Structural Metal Fabricator / Fitter

Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Fabricator; Fitter; Layout Man; Metal Fabricator; Mill Beam Fitter; Ship Fitter; Small Parts Fabricator; Steel Fabricator; Structural Planner; Structural Steel Fitter

Tasks

• Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
• Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
• Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.
• Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
• Tack-weld fitted parts together.
• Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
• Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.
• Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.
• Lift or move materials and finished products, using large cranes.
• Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.
• Align and fit parts according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.
• Hammer, chip, and grind workpieces to cut, bend, and straighten metal.
• Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, allowing for stock thickness, machine and welding shrinkage, and other component specifications.
• Remove high spots and cut bevels, using hand files, portable grinders, and cutting torches.
• Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.

Knowledge

• Mathematics
• Production and Processing
• Mechanical
• English Language

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking

Abilities

• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Near Vision
• Visualization
• Manual Dexterity
• Control Precision
• Multilimb Coordination
• Static Strength
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Selective Attention
• Finger Dexterity
• Trunk Strength