Sheet Metal Mechanic Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the sheet metal mechanic job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to fulfill to be hired by most recruiters/employers.

What Does a Sheet Metal Mechanic Do?

A sheet metal mechanic works with various thin sheets of metal materials to fabricate, install, and repair products and parts made from sheets of metal.

Their direct supervisor may be a sheet metal supervisor, shop manager, production manager, or general contractor depending on their place of employment.

Sheet metal shops, fabrication facilities, production plants, shipyards, and construction sites employ metal mechanics.

To become a qualified sheet metal worker, formal training like a technical program or apprenticeship is required along with on-the-job training. Licensure is mandated in certain locations.

The core duties of a sheet metal mechanic job description include measuring, marking, cutting, bending, shaping, fitting, and permanently joining sheets of metal together using tools like shears, press brakes, welding equipment, and computer-aided machines.

Sheet metal mechanics fabricate full products, custom parts, replacement pieces, and ductwork from interpretation of drawings.

Additional common tasks include installing and maintaining sheet metal systems, inspecting work accuracy, resolving equipment malfunctions, and advising clients, engineers, and other tradespeople on sheet metal work details.

The work of sheet metal techs ranges from delicate precision fabrication to large-scale industrial production applications across sectors like HVAC, aviation, cars, appliances, architecture, and more.

Their occupational expertise is universally vital for construction projects and manufactured goods production.

Sheet metal mechanics hold importance in countries around the world that have active manufacturing, construction, and production industries.

Their occupational expertise lends well to economic development.

Employers seek sheet metal mechanics who have undergone formal training, hold relevant certifications, possess strong mathematical skills, are adept in reading technical drawings, and demonstrate prowess in using requisite tools and technologies.

Licensure, certifications, and regulations for sheet metal workers vary by state and municipality.

In the United States, no federal license exists, but multiple associations like the American National Standards Institute, Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association, and unions like the Sheet Metal Workers International Association uphold industry standards, provide credentialing, training programs, and advocacy for the trade.

Municipal building codes and contracting license boards also regulate certain sheet metal work activities that impact public safety.

Sheet Metal Mechanic Job Description Example/Sample/Template

The sheet metal mechanic job description consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications, sketches, and computer-aided designs for sheet metal fabrication work
• Take measurements and create project plans to determine required materials and sequence of operations
• Set up, operate, adjust, and maintain cutting machinery like shears, press brakes, and CNC machines to cut, bend, shape metal material
• Shape, mold, crimp, and trim metal pieces and parts using hand and power tools
• Fit, align, and permanently join sheet metal pieces together by welding, riveting, bonding, bolting, or soldering
• Build ductwork, cabinets, pans, drainpipes, sign lettering, railway carriages, aeroplane fuselages, and various metal parts
• Install ventilation, air conditioning, and drainage systems with completed sheet metal assemblies and parts
• Repair, replace, and maintain existing sheet metal systems and infrastructure
• Ensure all finished products meet specifications and quality standards for proper functioning
• Cleanup work sites and dispose of scraps and waste materials from fabrication
• Recommend materials, machinery, or processes to improve production efficiency
• Initiate and lead safety procedures, training, and use of protective gear
• Advise clients, engineers, architects and other tradespeople on sheet metal work details and capabilities
• Perform inspection of equipment and inventory maintenance
• Train apprentices and new sheet metal workers on technical tasks and industry best practices
• Document work activities, inventory, and production
• Comply with building codes and occupational health and safety regulations.

Sheet Metal Mechanic Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before in the role of a sheet metal mechanic or are presently working in that position and are making a resume for a new job, then you can create a compelling Professional Experience section for your resume by applying the sample sheet metal mechanic job description provided above.

You can highlight the major duties and responsibilities you have performed as a sheet metal mechanic or are currently carrying out in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones in the sheet metal mechanic job description example provided above.

This will show that you have been successful performing the duties and responsibilities of a sheet metal mechanic, which can greatly enhance your chances of being hired for the new job that you are seeking, especially if it requires someone with some sheet metal mechanic work experience.

Sheet Metal Mechanic Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

Here are vital skills, knowledge, and abilities you will need to be effective as a sheet metal mechanic, which are also typically required by recruiters/employers when hiring for the sheet metal mechanic role:

• Technical knowledge of sheet metal fabrication principles and processing techniques
• Skill using fabrication tools and machinery – shears, press brakes, rolls, welding equipment, etc.
• Understanding of engineering science and mathematical principles related to sheet metalwork
• Knowledge of sheet metal joining methods including welding, soldering, riveting, bonding, bolting
• Understanding of technical drawings, blueprints, sketches, CAD designs, symbols, measurements
• Ability to visualize and translate 2D plans into 3D structures
• Skill measuring, cutting, bending, molding, trimming materials with precision 
• Knowledge of relevant building codes, standards, and Occupational Safety & Health Admin. (OSHA) policies
• Ability to maintain vigilance of safe practices and quality control assurance procedures 
• Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination 
• Good physical condition and stamina
• Critical thinking, troubleshooting, and decision making skills
• Oral and written communication competence sufficient to exchange technical information  
• Ability to perform assigned tasks collaboratively and independently in fast-paced environments.

Sheet Metal Mechanics Salary

The typical sheet metal mechanic made around $55,350 last year based on the government reports – US Labor and Statistics.

Looking at particular states, Washington sheet metal mechanics did the best, averaging about $86,110 annually.

Alaska came second at $85,940 on average. Then you have California at $82,580. After that was Texas and Florida rounding out the top 5 at $51,600 and $47,780 respectively. 

So working as a sheet metal mechanic might not make you rich, but in some states like Washington you can definitely clear over $80k a year after getting some solid experience under your belt. Not the most glamorous career, but the pay can be pretty decent with the right skills and location.

Conclusion

This article has provided an extensive overview of the sheet metal mechanic job description, including core duties, important capabilities, training procedures, salary potential, regulatory considerations, and more, to depict what sheet metal mechanics enact daily in enabling constructed and manufactured goods production across sectors.

As infrastructure and skilled trades labor demands persist while many current sheet metal workers approach retirement age, abundant job opportunities await the next generation of metal mechanics.

For those interested in a hands-on, high-paying and stable career that allows working with cutting edge technology to build tangible things, the sheet metal trade offers a rewarding path.

Both civic developments and advanced manufacturing rely on the artistic science of metal shaping workers.

To recap, sheet metal mechanics require technical aptitude, mathematical skills, spatial reasoning and manual dexterity to translate plans into functional and aesthetic products that meet specifications.

Licensure, apprenticeships and organizational membership provides career advancement and earning potential.

We hope this guide serves as a helpful snapshot for those pursuing sheet metal jobs or seeking to fill recruiter hiring needs.

This vital building block of global industries will continue providing stable prospects for skilled mechanics.