Sheet Metal Mechanic Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

A sheet metal mechanic is a skilled tradesman that deals with creating, installing, and repairing sheet metal. These workers specialize in heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in order to fabricate and repair metal products. [Your Company Name] is hiring an experienced sheet metal mechanic to be responsible for creating metal products for our clients. We’re looking for someone who is passionate and precise in their craft. If you have previous training and experience with sheet metal, our sheet metal mechanic position may be the right for you. 

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Install, repair, inspect, and replace sheet metal components on aircraft and spacecraft, including structural assemblies and sub-assemblies
• Analyze and understand aircraft blueprints, specifications, and maintenance manuals to make repairs
• Conduct maintenance operations
• Fabricate replacement parts as needed
• Ensure all repairs are up to FAA and manufacturer specifications
• Safely operate various tools used for sheet metal applications
• Order supplies, equipment, materials, and parts for repairs and general maintenance
• Keep detailed records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, and parts inventor

Education and experience

This position requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Required skills and qualifications

• Analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to understand engineering documents and schematics
• Knowledge of metal, alloys, aircraft adhesives, and sealants
• Strong hand-eye coordination and proficiency in using tools
• Sufficient physical strength and dexterity to climb on aircraft and manipulate replacement parts
• Knowledge of the use, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials
• High-level organization skills

Preferred qualifications

• Prior experience with sheet metal work in the mechanical/HVAC industry
• Understand basic math
• Ability to work alone without much oversight needed

What you’ll do

• Select gauge and type of sheet metal according to SMACNA
• Locate and mark dimensions per plans, specifications, and shop drawings
• Fabricate duct onsite to include miter and alterations to shop fabricated duct
• Use hand tools and portable power tools in the installation of joints of duct such as slide and drive, TDF, snap lock, and other assemblies as required
• Lay out openings and coordinate with other trades
• Inspects assemblies and installation for conformance with job requirements and industry standards
• Erect and install equipment such as air handling units, VAV boxes, fan power boxes, and others as required
• Loads and unloads construction materials from trucks and into buildings
• Maintains good housekeeping and a safe work area (including company vehicle)
• Works safely, encourages others to do so, and complies with applicable health and safety-related rules, regulations, and procedures

What we’re looking for

• Experience with layouts and the ability to read and work from drawings
• Ability to direct the work of a helper or apprentice
• Safety-minded and knowledgeable of OSHA safety regulations
• Knowledge of basic construction/shop math
• Positive attitude and willingness to work in a team environment
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• A reliable source of transportation to and from work

This position is responsible for manufacturing complex parts from blueprints and drawings, editing programs, and setting up machines with general knowledge of Mil Standards and the material finishing process.

Essential functions

• Set and operate fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal, shaping metal
• Program/operate a water jet and press the brake
• Perform shop inspection of all fabricated pieces to insure parts meet engineered drawing specifications
• Utilize calipers, height gages, and other measuring equipment as needed to meet drawing specifications
• Operate drill presses and hand tools such as grinders, orbital sanders, etc.
• Interpret blueprints and drawings, follow technical guides
• Ensure shop equipment is maintained and serviceable
• Classify metals
• Cut sheet-metal
• Perform shop mathematics
• Hand and machine form parts
• Other duties as assigned

Responsibilities

• Must be capable of performing tasks that frequently require: lifting, reaching, bending, walking, pulling, sitting, standing, crouching, stooping, and kneeling for prolonged periods of time
• Use special test equipment and tools
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Interpersonal skills are necessary to work effectively and cooperatively with all levels of management and staff. Will also routinely interact with external contacts such as customers, vendors, suppliers, shipping companies, etc. Must represent ABC Company, Inc. in a professional manner at all times
• Must be trustworthy – will handle confidential information routinely
• Possess strong oral and technical written communication skills to communicate information clearly
• Strong decision analysis and problem-solving skills; ability to draw conclusions and justify decisions
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations
• A high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently
• Ability to multitask
• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field required

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent with 10 years of previous experience
• Familiarity with military hand tools and assembly standards
• Ability to pass a drug and background screening
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance

As a Sheetmetal Mechanics/Fitters you will plan, layout, fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal parts for the repair and modernization of US Navy vessels. Utilize equipment including hand tools, power tools, machines, and equipment. Sets up and operates fabricating machines, such as shears, brakes, presses, forming rolls, and routers to cut, bend, lock, form, or straighten materials. Trims, files, grinds, deburrs, buffs, and smooths surfaces using hand tools and portable power tools. Welds, solders, bolts, rivets, screws, clips, caulks, or bond component parts to assemble products, using hand tools, power tools, and equipment. Inspects assemblies and installation for conformance to specification. May install furniture such as air-conditioning and heating, ventilation ducting, cabinets, shelves, and other equipment on board ships. Performs related tasks as assigned, some of which may become essential to the position.

Experience and skills

• Minimum 1+ years of Sheet metal Fitting or Mechanic experience
• Must understand the layout of the ship and compartment identification
• Basic reading, writing, and math skills required
• Capable of using hand and power tools safely and efficiently
• Must be able to read and interpret blueprints and military specifications
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Rapid Gate pass.
• Candidates may be required to travel to different BAE sites or Naval Bases
• Must be able to use hand tools and power tools safely and efficiently
• Must be flexible to working all shifts (1st, 2nd, and 3rd)
• Must have own tools
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Defense Biometric Identification System “DBIDS” Access card

Physical requirements

• Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position
• Successfully pass BAE Systems Drug and alcohol screening
• Ability to accomplish Sheetmetal fabrication/installation processes in shop and shipboard environments
• Must be able to work at heights and in confined spaces and have the ability to climb staircases and ladders of varying sizes.
• Must be able to lift/carry 20-25 lbs. on a daily basis
• May install furniture on board ships such as 60-pound doors and 50-pound desks

Preferred qualifications

• Shipyard Repair experience