Quick Facts: Sheet Metal Technician
2011 Median Pay* | $41,710 per year or $20.05 per hour |
Entry-Level Education* | High school diploma or equivalent |
Work Experience in a Related Occupation* | None |
On-the-job Training* | Apprenticeship |
Number of Jobs, 2010* | 136,100 |
Job Outlook, 2010-20* | 18% |
Employment Change, 2010-20* | 23,900 |
What Sheet Metal Technicians Do:
The Sheet Metal Technician works under minimal supervision to safely lay-out, fabricate and install parts equipment and fabricated items on aircraft following established operating procedures.
How to Become an Sheet Metal Technician:
Although most sheet metal workers learn their trade through formal apprenticeships, some learn informally on the job or in technical colleges. Formal apprenticeships are most likely in construction.
Job Outlook*:
The employment outlook for Sheet Metal Workers is projected to grow by 18% from 2010-2020.
Job Description:
The Sheet Metal Technician is responsible for the safe lay-out, fabrication and installation of parts, equipment and fabricated items on aircraft following established operating procedures. All work performed should be in accordance with company design specifications, quality standards and completed work should meet customer expectations.
This is a Non Exempt position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Use complicated schematics, engineering drawings and technical instructions to safely perform sheet-metal layout, fabrication, modification, heavy structure repairs and installation of parts, equipment or fabricated items on aircraft. Coordinate with supervision and Inspection to ensure compliance with internal and FAA paperwork, sign-offs and quality specifications.
- Assesses requirements of assigned tasks to procure required materials and documentation for assigned tasks.
- Use blueprints to cut and form plastics and follow standard operating procedures when using adhesives, sealants and solvents.
- Build tooling as required; shape and form complex angles and configurations according to blueprint specifications or written/verbal information.
- Safely operate shop equipment such as: brakes, presses, riveting equipment, shears, and hand tools associated with sheet-metal functions. Use the proper hardware for various sheet metal applications.
- Complies with all safety, 5S, and housekeeping policies. Uses personal protective equipment as required. Ensures aircraft interior is protected (PTP).
- Use the material tracking system to create parts demand, track squawks and to sign-off work.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required:
- 2 years of sheet-metal and/or fabrication experience or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. Experience in aerospace industry preferred.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Advanced knowledge of sheet-metal or fabrication processes (forming, drilling, stamping, shaping, bending, punching, cutting, riveting, filing and dimpling).
- Modification, heavy structure repairs
- Must be able to use normal precision measuring instruments.
- This position may require you to submit to and pass a drug test and/or background check.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls. They will occasionally hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm; see differences between colors, shades, and brightness; see details of objects that are more than a few feet away; use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects; make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls; determine the distance between objects; focus on one source of sound and ignore others; move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place; hear sounds and recognize the difference between them; use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired; and react quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.