Sheet Metal Technician – HVAC Duct Fabrication and Assembly

The Senior Sheet Metal Technician – HVAC Duct Fabrication and Assembly is responsible for leading all aspects of ductwork fabrication, assembly, and installation for marine HVAC systems. This includes interpreting complex drawings, ensuring code compliance, supervising teams, coordinating with other trades, and delivering high-quality workmanship under tight schedules. The senior technician serves as the subject matter expert on sheet metal processes and ducting techniques for shipboard and offshore HVAC projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Lead the fabrication and installation of custom HVAC duct systems, including rectangular, round, and oval configurations from galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

  • Interpret and verify HVAC duct layout plans, ISO drawings, spool sheets, and SMACNA/DW144 fabrication standards for accuracy and completeness.

  • Supervise fabrication team activities, delegating work, inspecting outputs, and ensuring all components meet dimensional tolerances and quality benchmarks.

  • Use advanced sheet metal machinery (e.g., press brakes, plasma cutters, seamers, CNC duct machines) to ensure efficient production.

  • Coordinate with HVAC engineers, welders, insulation teams, riggers, and shipfitters for installation sequences and inter-system integration.

  • Manage material take-offs, cutting plans, and inventory tracking to minimize waste and avoid fabrication delays.

  • Perform field measurements, duct modifications, and on-site fitting to accommodate design changes or installation constraints.

  • Oversee the installation of duct accessories, such as access doors, dampers, volume regulators, flexible connections, and support brackets.

  • Enforce health, safety, and environmental compliance, including confined space entry, PPE adherence, and safe tool handling.

  • Train junior technicians and apprentices, ensuring skill development and procedural knowledge transfer.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Project Leadership & Coordination
   – Act as team lead for ductwork fabrication and installation, ensuring coordination with other trades.

2. Precision Fabrication & Installation
   – Guarantee dimensional accuracy and quality craftsmanship across all duct components.

3. Standard Compliance & QA
   – Maintain adherence to HVAC standards (SMACNA, DW/144), shipyard protocols, and client specifications.

4. Mentorship & Technical Expertise
   – Support technician development and serve as an in-house expert on sheet metal ductwork.

Qualifications and Skills:

• • Trade certification or diploma in Sheet Metal Technology, Mechanical Fabrication, or HVAC Construction.

  • 5–8 years of hands-on experience in duct fabrication and installation, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.

  • Expert knowledge of duct fabrication codes, blueprint reading, layout geometry, and material characteristics.

  • Skilled in precision measuring, CNC machine operation, field fitting, and advanced assembly techniques.

  • Familiar with marine HVAC installation constraints (bulkhead penetrations, vibration isolators, structural interference).

  • Ability to manage workflow schedules, manpower allocation, and fabrication deadlines.

  • Strong communication and documentation skills for reporting to supervisors and engineers.

  • Physically capable of working in shipboard environments (e.g., confined spaces, ladders, high temperatures).

Preferred:

• • Experience on naval ships, cruise vessels, FPSOs, or offshore support vessels.

  • Knowledge of HVAC commissioning, duct air balancing, and test readiness.

  • Forklift, rigging, or scaffold certifications.

• Proficiency with digital fabrication tools or CAD/CAM duct layout software (e.g., Autodesk Fabrication, Trimble DuctDesigner).