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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for HVAC Assembler

💰 $18 - $28 / hour

ManufacturingProductionSkilled TradesAssembly

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on professional with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for building things? We are actively seeking a motivated and skilled HVAC Assembler to become a cornerstone of our manufacturing team. As an HVAC Assembler, you will be instrumental in constructing the high-quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that create comfortable environments for people everywhere. This position requires a strong mechanical aptitude, a deep commitment to safety and quality, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced production environment. You will be responsible for transforming raw components and materials into fully functional, reliable HVAC units, playing a vital role in our success and reputation for excellence.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Production Worker
  • Manufacturing Associate
  • Trade School Graduate (HVAC or Industrial Maintenance)

Advancement To:

  • Lead HVAC Assembler / Team Lead
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Production Supervisor
  • HVAC Service Technician (with further training/certification)

Lateral Moves:

  • Sheet Metal Fabricator
  • Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Interpret and work from complex blueprints, engineering drawings, schematics, and detailed work orders to accurately assemble commercial and residential HVAC units.
  • Perform intricate mechanical assembly tasks, such as installing compressors, motors, fans, coils, and other critical components according to precise specifications.
  • Skillfully utilize a wide array of hand tools, power tools, and pneumatic equipment, including drills, impact wrenches, rivet guns, and torque wrenches, to secure and fit parts.
  • Execute high-quality brazing and soldering on copper and aluminum tubing to create durable, leak-proof connections within the refrigerant circuit.
  • Complete point-to-point electrical wiring of control panels, sensors, and motors, ensuring all connections are safe, secure, and correctly routed.
  • Conduct in-process quality checks and functional tests at various stages of assembly to identify and resolve any defects, misalignments, or operational faults.
  • Perform rigorous pressure and vacuum leak testing on all refrigerant-containing circuits to guarantee the integrity and quality of the final product.
  • Safely operate material handling equipment, such as overhead cranes and hoists, to lift, move, and position heavy sub-assemblies and complete units.
  • Apply insulation, sealants, and gaskets to unit casings and duct connections to ensure optimal thermal performance and prevent air or water intrusion.
  • Assemble and fasten sheet metal panels, structural frames, and access doors to form the exterior casing of the HVAC unit.
  • Maintain a high level of productivity to consistently meet or exceed daily and weekly production quotas while upholding strict quality standards.
  • Adhere meticulously to all corporate and OSHA safety regulations, including the consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adherence to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
  • Document assembly processes, record production and quality data, and promptly report any equipment malfunctions, material shortages, or safety concerns to the line lead.
  • Collaborate effectively with team members, engineers, and quality assurance personnel to troubleshoot assembly challenges and implement process improvements.
  • Charge units with refrigerant to specified levels, following all EPA regulations and environmental best practices for safe handling.
  • Rotate through various workstations and assembly tasks, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to master multiple aspects of the production line.
    resorting and staging parts and materials needed for the daily production schedule.
  • Perform final visual and functional inspections of completed units to check for cosmetic flaws, correct component installation, and overall completeness before they move to packaging.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area by following 5S principles to promote a safe and efficient production environment.
  • Participate actively in continuous improvement events and lean manufacturing initiatives, offering suggestions to enhance safety, quality, and productivity.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the hands-on training and mentoring of new assemblers on standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
  • Participate in periodic inventory counts of parts and materials to ensure accuracy.
  • Perform minor preventative maintenance and cleaning of assembly tools and equipment.
  • Contribute to team safety meetings and support plant-wide improvement projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.
  • Hand & Power Tool Proficiency: Extensive experience with a variety of tools used in mechanical and electrical assembly.
  • Brazing and Soldering: Proven skill in creating strong, leak-free joints on copper and aluminum tubing.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Strong understanding of mechanical principles and how components work together.
  • Precision Measurement: Competency in using tape measures, calipers, and other measurement tools to ensure accuracy.
  • Electrical Wiring: Knowledge of basic wiring, termination, and routing techniques.
  • Quality Control Inspection: Ability to identify defects, use gauges, and perform functional tests.
  • Safety Protocol Adherence: Deep understanding of manufacturing safety, including LOTO, PPE, and proper lifting techniques.
  • Basic Mathematics: Ability to perform calculations, including fractions and decimals, for measurements and counts.
  • Leak Detection: Experience with pressure testing, vacuum testing, and using electronic leak detectors.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in ensuring every component is assembled correctly and meets quality standards.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with others on a production line to achieve common goals.
  • Problem-Solving: Capacity to identify issues during assembly and contribute to finding effective solutions.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and committed to performing high-quality work.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to switch between different tasks and workstations as needed.
  • Time Management: Skilled at working efficiently to meet production deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
  • Communication: Clearly communicates with team members and supervisors regarding production status and issues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or Associate's Degree from a vocational or technical college.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • HVAC Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3+ years in a related assembly or manufacturing role.

Preferred: Previous experience in HVAC unit assembly, sheet metal fabrication, appliance manufacturing, or a similar mechanical assembly position is highly advantageous. Candidates with a proven track record of working from blueprints in a production environment will be given strong consideration.