Structural metal fabricators use tools and machines to craft the pieces that come together to form finished products in industries where fabrication is on a large enough scale to need its own plan to maintain structural integrity. They build large machines and vehicles like those produced in the maritime and aerospace industry. Because of that variety in their duties, structural metal fabricator job description listings need to be very specific.
Assembly work is skilled, but much of the training and experience comes on the job. For that reason, some companies open the applications to high school graduates while others require advanced credentials and trade certifications, like those given to welders or electricians.
Depending on the role your new fabrication hire will play in your organization, you might also need to adjust the experience levels in your ad. The structural metal fabricator job description template below focuses on an entry-level opening.
Structural Metal Fabricator Job Summary
We are currently seeking a structural metal fabricator to work as part of a team creating the building materials needed to support the mobile and manufactured home industry. We’ll rely on you to verify the fitment and design specifications of each piece at every step in the fabrication process while working with other fabrication personnel on pieces that require multiple workers to lift and maneuver. This is an ideal position for anyone looking to start out in this industry, and the ideal candidate will receive ample professional training in a variety of support tasks that go into structural metal fabrication.
Job Responsibilities
- Mark reference points into materials to prepare for various modifications and additions prior to welding
- Operate heavy equipment cranes to move pieces from one fabrication station to another throughout the manufacturing process
- Position and tighten braces, bolts, clamps, boots and other necessary parts into place for welding and riveting
- Straighten parts that are bent or warped due to defects in the manufacturing process or damage caused by human error
- Preheat workpieces to make them malleable prior to shaping
- Shape, bevel and level low points along the length of structural components
- Align and fit parts to spec using the proper tools, including hammers, pry bars, wedges, turnbuckles and other appropriate tool selections
- Use squares, levels and other measuring tools to confirm that all parts are manufactured to specifications
- Uphold workplace safety expectations and aid in team accountability for safe workplace practices
- Maintain all quality assurance paperwork necessary to document the proper performance of duties
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- High school diploma
- Criminal background check
- Ability to lift 50lbs regularly
Preferred:
- 2+ years of experience in manufacturing or fabrication
- Ability to lift 75lbs regularly
- Forklift operation certificate
- Welding certificate
Structural Metal Fabricator Job Responsibilities
Hiring a new employee for your business doesn’t have to be a frustrating and time-consuming experience. Begin with a well-written structural metal fabricator job description to ease the process. As the meatiest part of the description, the job responsibilities section is a chance for you to introduce jobseekers to your company and tell them what to expect. Share a bit about your company’s goals and projects. Describe the tasks your new employee will perform so candidates can get a good idea about what it would be like to work for you.
As you think about what responsibilities to list in your structural metal fabricator job description, keep in mind that the list should be short and sweet. There’s no need to mention every task. Decide which items are essential and emphasize them with bullet points. Your overriding goal with this section is to make it clear to the jobseeker what the day-to-day aspects of this job entails. The more precise you are in your language, the better your odds are of finding a good match for your company.
Consider these structural metal fabricator job responsibilities for your own list:
- Fabricate and assemble metal products
- Read and use technical manuals and blueprints
- Coordinate with project engineers
- Perform sheet metal repairs
Structural Metal Fabricator Job Specifications
If you’ve made your list of job responsibilities, it’s now time to consider what qualifications and skills you want your future employee to possess. It may be tempting to rush through this section of your structural metal fabricator job description, but do not succumb to the impulse. Sifting through a pile of applications from under- or overqualified jobseekers is not the most effective way to spend your time. Be clear and specific about the basic requirements a candidate for your company needs and you will have a better candidate pool from which to select.
Talk to your hiring manager about the background, experience and certifications your business requires. Make a list and separate the items into the crucial, must-have skills, and the preferred skills. Use bullet points to organize neatly the job qualifications and skills section. It should be readable at a glance, as jobseekers look through many postings. Make sure your final list accurately reflects the demands of the position. Then your structural metal fabricator job description will be a handy tool for comparing prospective candidates.
Here are some structural metal fabricator job specifications:
- Ability to read blueprints
- 1 to 3 years of experience
- High school diploma or GED
- Knowledge of power tools
- Ability to juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment