What does a sheet metal mechanic do?
Sheet metal mechanics, also called sheet metal workers, create and install sheet metal-based building parts. These workers assemble, disassemble, and repair sheet metal in different applications. Their role is significant in the shipping industry and aviation. They identify the causes of the operating errors as well as in deciding for their resolution. It is expected from them to have the ability to read and interpret blueprints; they should also have exceptional excellence in mathematics.
Sheet metal mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real sheet metal mechanic resumes:
- Adhere to OSHA regulations by inspection and documenting safety harnesses and PPE.
- Solder copper lines to set condensing, package and air handler units with oxygen and acetylene torches.
- Perform installation and assembly of air duct systems with use of hand and power tools, ladders, and lifts.
- Locate establish reference lines or points and perform sheet metal assembly work without aid of jigs, fixtures, or other tooling
- Green handle and red handle snips )
- Build and hang Tdc and duct mate duct.
- Work on 747-400 , 777 , 767 and DC9, DC10 and SRM repairs and modifications
- Utilize calculators, scribes, dividers, squares and rulers.
- Read and interpret the structural repair manual (SRM).
- Ensure safety compliance and oversee required OSHA, ISO meetings.
- Finish parts with hacksaws and hand, rotary and squaring shears.
- Serve as the secondary tig welder during absence of other welders.
- Ensure workplace safety by utilizing proper PPE and adhering to require safety standards.
- Utilize oxygen soldering for brazing.
- Perform troubleshooting of commercial and residential HVAC systems.
Sheet metal mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Sheet Metal Mechanics are proficient in Hand Tools, Brazing, and HVAC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Sheet Metal Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 18%
Assembled lower belly panel on the Learjet 45 using blueprints, hand tools, air tools and lifting and handling devices.
- Brazing, 8%
Performed installations, copper brazing, and mechanical tasks associated with commercial construction
- HVAC, 7%
Performed troubleshooting of commercial and residential HVAC systems.
- Ladders, 7%
Build scaffolds, climb ladders, work in high areas, use a varied amount of different tools.
- Air Handlers, 5%
Managed & determined timing of maintenance needs for air handlers: changing belts, 3-phase motors and filters.
- Aluminum, 4%
Installed aluminum Building Cladding system using both typical fastening method and concrete fastening methods.
"hand tools," "brazing," and "hvac" are among the most common skills that sheet metal mechanics use at work. You can find even more sheet metal mechanic responsibilities below, including:
Dexterity. Another essential skill to perform sheet metal mechanic duties is dexterity. Sheet metal mechanics responsibilities require that "sheet metal workers need good hand–eye coordination and motor control to make precise cuts and bends in metal pieces." Sheet metal mechanics also use dexterity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "operated the forklift when needed, assembled duct work according to the engineering drawings. "
Math skills. This is an important skill for sheet metal mechanics to perform their duties. For an example of how sheet metal mechanic responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "sheet metal workers must calculate the proper sizes and angles of fabricated sheet metal to ensure the alignment and fit of ductwork." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a sheet metal mechanic: "use mathematical formulas for pattern layouts for hvac and industrial purposes. ".
Mechanical skills. For certain sheet metal mechanic responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a sheet metal mechanic rely on this skill, as "sheet metal workers use saws, lasers, shears, and presses." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what sheet metal mechanics do: "job description: install hvac mechanical sheet metal assembled and installed duct work, installed fire dampers, and smoke detectors. "
Physical strength. Another crucial skill for a sheet metal mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is "physical strength." A big part of what sheet metal mechanics relies on this skill, since "sheet metal workers must be able to lift and move ductwork that is heavy and cumbersome." How this skill relates to sheet metal mechanic duties can be seen in an example from a sheet metal mechanic resume snippet: "use spot and mig welders and control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes. "
The three companies that hire the most sheet metal mechanics are:
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Compare different sheet metal mechanics
Sheet metal mechanic vs. Fairing worker
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, sheet metal mechanic responsibilities require skills like "hand tools," "brazing," "hvac," and "ladders." Meanwhile a typical fairing worker has skills in areas such as "customer service," "food preparation," "blood pressure," and "laid-off." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Fairing workers tend to reach higher levels of education than sheet metal mechanics. In fact, fairing workers are 6.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.6% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Sheet metal mechanic vs. Tinner
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that sheet metal mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "hand tools," "brazing," "ladders," and "air handlers." But a tinner might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "tin," "demo," "reliable transportation," and "feb."
In general, tinners achieve similar levels of education than sheet metal mechanics. They're 0.8% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 2.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Sheet metal mechanic vs. Fabric worker
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, sheet metal mechanics are more likely to have skills like "brazing," "hvac," "air handlers," and "aluminum." But a fabric worker is more likely to have skills like "production processes," "cushions," "flotation," and "door panels."
Fabric workers make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $36,499. On the other hand, sheet metal mechanics are paid the highest salary in the transportation industry, with average annual pay of $44,210.fabric workers typically earn similar educational levels compared to sheet metal mechanics. Specifically, they're 3.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Sheet metal mechanic vs. Fabricator/installer
Types of sheet metal mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
