Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aluminum Window Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Aluminum Window Technician is a skilled tradesperson responsible for the fabrication, assembly, installation, repair, and maintenance of aluminum windows, storefronts, curtainwalls and related glazing systems in both commercial and residential settings. This role requires precise measuring, cutting and fitting of aluminum extrusions and glass; application of gaskets, sealants, and thermal breaks; on-site installation and finish work; troubleshooting leaks and operational issues; and consistent adherence to building codes, manufacturer specifications and safety procedures. The ideal candidate is mechanically adept, safety-focused, customer-oriented and experienced with both shop fabrication and field installation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Window/Glazing Apprentice or Laborer
Metal Fabricator or Shop Assembler
Construction Helper or General Carpenter

Advancement To:

Lead Aluminum Window Technician / Installer
Glazing Foreman / Site Supervisor
Project Estimator or Project Manager (Commercial Glazing)

Lateral Moves:

Curtainwall Technician
Storefront and Entrance Systems Specialist
Commercial Glass Repair Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform accurate on-site measurements, templating and site surveys for aluminum window systems, storefronts and curtainwall to ensure all fabrications and installations match architectural drawings and field conditions.
Fabricate and assemble aluminum frames, sashes and muntins in the shop using saws, routers, drill presses, punch machines and other metalworking equipment following manufacturer profiles and shop drawings.
Cut, rout, and machine aluminum extrusions to precise tolerances, assemble corner joins, and mechanically fasten or bond components using bolts, screws, rivets and sealants in accordance with specifications.
Handle, measure, cut and fit insulating glass units (IGUs) and single-pane glass, coordinate with glaziers for glazing, and ensure proper sealing, spacers and edge treatments to prevent thermal and water infiltration.
Install aluminum windows, storefront systems and curtainwall on commercial and residential structures, setting frames plumb and level, anchoring to substrates, and integrating flashings and pressure plates.
Apply gaskets, compression seals, foam tape and structural sealants (silicone, polyurethane) to ensure weather-tight seals and thermal performance per manufacturer recommendations.
Adjust operating hardware, hinges, balances and locking mechanisms on windows and curtainwall to provide smooth operation, security and compliance with accessibility and egress requirements.
Diagnose and repair leaks, air infiltration and condensation issues, perform water penetration and air performance tests (mock-ups and field tests) and implement corrective measures.
Replace broken or damaged glass and damaged frame components in the field, coordinate with glass shops for IGU replacement and perform safe removal and disposal of existing glazing.
Read, interpret and follow construction documents, structural drawings, shop drawings, installation instructions and manufacturer technical manuals to ensure accurate installations and compliance.
Perform thermal break installation, gasket installation and edge glazing to maintain energy efficiency and meet building code or project performance requirements.
Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts and other aerial equipment safely to install windows at height, rig and use cranes or hoists for heavy units and coordinate with rigging crews when required.
Maintain inventory of hardware, gaskets, sealants, anchors and glazing materials; perform daily material checks and report shortages to project supervisors to avoid installation delays.
Conduct quality control inspections at key milestones, verify tolerances, alignment and seal integrity, document non-conformances and work with supervisors to implement corrective actions.
Prepare and complete installation reports, daily work logs, punch lists, site photos and documentation required for project close-out and warranty records.
Coordinate with general contractors, subcontractors, architects and project managers to schedule installations, accommodate phased work and resolve field conflicts with minimal disruption to the project.
Follow OSHA and company safety procedures, utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), implement fall protection systems and participate in toolbox talks and site safety meetings.
Perform on-site finishing work including trimming, caulking, touch-up painting and installation of trim, sills and flashings to ensure professional appearance and weatherproofing.
Maintain and service shop and field tools, perform basic preventative maintenance on saws, routers, welders and power tools, and report or initiate repair of defective equipment.
Install storefronts, entrances and door hardware, including automatic door mechanisms, panic hardware, thresholds and ADA-compliant components, ensuring proper operation and security.
Fabricate and install architectural metal panels, mullions, transoms and other aluminum components as part of comprehensive curtainwall and window wall systems.
Execute retrofit and replacement projects by removing old windows, preparing openings, installing new systems and ensuring correct flashing, air barrier repair and resealing to integrate with existing building envelope.
Train and mentor junior technicians and apprentices in safe installation practices, measurement techniques, material handling and manufacturer-specific systems.
Ensure compliance with local building codes, energy code requirements (IECC), glazing performance standards and project-specific specifications and performance criteria.

Secondary Functions

Assist estimators and project managers with site measure-ups, material takeoffs and installation time estimates to support accurate bids and schedules.
Support customer service and warranty teams by responding to service requests, performing field repairs and documenting resolution for long-term warranty tracking.
Participate in pre-installation coordination meetings and mock-ups to validate flashing details, clearance issues and interface with other trades.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by providing field feedback on product performance, installation efficiencies and potential cost-saving measures.
Maintain clean, organized job sites and shop areas; ensure safe storage of glass, aluminum stock and hazardous materials and adhere to waste disposal procedures.
Help manage small inventory counts and order replacement materials as needed to maintain uninterrupted installation workflows.
Assist in on-site training sessions and cross-training opportunities to broaden team capabilities across storefront, curtainwall and specialty glazing systems.
Support sales and operations by conducting technical demonstrations of product features and installation considerations for clients or prospective customers.
Participate in mock-ups and third-party testing (water/air infiltration, structural load tests) and help implement corrective actions identified during testing.
Document lessons learned and maintain a knowledge base of common field fixes, assembly tricks and manufacturer clarifications for the installation team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Precise field measuring and templating for aluminum window, storefront and curtainwall systems.
Shop fabrication skills: cutting, routing, drilling, punching and assembling aluminum extrusions to shop drawings.
Glazing knowledge: handling, installing and replacing glass units, insulating glass units (IGUs), and seals.
Sealant and gasket application: silicone, polyurethane, structural sealants, foam tape and EPDM gasket installation.
Familiarity with storefront, curtainwall, window wall, and entrance system components and installation sequences.
Ability to read and interpret architectural and shop drawings, specifications and manufacturer installation manuals.
Competent use of power tools and shop equipment (miter saws, CNC routers, drill presses, crimpers, rivet guns).
Safe operation of lifts and rigging equipment, including scissor lifts, boom lifts and crane-assisted installations.
Hardware installation and adjustment: hinges, multipoint locks, closers and weather stripping for operational performance.
Knowledge of building envelope principles, thermal breaks, flashing detail integration and moisture control strategies.
Field testing experience: water infiltration tests, air tests and basic leak detection techniques.
Basic metal welding, mechanical fastening and thermal break assembly (where applicable).
Inventory management and materials ordering for glazing and framing components.
Familiarity with local building codes, accessibility (ADA) requirements and glazing performance standards.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and quality consciousness for precision assembly and seal integrity.
Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills under field conditions and tight schedules.
Clear communication skills for coordinating with supervisors, contractors and clients.
Customer-focused attitude; professional demeanor when interacting with building owners and tenants.
Time management and ability to prioritize multiple installation tasks across job sites.
Teamwork and mentorship: ability to train and support apprentices and less experienced technicians.
Physical stamina and dexterity to perform repetitive tasks, lift heavy materials and work at heights.
Adaptability to changing site conditions, schedule shifts and scope adjustments.
Safety-minded with a proactive approach to hazard identification and risk mitigation.
Reliability, punctuality and commitment to meeting project deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

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

Preferred Education:

Certificate in glazing, metal fabrication, architectural metalwork or related trade certifications.
Manufacturer-specific installation training or certification (e.g., curtainwall/storefront system training).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Technology / Building Trades
Metal Fabrication / Sheet Metal Technology
Architectural Drafting / CAD (useful for reading shop drawings)
Glazing Technology / Glass Fabrication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of hands-on experience in glazing, window installation or metal fabrication with aluminum systems.

Preferred: 3–7+ years of progressively responsible experience installing aluminum windows, storefronts or curtainwall on commercial projects, with documented experience performing field testing, complex installations and supervising small crews.