Fabricator

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Job Overview The Lead Fabricator is responsible for overseeing and participating in the fabrication, assembly, quality control, and production coordination of commercial aluminum storefront, entrance, window, and curtainwall systems. This position requires advanced knowledge of architectural aluminum systems, fabrication methods, glazing requirements, shop equipment, reading construction documents, and production sequencing.

The Lead Fabricator serves as the primary shop-level leader for fabrication operations, ensuring that all materials are fabricated accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with approved shop drawings, manufacturer requirements, project specifications, and company quality standards. The role also supports communication between project management, purchasing, shipping, and field installation teams to maintain production schedules and resolve fabrication-related issues.

Key Responsibilities Storefront & Curtainwall Fabrication

• Fabricate commercial aluminum storefront, curtainwall, entrance, and window systems in accordance with approved shop drawings, engineering requirements, and manufacturer fabrication manuals.
• Interpret architectural drawings, fabrication drawings, elevations, details, and cut sheets to determine fabrication requirements and assembly methods.
• Perform precision measuring, cutting, machining, drilling, routing, notching, and assembly of aluminum framing components.
• Fabricate pressure plates, snap covers, sill flashings, brake metal, reinforcing members, anchors, and related system components.
• Assemble doors, frames, curtainwall units, and pre-glazed assemblies as required.
• Verify proper fabrication tolerances, hole locations, joinery alignment, and system dimensions prior to shipment.
• Ensure thermal breaks, gaskets, sealants, setting blocks, isolators, and other system components are installed properly where applicable.
• Coordinate fabrication sequencing to support field installation schedules and project priorities.

Shop Leadership & Production Coordination

• Lead daily shop fabrication activities and assist in assigning work tasks to fabrication personnel.
• Monitor shop productivity, workflow efficiency, and fabrication quality to ensure schedules are maintained.
• Coordinate with project managers regarding priorities, material shortages, fabrication clarifications, and schedule impacts.
• Review fabrication packages for completeness and identify discrepancies, missing information, or constructability concerns prior to production.
• Assist in planning fabrication sequencing to minimize remakes, shipping delays, and field disruptions.
• Train and mentor fabricators and apprentices on fabrication techniques, system requirements, safety procedures, and shop standards.
• Promote accountability, organization, and workmanship throughout the fabrication department.

Quality Control

• Inspect fabricated components and assemblies to ensure compliance with approved shop drawings, specifications, and manufacturer requirements.
• Verify dimensions, fabrication accuracy, hardware preparation, drainage requirements, and overall assembly quality.
• Identify and resolve fabrication defects, damaged material, or nonconforming work prior to shipment.
• Maintain fabrication quality standards for critical performance requirements including water management, structural integrity, thermal performance, and system alignment.
• Coordinate corrective actions and remake requirements when fabrication issues are identified.

Material Handling & Inventory Coordination

• Safely handle, move, store, and stage aluminum materials, glass, hardware, and fabricated assemblies to prevent damage.
• Coordinate with purchasing and warehouse personnel regarding inventory shortages, damaged material, and material tracking.
• Verify incoming material against fabrication requirements and report discrepancies promptly.
• Ensure fabricated material is properly labeled, organized, packaged, and prepared for shipment to job sites.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Operate fabrication equipment including:

• double miter saws

• punch presses

• routers

• end mills

• drill presses

• crimping machines

• CNC fabrication equipment

• glass handling equipment

• Maintain fabrication equipment in proper working condition and report maintenance or repair needs.

• Ensure tooling, blades, fixtures, and measuring equipment are properly maintained and calibrated.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce shop safety procedures and maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety standards.
• Ensure proper use of PPE including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and fall protection where required.
• Promote safe material handling practices for aluminum, glass, and heavy assemblies.
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free fabrication areas.
• Follow manufacturer fabrication requirements and applicable industry standards including American Architectural Manufacturers Association guidelines and project specifications.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with project managers, detailers, purchasing personnel, warehouse staff, and field installation crews to support successful project execution.
• Communicate fabrication progress, production concerns, and schedule impacts proactively.
• Assist field personnel with fabrication clarifications, replacement parts, and field modification support when necessary.
• Participate in production meetings and workflow planning discussions.