Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Sheet Metal Installer

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Sheet Metal Installer is a hands-on tradesperson responsible for fabricating, assembling and installing sheet metal systems for commercial and industrial projects. This role requires expert blueprint and shop drawing interpretation, accurate field layout and precise fabrication of ductwork, flashings and metal components, strict adherence to SMACNA and local codes, and consistent implementation of safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates bring proven shop and field experience, effective coordination with trade partners, and the ability to troubleshoot complex fits and assemblies on tight schedules.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Sheet Metal Apprentice (registered apprenticeship or trade school graduate)
HVAC Helper / Duct Assembler
Metal Fabrication Shop Technician

Advancement To:

Journeyman/Lead Sheet Metal Installer
Foreman / Field Supervisor (Sheet Metal)
Shop Manager / Fabrication Supervisor
Project Estimator / Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

HVAC Service Technician
Structural Sheet Metal Fabricator
TIG/MIG Welding Specialist
Prefabrication Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret and verify architectural drawings, mechanical plans, shop drawings and specification documents to develop accurate field layouts and fabrication instructions for sheet metal ductwork, plenums, flashings and enclosures.
Measure, mark, lay out and cut sheet metal using shears, nibblers, power shears and plasma cutters to exact tolerances required by project drawings and SMACNA standards.
Fabricate and form duct sections, transitions, elbows and fittings using brakes, rollers, folders and hand tools; ensure seams, joints and connections meet project air leakage and structural requirements.
Assemble and install spiral, rectangular and oval ductwork in commercial and industrial environments, including coordination of hanger locations, supports, vibration isolation and seismic bracing per engineering documents.
Perform field seaming, lock-forming, crimping and riveting, and apply gaskets, sealants, tapes and mastics to ensure airtight, code-compliant system performance.
Install insulation, duct lining and vapor barriers and verify thermal and acoustic specifications are met while preventing damage to finished surfaces.
Layout and install rooftop curb flashings, metal copings, counterflashes, fascia panels and miscellaneous sheet metal roofing components with water- and weather-tight detailing.
Carry out prefabrication tasks in the shop — including nesting, kitting and staging assemblies — to maximize field efficiency and minimize on-site fabrication time.
Use welding (MIG, TIG, or stick as required), brazing or soldering techniques to join metal components when specified, maintaining certs and following weld procedures.
Perform field modifications and troubleshooting to fit ductwork and sheet metal components around existing structure, MEP systems and confined spaces while maintaining code compliance.
Set and adjust sheet metal hangers, trapeze systems and installed supports; coordinate with structural trades to ensure adequate load points and clearances.
Conduct pressure and leakage testing, smoke testing and visual inspections; document results and complete punch lists and corrective actions in coordination with QA/QC personnel.
Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, confined space entry protocols and fall protection plans while operating lifts, scaffolds and aerial work platforms on rooftops and high elevations.
Maintain accurate installation records, as-built markups, material take-offs and field measurement reports for project closeout and turnover packages.
Coordinate deliveries, material staging and tool needs with foremen and procurement; inspect incoming sheet metal, seals and fasteners for quality and specification compliance.
Collaborate with project superintendents, foremen, HVAC contractors and other trades to sequence work, resolve installation conflicts and meet milestone schedules.
Train and mentor apprentices and junior installers on safe fabrication methods, code requirements, tool usage and quality workmanship expectations.
Maintain, calibrate and safely operate power tools, brakes, shears, spot welders, plasma cutters and testing gauges; report tool damage and complete routine maintenance.
Implement company and site-specific safety programs including PPE enforcement, hazard reporting, daily pre-task planning and toolbox talks.
Adhere to environmental and regulatory requirements for scrap disposal, hazardous materials handling and material reclamation.
Prepare accurate field cost reports, assist with timekeeping, and support foremen in documenting productivity and labor usage for billing and estimating.
Provide customer-facing professionalism during on-site meetings, demonstrating the ability to explain installation approaches, resolve concerns and confirm acceptance criteria.

Secondary Functions

Support change-order documentation by providing measured field data, photos and estimates for unforeseen conditions and scope adjustments.
Participate in project kickoff, coordination and site-progress meetings to represent sheet metal scope and confirm interfaces with other trades.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by recommending prefabrication methods, shop jigs and quality checklists that reduce rework and shorten install time.
Assist in maintaining inventory of common fittings, fasteners, sealants and consumables; notify procurement of shortages that could impact schedule.
Help develop and standardize installation templates, detail libraries and fabrication drawings to improve repeatability and LLM-friendly documentation.
Perform light preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment (fans, dampers) when required for system start-up or commissioning activities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient blueprint reading and ability to translate plans, sections and details into field layout and fabrication steps.
Advanced sheet metal layout and pattern development skills for rectangular, spiral and transition pieces using SMACNA methods.
Skilled in use of sheet metal brakes, rolls, shears, folder machines, plasma cutters, punches and hand forming tools.
Experience with duct sealing, mastic application, gaskets, spiral lock seams and industry-standard air-leakage practices.
Welding and joining skills (MIG/TIG/brazing/soldering) with appropriate certifications where required.
Knowledge of HVAC systems and components, including supply/return/exhaust airflow principles and equipment connections.
Familiarity with SMACNA, local mechanical codes, ASHRAE guidelines and project specification compliance.
Ability to perform pressure/leak testing, visual QA inspections, and document corrective actions.
Competence with prefabrication workflows, CNC nesting, shop kitting and staging for field installation efficiency.
Experience operating aerial lifts, scaffolding, cranes and rigging equipment safely and in accordance with site policies.
Hands-on proficiency with power tools, torque tools, pneumatic riveters, and measuring instruments (tape, laser, square).
Basic computer skills for accessing digital drawings, completing daily reports, and using field management software; familiarity with AutoCAD or Revit is a plus.
Knowledge of corrosion control, surface prep, sealant compatibility and handling of galvanized and stainless materials.
Certifications: OSHA 10/30, NCCER, Journeyman card, AWS welding certifications, EPA 608 (where HVAC refrigerant work overlaps) are desirable.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality workmanship and first-time fixes.
Effective verbal communication and ability to coordinate with multi-trade teams, superintendents and project managers.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to improvise safe, code-compliant field solutions under time constraints.
Reliable time management and punctuality to meet tight installation schedules and project milestones.
Coaching and mentoring aptitude to develop apprentices and junior staff in safe fabrication practices.
Professional customer service presence for site-facing interactions and owner/engineer walkthroughs.
Adaptability to changing site conditions, scope changes and priority shifts in fast-paced commercial jobs.
Physical stamina, manual dexterity and the ability to work at heights, in confined spaces and in variable weather.
Commitment to safety culture, proactive hazard recognition and willingness to lead safety briefings.
Basic documentation skills for completing as-built markups, daily logs and QA checklists clearly and promptly.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED, demonstrated trade experience.

Preferred Education:

Completion of a sheet metal apprenticeship program or trade school certificate in sheet metal technology or HVAC.
Additional certifications such as NCCER, AWS welding certification, Journeyman card or relevant industry credentials.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Sheet Metal Technology / Sheet Metal Fabrication
HVAC Technology / Mechanical Systems
Welding Technology / Metal Fabrication
Construction Technology / Building Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2 – 10 years of combined shop and field sheet metal installation experience; minimum 2–4 years preferred for mid-level roles.

Preferred:

5+ years of commercial and industrial sheet metal installation experience with documented work on medium to large projects.
Prior experience following SMACNA standards, performing pressure/leak testing and coordinating complex duct penetrations and rooftop installations.
Experience supervising small crews, mentoring apprentices and supporting project documentation and closeout packages.