Company Overview Ameristar Manufacturing Inc. is a precision sheet metal fabrication job shop / OEM supplier specializing in laser cutting, punching, forming, welding, and powder coating. Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Drafter/Programmer with strong 3D CAD and CAM skills to create accurate manufacturing drawings and highly efficient CNC programs for turret punches, fiber lasers, press brakes, and combination machines. You will work closely with engineering, production, and estimating to ensure parts are designed for manufacturability (DFM) and nested for minimum material waste and programmed for fastest possible cycle times. Key Responsibilities • Interpret customer drawings, 3D models (STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.), and specifications. • Create detailed 2D manufacturing drawings and 3D models of sheet metal components with proper flat patterns, bend allowances, tolerances, weld symbols, and hardware callouts. • Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and suggest improvements to reduce costs and lead time. • Develop and optimize CNC programs for: – Turret punch presses (Amada, Trumpf, Prima Power, etc.) – Fiber laser cutting machines – Punch-laser combination machines – Press brakes (Amada, Trumpf, Bystronic, Salvagnini, etc.) • Create efficient nesting layouts to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap (typically targeting >90% yield). • Select and manage tool libraries, micro-joints, common-line cutting, grain direction, repositioning, and skeleton destruction strategies. • Generate setup sheets, tool lists, bend sequence documentation, and backstop programs for press brakes. • Simulate programs in CAM software to verify collision-free operation and optimal cycle time. • Maintain revision control of drawings and programs. • Support shop floor with technical questions and troubleshoot programming issues. • Occasionally assist estimating department with quick flat blanks and cycle-time calculations. Required Qualifications • 3+ years of hands-on experience drafting and programming sheet metal parts in a job-shop or production environment. • Expert proficiency in at least one major sheet-metal-specific CAD/CAM package such as: – SolidWorks + TruTops, Amada AP100/Production Designer, or SheetWorks – Autodesk Inventor + TruTops or Nesting – SigmaNEST, WiCAM, Metalix cncKad, Lantek, RADAN, or Striker Systems • Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes (punching, laser cutting, forming, hardware insertion, welding). • Thorough knowledge of bend deduction/allowance calculation, K-factors, and bend sequencing. • Ability to read and interpret GD&T and welding symbols. • Experience with 3D STEP/IGES import and healing bad geometry. • Familiarity with ERP systems (Epicor, JobBOSS, E2, etc.) is a plus. Preferred Skills • Press-brake back-gauge programming (Amada, Cincinatti). • Automation experience (Salvagnini P4, Amada EML + ASR). • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement. • Basic understanding of powder coating, plating, and silkscreen requirements. Education • Associate’s degree or certificate in CAD drafting, mechanical engineering technology, or equivalent experience. • Formal sheet metal apprenticeship is highly valued. Personal Attributes • Extreme attention to detail and accuracy. • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under tight deadlines. • Excellent communication skills – you will interact daily with engineers, estimators, and machine operators. What We Offer • Competitive salary ($60k–$75k) + overtime • Full health, dental, 401(k) with match • Relocation assistance available for the right candidate • Clean, modern, climate-controlled facility with latest equipment • Continuing education and certification support If you live and breathe sheet metal CAD/CAM and want to work where your nesting and programming skills directly impact the bottom line, we want to hear from you!
See More Details >>Description Position Summary: Schwickert’s Tecta America is seeking motivated individuals to join our team. The Architectural Sheet Metal Foreman is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the daily activities of field installation and production of metal systems with the highest degree of quality, in the safest and most cost-effective manner. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: • Provide training, leadership and direction to the field staff employees. • Train employees on safety procedures and safety equipment. • Maximize productivity while maintaining job costs, installation quality and employee safety. • Ensure the proper utilization of materials and equipment. • Ensure quality practices for the department. • Recruit, mentor and retain a dependable and knowledgeable architectural sheet metal workforce. • Educate employees on architectural sheet metal best practices, terminology, materials and equipment. • Plan, administrate, and participate as an instructor in Company sponsored education programs for the workforce. • Promote proper work ethic and enforce the Company’s policies, procedures and practices. • Clean rooftops by snow removal, ice removal and other debris • Additional duties Qualifications: • High School Diploma or equivalent. • 5-8 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Proficient knowledge of PC software applications including Word and Excel. • Possesses a working knowledge in blueprint reading and specifications. • Valid driver’s license • Advanced planning skills for establishing maximum productivity of workforce, materials, and equipment. • Extensive knowledge with multiple types of architectural sheet metal products and systems. • Strong interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills. • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. • Starting pay ranges from $28-$38 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Benefits: • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance • Life Insurance • Long Term Disability • Paid Time Off • Paid Holidays • 401K with Company Match • Tuition Reimbursement Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will use hands, have to talk, and hear. The employee is also required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO A $1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS! This position requires pre-employment screening which includes drug screening, criminal background check, and DMV check. EEO/AA Employer/Vets/Disability
See More Details >>Description Position Summary: Schwickert’s Tecta America is seeking motivated individuals to join our team. Our Architectural Sheet Metal Installers are hard working people that work well in teams or on their own. In this role you will be installing or repairing sheet metal products and equipment. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: • Install sheet metal panels • Repair any sheet metal panels or equipment as necessary • Operate fabrication machines to cut, bend, or straighten sheet metal. • Clean rooftops by snow removal, ice removal and other debris • Additional duties Qualifications: • Ability to learn and take direction from crew Foreman • Experience with scissor lift, boom lift, and forklift • No fear of heights • Lift 50+ lbs • Sit, stand, and climb stairs • On the job training is provided • Starting pay ranges from $22-$27 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Benefits: • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance • Life Insurance • Long Term Disability • Paid Time Off • Paid Holidays • 401K with Company Match • Tuition Reimbursement Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will use hands, have to talk, and hear. The employee is also required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO A $1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS! This position requires pre-employment screening which includes drug screening, criminal background check, and DMV check. EEO/AA Employer/Vets/Disability
See More Details >>Becoming a sheet metal worker in Mankato, MN, typically begins with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of training under licensed professionals. The average hourly wage for a Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice in Mankato is $18.39, with experienced professionals earning up to $678.75 per week. With a growing demand for skilled trades, the sheet metal industry in Mankato offers a stable career path with strong earning potential, often exceeding $56,000 annually for experienced workers.
