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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Junction Fabricator Assistant

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingFabricationConstructionSkilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

The Junction Fabricator Assistant supports fabrication and assembly operations focused on pipe junctions, fittings, and structural junction assemblies in industrial, energy, and manufacturing environments. This role works under the direction of fabricators, welders, and shop leads to prepare materials, perform fit-up and tack operations, maintain shop tooling, and ensure finished assemblies meet quality and safety standards. Ideal candidates have hands-on shop experience, basic blueprint reading skills, and a safety-first mindset.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Machine Operator / Shop Helper
  • Pipe Fitter Helper
  • General Laborer in Manufacturing

Advancement To:

  • Fabricator / Pipe Fitter
  • Welder (MIG/TIG/Stick) or Certified Welder
  • Lead Fabricator or Shop Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Inspector (Dimensional / NDT entry)
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Material Handler / Logistics in Fabrication Shop

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist in reading and interpreting fabrication drawings, isometric pipe layouts, and bill of materials to prepare junction assemblies, ensuring parts are staged correctly for fit-up and welding according to work orders and welding procedure specifications (WPS).
  • Measure, mark, and layout raw materials using calipers, tape measures, squares and protractors to ensure accurate cut lists and alignment for pipe junctions, flanges, tees, and custom fittings.
  • Cut and bevel pipes and plate materials using band saws, chop saws, plasma cutters, or oxy-fuel torches, consistently producing accurate ends and bevel angles required for quality welds on junction components.
  • Perform fit-up and tack welding of pipe junctions and assemblies under supervision, aligning components to required tolerances and ensuring proper gap, root opening, and orientation before final welding.
  • Set up and operate grinders, flap discs, and deburring tools to prepare weld joints, remove slag, chamfer edges, and finish weld areas to meet surface preparation standards for coating or additional processing.
  • Assist certified welders during final welding operations — holding pieces, applying clamps and fixtures, monitoring alignment, and adjusting fit to maintain weld integrity and dimensional accuracy.
  • Stage and transfer heavy components with overhead cranes, hoists, and forklifts (where certified), using proper rigging techniques and communicating clearly with crane operators during movement of junction assemblies.
  • Maintain and service commonly used shop tooling and fixtures including clamps, jigs, pipe stands, and templates; report damaged tools and help coordinate repairs or replacements to minimize downtime.
  • Perform basic tack welding, stud welding, and plug welding tasks per shop procedures and under appropriate supervision while adhering to WPS and safety protocols.
  • Conduct initial dimensional checks and basic quality inspections on assembled junctions using go/no-go gauges, calipers, levels, and tape measures, documenting measurements and non-conformances for lead review.
  • Prepare and affix identification tags, weld maps, and traveler documents to assemblies, ensuring traceability of materials, heat numbers, and welders per project documentation and quality control requirements.
  • Clean, organize, and maintain fabrication work areas to keep material flow efficient and ensure compliance with shop housekeeping and safety standards (5S practices encouraged).
  • Assist with surface preparation tasks including blasting, solvent cleaning, and masking in preparation for coatings, primers, or painting processes applied to junction assemblies.
  • Support non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians by performing pre-inspection cleaning, marking acceptance areas, and facilitating access to welds for visual, magnetic particle, or dye-penetrant inspections.
  • Help assemble and torque bolted flange connections for junctions using calibrated torque wrenches and following tightening patterns and specified torque values to ensure leak-tight assemblies.
  • Load and secure finished junction assemblies for packaging and shipping, preparing packing lists, protective covers, and blocking/bracing per shipping procedures and client requirements.
  • Maintain accurate material usage and inventory records by updating stock levels, returning scrap to designated bins, and notifying inventory control of low-stock items for common pipe sizes, fittings, and consumables.
  • Follow all company and regulatory safety procedures (OSHA, PPE requirements, hot work permits) including fire watch duties after hot work and participating in safety briefings and toolbox talks.
  • Assist in minor fixture and jig adjustments or basic repairs — measuring and flagging required changes, and collaborating with the fab lead to implement improvements that increase fit-up speed and reduce rework.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting layout, process, or tooling changes that improve throughput, reduce waste, or increase the consistency of junction assemblies.
  • Support project scheduling by communicating progress, highlighting potential delays (material, tooling, quality), and assisting supervisors with prioritization of junction jobs to meet delivery deadlines.
  • Maintain welding and fabrication consumables (grit discs, electrodes, shielding gas, filler metal) inventory at workstations and request replenishment to avoid production interruptions.
  • Record basic welding parameters, tack locations, and material lot numbers as required by quality documentation, ensuring records are complete and legible for weld traceability.
  • Work collaboratively across shifts with inspectors, planners, and completion teams to execute handovers and ensure continuity of workmanship and documentation between shifts.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate in cross-training to expand capabilities (basic welding certifications, rigging, NDT awareness) to increase flexibility of shop resources.
  • Assist engineering teams with mock-ups and prototype junction assemblies during design validation and pre-production testing.
  • Support environmental and waste management practices by segregating hazardous materials, encapsulating used solvents, and following shop recycling procedures.
  • Mentor new helpers or apprentices on safe tool use, basic layout techniques, and shop expectations to accelerate their integration and maintain consistent quality.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint and isometric reading (pipe isos, weld symbols, flange details, BOM interpretation).
  • Basic measurement and metrology: tape measure, vernier caliper, combination square, level, protractor.
  • Proficient operation of fabrication shop equipment: band saws, chop saws, plasma cutter, grinders, drill presses.
  • Familiarity with cutting and beveling techniques for pipe and plate, including oxy-fuel and plasma processes.
  • Basic tack and root welding experience (MIG/GMAW, stick/SMAW, or TIG/GTAW assist), performed under supervision and to WPS when applicable.
  • Fit-up, alignment, and clamping for pipe junctions and flanged assemblies.
  • Rigging and material handling using hoists, slings, chainfalls, and overhead cranes (signaler/spotter experience).
  • Knowledge of welding procedure specifications (WPS) and adherence to weld maps and quality documentation.
  • Basic nondestructive testing (NDT) awareness: visual inspection, dye-penetrant, magnetic particle support tasks.
  • Familiarity with bolting procedures and torque patterns for flanged connections.
  • Shop safety and hot work permit procedures; PPE selection and use (respirators, welding hoods, gloves).
  • Basic computer or tablet skills for accessing job travelers, electronic quality forms, and inventory systems.
  • Experience with shop lean practices (5S), basic continuous improvement tools, and waste minimization.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, dimensionally correct assemblies.
  • Effective verbal and written communication for clear handoffs and documentation in a fast-paced shop environment.
  • Teamwork and collaboration — ability to work closely with welders, QC inspectors, and leads to meet production goals.
  • Time management and prioritization — meet deadlines while maintaining quality and safety.
  • Problem-solving mindset — identify fit-up or tooling issues and propose practical solutions to reduce rework.
  • Dependability and punctuality — consistent attendance and follow-through on assigned tasks.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, shift schedules, and production demands.
  • Safety-first attitude with willingness to stop work for unsafe conditions and proactively raise concerns.
  • Willingness to learn and pursue certifications (welding, forklift, rigging) to increase technical capability.
  • Professionalism and positive attitude when interacting with internal teams and external inspectors or clients.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent hands-on fabrication or trade school experience acceptable.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate in welding, metal fabrication, or pipefitting; technical school coursework in blueprint reading or welding technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Welding Technology
  • Metal Fabrication / Pipefitting
  • Mechanical or Industrial Trades
  • Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years of hands-on experience in a fabrication shop, pipe shop, or industrial maintenance environment.

Preferred:

  • 1–3 years assisting welders or fabricators on pipe junctions, flanged assemblies, or structural fit-ups; familiarity with shop tooling, basic welding, and blueprint interpretation preferred.

If you want, I can tailor this job spec for a specific industry (oil & gas, power generation, water infrastructure) or generate a concise job posting, interview guide, or competency matrix for recruiting and assessment.

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