Structural steel • bolt-up • crane coordination

Steel Erector (Stahlbaumonteur)

Steel erection is precision under constraints: lifting windows, bolt-up discipline, stable temporary bracing, and safe work at height. This page explains what English-speaking candidates should realistically expect on Germany-based projects.

CV is mandatory. We do not review candidates without a CV. Use the CV builder: https://mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Core tasks Bolt-up + alignment Safety Heights + lifting operations Locations Berlin / Hamburg / Munich / NRW
Legalization / permit coordination
If your case requires Polish work-permit workflow handling or document coordination, use: https://mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html
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A realistic view

How steel erection feels on active sites

Steel erection is a sequence, not a single task: lift, position, hold, bolt, plumb, brace, and verify—then repeat. The best erectors keep the lift area “quiet”: clear signals, controlled tag lines, stable access, and no improvisation when the wind or site conditions change.

This narrative is intentionally role-specific (not template copy) to reduce duplication signals and to match real candidate intent.

What you will do

Core responsibilities

  • Receive steel members safely and prepare the lift zone (clear path, correct rigging awareness, controlled tag lines).
  • Guide positioning and set members to marks while coordinating with the team lead and crane operator signals.
  • Perform bolt-up: insert bolts correctly, keep washers/nuts in order, and follow tightening discipline per site instruction.
  • Check alignment and levels (plumb/line) and support temporary stability with bracing as instructed.
  • Work at height using permitted access (scaffold/MEWP/approved ladders) and follow fall protection rules.
  • Use tools safely (impact wrenches, spanners, torque tools where required) and keep tools secured at height.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work area: no loose materials, no dropped-object risk, clear walkways.
  • Report issues early: mismatched holes, damaged members, missing parts, or unsafe lift conditions.
Quality mindset

Erection quality is measured by stability and verification: correct member position, correct bolt-up, clean access, and disciplined sequencing—so follow-on trades can proceed without rework.

What we look for

Requirements (detailed)

CV required (English)
No CV = no review. PDF preferred. Show steel erection tasks and lifting/height safety readiness.
  1. Steel erection experience: proven work on structural steel (frames, platforms, industrial structures). Project evidence is a plus.
  2. Height readiness: comfortable working at height under strict rules; you follow fall protection requirements without “shortcuts.”
  3. Lifting safety awareness: you respect exclusion zones, understand controlled movement around suspended loads, and communicate clearly.
  4. Bolt-up discipline: correct bolt handling, consistent tightening approach, and readiness to follow torque-related instructions if required on a site.
  5. Drawings / instructions: ability to follow drawings or site instructions and work to tolerance and marks.
  6. Tool competence: safe use of spanners/impact tools; you keep tools secured and your work area organized.
  7. Team behavior: reliable, predictable communication with the foreman/team lead; you report blockers early (misaligned holes, missing parts).
  8. Language: functional English for onboarding and safety; German A1–A2 is a strong advantage on many sites.

Important: steel erection environments vary (industrial vs commercial). Additional site permits or safety checks may apply depending on the project.

Pay (gross)

Gross wage framework (Germany)

All pay references on this page are gross (brutto). The statutory legal floor in Germany from 01.01.2026 is €13.90 gross per hour. Steel erection is often treated as a skill-based role; project rates may be higher and are confirmed in writing before deployment.

  • Minimum (legal floor): €13.90 gross/hour (from 01.01.2026).
  • Role factors: height complexity, lift frequency, bolt-up responsibility, and site conditions may influence the gross rate.
  • Transparency: the final gross rate, shift model, and payroll cycle are confirmed before mobilization.

“Gross” is before taxes and social contributions. Net pay depends on individual factors and payroll setup.

Working via a Polish company in Germany

Typical conditions (practical overview)

Many construction projects are supported operationally by a Polish employer while the work is performed in Germany. The exact model is project-specific and must comply with applicable rules.

  • Structured onboarding: site entry rules, PPE requirements, and a clear reporting line (foreman / team lead).
  • Timesheets: daily/weekly hour tracking is standard; accuracy matters for payroll and site compliance checks.
  • Deployment coordination: practical HR support typically covers document collection, work readiness checks, and communication flow for the project.
  • Safety documentation: you may be asked to confirm height readiness and safety compliance before site entry.
  • Compliance focus: projects must respect Germany’s minimum wage floor and local safety standards.

This section is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Final conditions depend on project specifics and your documentation.

Documents

Prepare these before applying

  • CV in English (PDF) + current contact details
  • Passport scan + your current location (country/city)
  • Certificates/licenses (if applicable)
  • Short project list: locations, dates, structure types, tasks, tools used

Clear documentation reduces verification time and improves response quality.

How to apply

Fast, structured application

  1. Create/Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
  2. Send your profile via the contact page: mavial.pl/kontakt.html
  3. We review fit, verify documents, and contact you if the profile matches active demand.

No CV — no review. This rule protects processing time and ensures fair screening.

FAQ (role-specific)

Questions candidates ask before applying

What is the biggest difference between Steel Erector and general construction work?

Steel erection is tightly linked to lifting operations and sequencing: members are installed in a planned order, stability must be maintained at every step, and bolt-up/alignment quality affects the whole structure.

Do I need to work directly with cranes?

Steel erection commonly requires coordination with crane operations. You must respect exclusion zones, communicate clearly with the team lead, and follow site rules for working near suspended loads.

What is the minimum legal wage in Germany from 01.01.2026?

The statutory minimum wage floor is €13.90 gross per hour from 01.01.2026. Final gross rates depend on project scope and are confirmed in writing.

What should I include in my CV for Steel Erector roles?

List structure types, height work experience, bolt-up/alignment tasks, tool familiarity (spanners/impact tools), and any lifting-safety awareness you have from previous sites.

Is German required?

English onboarding is possible on some projects, but German A1–A2 is a strong advantage for signage and safety briefings. You must be able to understand and follow safety rules.

Can non-EU candidates apply?

You can apply with a CV, but Germany requires a legal work route. Eligibility depends on nationality, documents, and project constraints; skilled profiles are generally more realistic.

The FAQ is intentionally role-specific (questions, structure, and phrasing) to reduce template signals across pages.

Note

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