Lead Installer – Custom Steel Doors, Windows & Architectural Metal

Lead Installer – Custom Steel Doors, Windows & Architectural Metal

Studio Cortez is seeking an experienced Lead Installer for custom steel doors, windows, and architectural metal work on high-end residential and specialty commercial construction projects.

This is a hands-on field position for someone with strong installation judgment, problem-solving ability, and experience working with custom assemblies. The right person knows how to evaluate site conditions, check openings, work through imperfect field conditions, protect finished surfaces, coordinate with a shop/office team, and lead helpers through a clean, safe, high-quality installation.

Our work is custom, detailed, and often installed in finished or high-end construction environments. We are looking for someone who takes pride in the finished product and can think through the installation rather than simply follow a repetitive process.

Responsibilities

• Install custom steel doors, steel windows, and related architectural systems
• Lead and direct helpers or installation & glazing staff on site
• Review site conditions, measurements, openings, access, and installation conditions
• Identify field issues and help troubleshoot solutions during installation
• Coordinate with management regarding schedule, job status, site conditions, and issues that arise
• Maintain quality control throughout the installation process
• Handle, organize, and account for hardware, materials, tools, and products needed for installation
• Restock and maintain company vehicles and installation materials after use
• Document field conditions with photos, notes, and basic job information as needed
• Assist with shop/fabrication work during non-field days
• Work safely at all times and ensure the crew is doing the same
• Use ladders, scaffolding, forklifts, scissor lifts, and general construction tools as required

Ideal Experience

A strong candidate may have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Architectural metal installation
• Custom steel doors or windows
• Glazing, storefront, or specialty glass systems
• High-end residential construction
• Field fabrication, welding, or metalwork
• Crew lead, foreman, or working lead experience

Exact background is less important than strong field judgment, mechanical ability, problem-solving skills, and pride in high-quality work.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong experience with construction tools, both electric and hand-operated
• Ability to read site conditions and work through field challenges
• Ability to lead helpers and keep a crew productive
• Ability to communicate clearly with the shop, office, management, and other trades
• Strong safety awareness
• Valid California driver’s license
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, forklifts, and scissor lifts
• Forklift certification, OSHA 10, or lift certification preferred, or willingness to obtain
• Basic comfort with photos, email/text updates, time tracking, and job documentation

Schedule and Location

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Work is generally Monday through Friday, with work performed at our Los Angeles shop and on jobsites throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Hours, days, and overtime may vary depending on project needs.

To Apply

Please send a resume or a brief summary of your relevant experience. In your reply, please include answers to the following:

1. What types of custom metal, glazing, door, window, storefront, curtain wall, or architectural installation work have you done?
2. Have you led helpers or worked as a field lead/foreman before?
3. What tools, lifts, or equipment are you comfortable using?
4. Describe one field condition or installation problem you had to troubleshoot.
5. Are you comfortable working on high-end residential or finished construction sites?

Applicants who provide relevant experience and answer the questions above will be reviewed first.