockets, drainage weep holes, screw bosses, and hardware mounting locations per shop drawings and manufacturer guidelines.
Measure, fit and assemble frame components using jigs, fixtures, splice plates, screws, rivets and mechanical fasteners to ensure square, plumb and level assemblies that meet dimensional tolerances.
Install thermal breaks, polyamide barriers and insulating materials into aluminum profiles to meet thermal performance and condensation control requirements.
Apply glazing gaskets, setting blocks, glazing tapes and glass stop components, prepare rabbet areas, and set insulating glass units or tempered glass according to glazing schedules.
Fit, align and install window hardware including hinges, handles, locks, multipoint latches, operators, closers and ventilation hardware, verifying smooth operation and correct hardware locations.
Apply silicone, polyurethane or other specified sealants and caulks to joints, corners and perimeter interfaces to achieve weather-tight seals and meet manufacturer/industry standards.
Perform quality inspections and dimensional checks using calipers, micrometers, squares and levels at multiple stages of fabrication and prior to release for shipping or installation.
Deburr, file, sand and finish edges and machined surfaces of aluminum components to remove sharp edges and prepare profiles for anodizing, painting or powder-coating.
Coordinate with paint/powder coat shop to prepare parts for finishing, including masking, cleaning, and packaging to meet surface preparation and finish specifications.
Maintain accurate production records, part identification tags, cut lists and tracking documentation to support inventory control and job traceability.
Troubleshoot fabrication issues, recommend corrective adjustments to tooling or process, and perform minor machine adjustments and basic maintenance to minimize downtime.
Read and interpret hardware schedules and manufacturer installation instructions to confirm that fabricated units will accept specified glazing and field-installed components.
Adhere to all safety protocols including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lockout/tagout procedures, safe handling of glass and heavy extrusions, and compliance with OSHA and company policies.
Load and unload aluminum extrusions, frames, and finished units using material handling equipment (forklift, hoist) safely and securely for storage, shipping, or staging for installation.
Participate in pre-production meetings to review job priorities, lead times, tolerance requirements and custom details for special architectural windows or curtain wall segments.
Mark, label and crating of finished window units for dispatch, ensuring proper packing to prevent damage in transit and clear identification for field installation teams.
Support field installation teams as needed by producing cut lists, fabricating last-minute adjustments, or attending installation site checks to resolve fit or performance issues.
Maintain a clean, organized and efficient work area, ensuring tooling is organized, consumables are stocked, and scrap is minimized through lean fabrication practices.
Verify compliance with industry performance standards (air infiltration, water penetration, structural load) through dimensional controls and working with QA/engineering when test failures occur.
Train and mentor junior fabricators or shop apprentices on safe machine operation, measurement techniques, joinery best practices and reading of shop drawings.

Secondary Functions

Assist production planners by providing feedback on lead times, tooling needs and production capacity for upcoming projects.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by documenting recurring defects, suggesting process changes, and participating in root cause analysis.
Maintain inventory counts of glazing gaskets, fasteners, sealants and commonly used extrusions and report reorder needs to the purchasing team.
Collaborate with engineering and estimating teams on value engineering suggestions to improve manufacturability or reduce material waste.
Participate in coordinated start-of-job inspections with project managers and field installers to confirm measurements and special on-site requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in aluminum window fabrication techniques including cutting, mitering, punching, notching, and assembly of extruded profiles.
Ability to read and interpret architectural shop drawings, fabrication tolerances, glazing schedules and installation instructions.
Experience operating cold saws, miter saws, punch presses, CNC cutters, routers, and drill presses used in the window fabrication process.
Skilled in applying sealants (silicone, polyurethane), glazing tapes, gaskets, thermal breaks and insulating materials for weatherproofing and thermal performance.
Competence with precision measuring tools: calipers, micrometers, squares, levels, and digital protractors to verify dimensional accuracy.
Familiarity with hardware installation for windows and doors: hinges, multipoint locks, operators, and tilt/turn or awning mechanisms.
Basic welding or brazing knowledge for aluminum (where applicable), including weld preparation and safe practices for aluminum joins (MIG/TIG if used).
Experience preparing parts for anodizing or powder coating, including surface cleaning, masking and handling requirements.
Knowledge of fabrication quality control practices and the ability to perform and document inspections.
Certified or experienced forklift operator with safe material handling of heavy glass and aluminum components.
Experience with roll-forming equipment, shear machines, or punching machines commonly used in fenestration shops (preferred).
Understanding of building code requirements and test standards for windows (air, water, structural) and ability to fabricate units to meet those standards.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and pride in producing high-quality, defect-free finished window units.
Problem-solving orientation with the ability to identify root causes and implement practical shop floor solutions.
Good communication skills for working with engineers, installers, supervisors and freight/warehouse teams.
Time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced production environment to meet deadlines.
Team-player mentality; willingness to train others and share best practices to improve shop performance.
Adaptability to handle custom orders, changing specifications and occasional field support requests.
Dependability and strong attendance record; committed to safety, quality and continuous improvement.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with vocational training or on-the-job experience in metal fabrication, glazing, or related trades.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or diploma in Metal Fabrication, Sheet Metal Technology, Industrial Mechanics, or related technical program.
Additional certifications in welding (aluminum MIG/TIG), forklift operation, or OSHA safety training are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Metal Fabrication / Sheet Metal
Industrial Technology / Mechanical Trades
Carpentry/Glazing Apprenticeship Programs

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2 to 7 years of hands-on experience manufacturing and assembling aluminum windows, storefronts, curtain wall components or similar fenestration products.

Preferred:

4+ years in a commercial aluminum window shop, experience with architectural glazing systems, exposure to production scheduling, and familiarity with industry testing standards.