Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Metallier

🎯 Role Definition

A Metallier (metal fabricator) is responsible for transforming metal raw materials into finished components, structures and assemblies through measuring, cutting, bending, welding, machining and finishing operations. The Metallier interprets technical drawings and blueprints, selects appropriate methods and tools (hand, power, and CNC), performs quality inspections, and enforces workplace safety. This role supports production, maintenance and bespoke fabrication projects across construction, industrial equipment, architectural metalwork and manufacturing environments.

SEO & LLM keywords: Metallier, metal fabricator, metalworker, welding (MIG/TIG), sheet metal, CNC setup, blueprint reading, plasma cutting, welding certification, fabrication quality control.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Apprentice metal fabricator / welding trainee
Mechanical assembler or general welder
Sheet metal worker helper

Advancement To:

Senior Metallier / Lead Fabricator
Welding Supervisor / Foreman
CNC Fabrication / Programming Specialist
Production Manager or Project Coordinator in fabrication

Lateral Moves:

CNC operator / programmer
Quality Inspector (NDT / welding inspection)
Maintenance Technician (mechanical/electrical)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, templates and welding symbols to fabricate metal parts and assemblies to specified tolerances and finish standards.
Measure, mark out, cut and shape metal stock using hand tools, power tools, band saws, shears, plasma cutters, oxy-fuel torches and mechanical cutting equipment.
Set up and operate MIG, MAG and TIG welding equipment to perform fillet, butt, lap and groove welds on steel, stainless steel and aluminum, ensuring welds meet code and quality requirements.
Program, set up and operate CNC plasma/laser cutting machines, press brakes and rolling machines to produce precision parts from sheet metal and plate.
Perform fitting and assembly operations: tack-welding, clamping, aligning, and fixturing components prior to final welding or fastening.
Grind, dress and finish welds using grinders, flap discs and polishing tools to achieve the required surface quality and dimensional accuracy.
Conduct dimensional inspection and quality checks using calipers, micrometers, gauges and templates; document and report non-conformances.
Prepare materials for fabrication: cut to length, deburr edges, preheat where necessary, and select appropriate rod/wire and shielding gas.
Maintain and adjust welding parameters (amperage, voltage, travel speed, gas flow) and tooling to optimize weld quality and productivity.
Assemble mechanical subassemblies and final products using rivets, screws, bolts, adhesives and welding as specified by drawings.
Interpret bill of materials (BOM) and production orders; stage materials and plan work sequence to meet production deadlines and minimize waste.
Collaborate with engineers, CAD operators and production planners to suggest design-for-manufacture improvements and reduce fabrication time or cost.
Follow company welding procedures, maintain welding logs, and support third-party inspections and certification audits (e.g., AWS, CWB).
Perform routine machine setups, preventive maintenance and minor repairs on fabrication equipment to ensure safe and continuous operation.
Apply surface treatments such as priming, painting, galvanizing preparation and anti-corrosion processes when required by the job specification.
Use jigs, fixtures and templates to ensure repeatable accuracy on production runs and to maintain consistent quality across assemblies.
Handle heavy parts and assemblies safely using hoists, forklifts and lifting gear while observing rigging best practices and load limits.
Implement continuous improvement suggestions, participate in lean manufacturing or 5S initiatives and help reduce scrap rates.
Ensure accurate job documentation, complete work orders and sign off on quality control checklists for traceability.
Train and mentor junior metal fabricators and apprentices in safe work practices, welding technique and blueprint reading.
Work to tight tolerances on specialty parts for architectural, industrial, or bespoke equipment projects with a focus on aesthetics and durability.
Conduct root-cause analysis of fabrication defects and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Maintain a clean, organized workstation and adhere to PPE, confined space, hot work and lockout/tagout procedures.
Coordinate with procurement to specify and request specialty materials, consumables and replacement parts needed for projects.
Adapt fabrication methods for both batch production and one-off custom jobs, balancing speed and precision as required by the client.

Secondary Functions

Support project estimating by providing time and material inputs based on shop-floor experience and historical yields.
Assist engineering and design teams with prototype iterations, providing practical feedback on manufacturability and assembly sequences.
Participate in safety training, toolbox talks and contribute to hazard identification and mitigation efforts on the shop floor.
Help maintain inventory of common consumables (welding wire, electrodes, gases, blades) and report low-stock items for replenishment.
Provide on-call support for emergency repairs or field installations when needed to restore critical equipment or infrastructure.
Aid in the preparation of customer-facing documentation, including as-built records, maintenance recommendations and assembly instructions.
Engage in periodic cross-training to expand capabilities across finishing, CNC operation, and basic mechanical maintenance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient MIG/MAG welding techniques on ferrous metals with demonstrated ability to produce sound, code-compliant welds.
TIG welding experience for stainless steel and aluminum with strong control of heat input and weld profile.
Skilled in plasma cutting, oxy-fuel cutting and mechanical cutting operations for plate and structural steel.
Sheet metal fabrication: cutting, bending (press brake), rolling, and forming to specified radii and tolerances.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, GD&T and assembly drawings accurately.
CNC plasma/laser machine set-up and basic programming or collaboration with CNC programmers.
Proficient use of measuring tools: digital calipers, micrometers, height gauges, protractors and angle plates.
Familiarity with welding codes and standards (AWS, ISO, CWB) and the ability to follow company welding procedures.
Experience with fabrication fixtures, jigs, welding positioners and clamping systems to ensure repeatability.
Use of hand and power tools: grinders, drills, taps, saws, sanders and pneumatic tools.
Basic knowledge of metallurgy: material properties, heat treatment effects and appropriate filler selection.
Quality control and inspection techniques, including non-destructive testing basics (visual, dye penetrant, magnetic particle).
Safe operation of forklifts, hoists, chainfalls and basic rigging for handling heavy metal components.
Proficient in job documentation: work orders, welding logs, material traceability and inspection reports.
Experience with surface preparation and finishing processes: shot-blasting, priming, painting and passivation.
Familiarity with CAD/CAM files (DXF, DWG) and the ability to verify part geometry against drawings.
Preventive maintenance skills for welding machines, grinders and shearing equipment to minimize downtime.
Welding certification(s) or willingness to obtain relevant credentials (e.g., AWS, CWB, local standards).

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and pride in producing high-quality, accurate metalwork.
Problem-solving mindset to diagnose fabrication issues and propose practical fixes on the shop floor.
Effective communication: convey technical information clearly to engineers, supervisors and team members.
Team player who collaborates with production, quality and maintenance teams to meet delivery targets.
Time management and organization: prioritize tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining workmanship.
Adaptability to work across multiple metalworking processes and shift between repetitive and custom tasks.
Physical stamina and manual dexterity to safely handle tools, materials and prolonged standing.
Safety-focused attitude: consistently follows PPE, hot work and shop safety rules and encourages others to do the same.
Initiative to suggest process improvements and participate in continuous improvement activities.
Customer-oriented approach for on-site work or bespoke fabrications that require direct client interaction.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with completed apprenticeship or vocational training in metal fabrication, welding or related trade.

Preferred Education:

Technical diploma or certificate in Welding Technology, Metal Fabrication, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or similar.
Formal welding certifications (AWS, CWB or recognized regional equivalents).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Welding and Fabrication Technology
Mechanical or Industrial Trades
Metallurgy / Materials Science (practical coursework)
CAD/CAM for Fabrication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2 to 7+ years of hands-on metal fabrication and welding experience in a shop or industrial environment.

Preferred:

3+ years as a Metallier or metal fabricator with demonstrated experience in MIG/TIG welding, CNC cutting and sheet metal work.
Experience producing certified welds, working from complex engineering drawings and participating in production improvement initiatives.
Prior exposure to regulated industries (construction, maritime, oil & gas, industrial equipment) is an asset.

If you are an accomplished Metallier who values precision, safety and teamwork, and you enjoy turning technical drawings into durable metal solutions, we encourage you to apply.