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Sheet Metal Engineer - Working conditions

Mataaro Piharoa (Māmā)

Working Conditions

Sheet metal engineers work in workshops and factories, and may also work in commercial buildings or private homes when installing their products. Conditions may be dirty and noisy.

Equipment

Equipment sheet metal engineers may use includes:

machines for cutting and folding metal
hand and power tools
welding equipment
safety equipment such as overalls, welding gloves, a welding mask, earmuffs and safety glasses
equipment for marking where they intend to work
tape and snips
calculators.

Pieces of ducting in the workshop that will be used for ventilation systems

Matthew Elliott operating a piece of machinery in the workshop.

Matthew Elliott getting ready to use a folding machine

Hours

Sheet metal engineers usually work regular hours, but may have to do overtime during busy periods.

"You usually work a 40-hour week, but occasionally you have to do overtime when it's busy."

Don Clark - Sheet metal engineer

Contact with people

Sheet metal engineers work independently and in teams, and are usually supervised by a workshop manager. They may also have contact with clients and engineering suppliers.

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Updated September 2009

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