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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Heat Assembler

💰 $18 - $28 per hour

ManufacturingProductionSkilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

A Heat Assembler is the hands-on expert responsible for bringing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to life. This role involves meticulously constructing and assembling various heating units, such as furnaces and heat pumps, from individual components. Working from detailed blueprints and schematics, they use a variety of hand and power tools to build, wire, and test products, ensuring each unit meets stringent quality and safety standards before it reaches the customer. This position is fundamental to the manufacturing process, directly impacting product reliability and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Assembly Line Worker
  • Production Technician
  • Trade School Graduate (HVAC or Electrical)

Advancement To:

  • Lead Assembler / Production Team Lead
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

  • Brazing or Welding Technician
  • Final Test Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assemble and install various components, sub-assemblies, and parts to construct complete heating and HVAC units according to detailed blueprints and work instructions.
  • Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, and manufacturing process sheets to ensure accurate assembly of mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Utilize a wide range of hand tools, power tools, and pneumatic equipment (e.g., drills, wrenches, riveters, caulking guns) to fasten and secure parts effectively.
  • Perform intricate brazing and soldering operations on copper tubing and electrical components, ensuring strong, leak-proof connections that meet quality specifications.
  • Install and connect electrical wiring harnesses, control panels, motors, and other electrical components by following detailed wiring diagrams and safety protocols.
  • Conduct in-process quality checks and visual inspections at various stages of assembly to proactively identify and correct any defects or non-conformities.
  • Charge units with refrigerant and perform comprehensive leak testing using specialized equipment like helium mass spectrometers or soap solutions to ensure system integrity.
  • Operate and monitor automated assembly equipment, making minor adjustments as needed to maintain production flow and uphold quality standards.
  • Perform final functional testing on completed units to verify that all mechanical and electrical systems operate according to established performance specifications.
  • Prepare and apply insulation, gaskets, and sealants to components and enclosures to ensure thermal efficiency and prevent air or water leaks.
  • Precisely position and align components using jigs, fixtures, and measuring instruments to ensure an accurate fit and proper functionality of the final product.
  • Pack and prepare finished units for shipment, ensuring they are properly secured, protected, and labeled to prevent damage during transit.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by adhering to 5S principles and company-wide safety policies and procedures.
  • Document assembly and testing results accurately on production logs, quality control forms, and within digital manufacturing execution systems.
  • Collaborate with team leads and engineers to troubleshoot assembly issues and contribute valuable suggestions for improving the manufacturing process.
  • Safely operate material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks or overhead cranes, to move raw materials and finished goods within the production facility.
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance on assigned tools and equipment to ensure they remain in safe and effective working order.
  • Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives and kaizen events aimed at enhancing safety, quality, and overall productivity.
  • Cross-train on different assembly stations and product lines to build personal skill sets and increase the team's flexibility to meet production goals.
  • Identify and report any material shortages, equipment malfunctions, or safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor or department in a timely manner.
  • Follow all lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures without exception when performing maintenance or clearing jams on machinery to ensure personal and team safety.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist engineering and quality teams with specific data gathering for product analysis and troubleshooting efforts.
  • Provide practical, hands-on feedback to contribute to the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and work instructions.
  • Work closely with the materials and logistics teams to communicate needs and ensure a steady supply of components for the assembly line.
  • Actively participate in daily team huddles, safety briefings, and production planning sessions to stay aligned with team objectives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to accurately read and interpret technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and assembly instructions.
  • Tool Proficiency: Skilled in the safe and effective use of a wide variety of hand tools, power tools, and pneumatic equipment.
  • Brazing & Soldering: Proven experience in joining copper and other metals with strong, clean, and leak-free connections.
  • Basic Electrical Wiring: Understanding of how to connect wires, terminals, and electrical components according to schematics.
  • Leak Detection & Testing: Knowledge of methods and tools used to test for refrigerant or pressure leaks in a closed system.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: A strong understanding of how mechanical parts and systems work together.
  • Measurement & Precision: Ability to use tape measures, calipers, and other instruments to ensure components are aligned and assembled to specification.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough when performing tasks to ensure high-quality output and prevent errors.
  • Problem-Solving: The ability to identify issues during assembly, troubleshoot the cause, and implement effective solutions.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with others, communicates effectively, and contributes positively to the team's goals.
  • Adaptability: Capable of adjusting to changing priorities, product lines, and production schedules in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and motivated to complete tasks efficiently without compromising safety or quality.
  • Safety Consciousness: A deep-seated commitment to following all safety rules and procedures to maintain a safe working environment for oneself and others.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical or Vocational certificate in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • HVAC Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance
  • Electrical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing or assembly environment.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience specifically in HVAC assembly, appliance manufacturing, or a similar role involving both mechanical and electrical assembly is highly valued. Experience with brazing is a significant plus.
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