Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vehicle Fabricator

🎯 Role Definition

As a Vehicle Fabricator, you are the artisan at the heart of our production and prototyping efforts. You will be instrumental in building and modifying vehicles, working with a variety of metals and advanced fabrication techniques. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to quality. You will collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and other technicians to bring innovative vehicle concepts to life, ensuring every component meets exacting standards for performance, safety, and aesthetics. Your work will directly impact the final product, making you a critical contributor to our success in the automotive industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Welder / Welder Apprentice
Auto Body Technician
Machinist or CNC Operator
Metalworking Specialist

Advancement To:

Lead Fabricator / Fabrication Team Lead
Fabrication Shop Supervisor or Foreman
Prototyping Specialist / R&D Technician
Custom Vehicle Designer

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector (Welding & Fabrication)
CNC Programmer
Mechanical Design Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and 3D CAD models to determine project requirements and fabrication sequences.
Perform high-quality MIG and TIG welding on a diverse range of materials, including mild steel, chromoly, stainless steel, and aluminum, with exceptional bead quality and penetration.
Operate a comprehensive suite of metal fabrication machinery, including hydraulic press brakes, shears, band saws, tube benders, and notchers, to cut and form raw materials accurately.
Design, build, and utilize custom jigs and fixtures to ensure precision, consistency, and efficiency during the manufacturing of repeatable parts and assemblies.
Execute intricate sheet metal work, including forming, shaping, and finishing panels for vehicle bodies, interiors, and custom enclosures.
Conduct precise measurements and layouts using precision tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and protractors to maintain strict tolerances.
Fabricate, fit, and assemble a wide array of vehicle systems, including chassis, subframes, suspension components, roll cages, and exhaust systems from scratch.
Collaborate directly with the engineering team to provide critical feedback on design for manufacturability (DFM), suggesting improvements for durability and production efficiency.
Troubleshoot and diagnose fabrication challenges and fitting issues in real-time, applying creative problem-solving skills to implement effective solutions.
Perform meticulous fitting and tack-welding of components to verify alignment, clearances, and overall functionality before completing final welds.
Manage the workflow for individual projects, ensuring materials are properly allocated and production milestones are met according to tight deadlines.
Conduct rigorous quality control inspections on all fabricated parts and welded assemblies to guarantee they meet or exceed company and industry standards.
Prepare and finish metal surfaces for subsequent processes, such as painting or powder coating, through grinding, sanding, and deburring.
Safely operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts and overhead cranes, to transport heavy materials and large vehicle assemblies within the workshop.
Maintain a safe, clean, and highly organized work environment by strictly adhering to all company safety protocols and best practices.
Document fabrication processes, material usage, and any modifications made during the build process for quality assurance and future reference.
Assist in the research and development (R&D) phase of new vehicle platforms by building and testing prototype components and systems.
Repair or modify existing vehicle frames and components, demonstrating the ability to work with and improve upon pre-existing structures.
Integrate mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems into the fabricated vehicle structure, ensuring all components are mounted securely and function correctly.
Actively participate in team meetings to coordinate build strategies, resolve challenges, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc fabrication requests and exploratory projects for the R&D team.
Contribute to the organization's workshop layout and equipment procurement strategy.
Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure timely availability of raw materials and consumables.
Participate in sprint planning and project review meetings within a cross-functional team environment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Welding Proficiency: Expert-level skill in TIG and MIG welding on steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Blueprint Interpretation: Ability to read and comprehend complex engineering drawings, schematics, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Metal Fabrication Equipment: Mastery of standard shop equipment including press brakes, shears, tube benders, notchers, and saws.
Sheet Metal Fabrication: Proven experience in shaping, forming, and finishing sheet metal for automotive applications.
Precision Measurement: High proficiency with calipers, micrometers, tape measures, and other layout tools to hold tight tolerances.
Chassis & Suspension: In-depth knowledge of chassis, suspension, and driveline geometry and fabrication principles.
Jig & Fixture Design: Ability to conceptualize and build fixtures to aid in the accurate production of components.
Material Knowledge: Strong understanding of the properties and applications of various metals used in vehicle construction.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to diagnose issues and devise creative, practical solutions for complex fabrication challenges.
Attention to Detail: An extreme focus on precision, quality, and fit-and-finish in all aspects of work.
Team Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and a proven ability to work effectively within a team of engineers and technicians.
Time Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet aggressive project deadlines.
Mechanical Aptitude: An intuitive understanding of how mechanical systems work and fit together.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or a certificate from a vocational/trade school in Welding Technology, Metal Fabrication, or a related field.
AWS (American Welding Society) or similar welding certifications are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Welding Technology
Automotive Technology
Metal Fabrication
Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of professional experience in a high-performance fabrication environment, such as motorsports, custom automotive, aerospace, or prototype development.

Preferred:

Demonstrable portfolio of past fabrication projects (e.g., chassis, roll cages, custom suspension, full vehicle builds).
Experience working in a fast-paced R&D or custom-build shop.
Familiarity with the unique demands of building electric vehicles (EVs) or specialty off-road vehicles.