Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitchen Fabricator Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Kitchen Fabricator Assistant, you are the essential support system for our lead fabricators and installers. Your primary role is to learn and master the fundamentals of countertop and cabinet creation, from handling raw materials to applying the final finishing touches. You will be actively involved in the entire production lifecycle, ensuring that materials are prepped, tools are ready, the workspace is safe, and projects move forward efficiently. This is a foundational role designed for someone with a strong work ethic and a keen eye for detail, offering a direct path to becoming a skilled craftsperson in a high-demand trade.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Construction Helper
Warehouse Associate or Material Handler
Woodshop Assistant or Carpenter's Apprentice

Advancement To:

Lead Fabricator or Stone Polisher
CNC Machine Operator/Programmer
Lead Countertop Installer or Shop Foreman

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector
Project Estimator or Sales Support
Cabinet Installer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist senior fabricators in the precise cutting, shaping, and finishing of stone slabs (granite, quartz, marble) using a variety of hand and power tools.
Learn to operate and maintain fabrication equipment, including bridge saws, waterjets, and edge polishers, under the direct supervision of an experienced technician.
Perform detailed hand-polishing and finishing on countertop edges and surfaces to achieve a smooth, high-quality finish that meets project specifications.
Accurately measure, mark, and cut out sink holes, faucet holes, and other required openings in stone and solid surface materials based on templates and shop drawings.
Mix and apply color-matched epoxy and specialized adhesives for laminating edges, seaming countertops, and performing minor chip or crack repairs.
Safely load and unload heavy stone slabs and finished countertops onto A-frames, carts, and delivery trucks using forklifts, overhead cranes, or proper team lifting techniques.
Prepare and assemble cabinetry components, ensuring all parts are correctly aligned, fastened with precision, and ready for on-site installation.
Read and interpret detailed shop drawings, blueprints, and work orders to understand material requirements, dimensions, and fabrication steps for each unique project.
Conduct rigorous quality control checks throughout the fabrication process, inspecting for blemishes, scratches, or imperfections and reporting them immediately.
Assist with the creation of physical and digital templates at job sites to capture exact measurements for custom countertop and cabinet layouts.
Grind and smooth seams between joined pieces of stone to make them as invisible as possible, ensuring a flawless and professional final appearance.
Support the installation team by prepping materials, loading tools, and assisting on-site with the careful placement, leveling, and securing of countertops and cabinets.
Learn and apply various lamination techniques to build up countertop edges, creating different profile styles according to client selection.
Carefully handle and transport finished pieces within the shop to prevent chipping, scratching, or any damage prior to shipment.
Assist in the final sealing and treatment of natural stone countertops to enhance their durability and protect them from staining and daily wear.

Secondary Functions

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by regularly cleaning tools, sweeping floors, and properly disposing of material waste.
Manage and organize the inventory of raw materials, tools, and consumables like blades and polishing pads, notifying the shop manager when stock is low.
Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and OSHA guidelines, including the consistent and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, hearing protection, and respirators.
Perform routine preventative maintenance on fabrication machinery and hand tools, including cleaning, lubricating, and assisting with blade or bit changes.
Document work progress, material usage, and completed tasks accurately on daily production logs or through a digital tracking system.
Collaborate effectively with all members of the production team to ensure a smooth workflow and the timely completion of all scheduled projects.
Participate actively in daily team meetings to review the production schedule, discuss potential challenges, and align on priorities for the day.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency with or ability to quickly learn power tools (grinders, polishers, saws) and hand tools common in stone and wood fabrication.
Ability to read and interpret a tape measure, rulers, and levels with a high degree of accuracy and precision.
Basic understanding of shop drawings, work orders, or technical diagrams.
Experience operating or assisting with industrial machinery like forklifts, bridge saws, or CNC routers is a strong advantage.
Knowledge of different materials, particularly the characteristics of granite, quartz, marble, and solid surface composites.
Familiarity with safe lifting techniques and material handling procedures for heavy, oversized, and fragile items.
Basic mathematical skills, including comfort with fractions and geometry, for accurate measurements and material calculations.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, precise work you can be proud of.
A proactive and enthusiastic attitude with a genuine desire to learn new skills and grow within the fabrication trade.
Strong physical stamina and strength to lift heavy materials (up to 75-100 lbs with assistance) and stand for extended periods in a workshop environment.
Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to listen, follow instructions, and work collaboratively towards a common goal.
A reliable and dependable work ethic, demonstrating excellent punctuality and a commitment to seeing tasks through to completion.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a related trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Carpentry
Manufacturing Technology
Construction Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a related hands-on field such as construction, manufacturing, landscaping, or general labor where use of tools was required.

Preferred:

1+ years of direct experience working in a stone, cabinet, or countertop fabrication shop.