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Comprehensive Job Specification - The Role of an Industrial Assembler

💰 $17 - $25 per hour

ManufacturingProductionSkilled TradesOperations

🎯 Role Definition

An Industrial Assembler is the hands-on professional responsible for the construction and assembly of products within a manufacturing environment. This role is the critical link between raw components and a finished, functional product. Working from detailed schematics, blueprints, and work orders, the assembler uses a variety of hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment to piece together mechanical or electronic parts. Success in this position hinges on a high degree of precision, a keen eye for detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality standards. Industrial Assemblers are fundamental to the efficiency of the production line and the ultimate reliability of the company's products.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Laborer or Production Helper
  • Warehouse Associate or Material Handler
  • Recent High School or Vocational School Graduate

Advancement To:

  • Assembly Team Lead or Line Leader
  • Quality Control (QC) Inspector or Technician
  • Production Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Machine Operator
  • Maintenance Technician Assistant
  • Logistics or Inventory Control Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Meticulously interpret and follow detailed blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, and written work instructions to accurately assemble a wide variety of mechanical and electrical components.
  • Proficiently operate a range of hand tools and power tools, including torque wrenches, calipers, crimpers, drills, and soldering irons, ensuring proper use and calibration.
  • Position, align, and fit parts to exacting specifications, making precise adjustments as necessary to ensure proper functionality and a high-quality final build.
  • Perform intricate assembly tasks such as fastening parts with bolts, screws, and rivets, connecting cables and wiring, and installing electronic components on circuit boards.
  • Conduct in-process quality checks and visual inspections at various stages of the assembly process to identify and rectify any defects, misalignments, or non-conforming parts.
  • Prepare and organize components for assembly by sorting, counting, and staging materials according to the production schedule and bill of materials.
  • Operate and monitor production line equipment and machinery, making minor adjustments to maintain workflow and prevent downtime.
  • Document assembly processes and record production data, including completed units, scrap rates, and any deviations from standard procedures, using a computerized system or manual logs.
  • Adhere strictly to all company and industry safety protocols, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by following 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) to promote efficiency and prevent accidents.
  • Collaborate effectively with team members, engineers, and supervisors to troubleshoot production issues and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Utilize measurement instruments like calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify that components and assemblies meet precise dimensional tolerances.
  • Report any equipment malfunctions, material shortages, or quality concerns to the line lead or supervisor in a timely manner to minimize production impact.
  • Rotate through different workstations and assembly tasks as required by the production schedule, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to learn new skills.
  • Assist in the packaging and preparation of finished products for shipment, ensuring they are protected and labeled correctly.
  • Perform basic preventative maintenance on tools and equipment to ensure they remain in good working order.
  • Cross-train new or less experienced assemblers on standard operating procedures, safety guidelines, and quality standards.
  • Manage and control the flow of materials to the workstation, preventing shortages and reducing waste.
  • Rework, repair, and modify non-conforming components or assemblies according to established engineering specifications.
  • Participate actively in team meetings to discuss production goals, challenges, and opportunities for process improvement.
  • Test finished products for functionality and performance, running diagnostic checks to confirm they meet all operational requirements before being passed to the next stage.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the inventory control team with cycle counts and physical inventory audits within the production area.
  • Contribute to pilot builds and new product introduction (NPI) projects by providing hands-on feedback to the engineering team.
  • Collaborate with the maintenance department to diagnose and report more complex equipment failures.
  • Participate in Kaizen events and other lean manufacturing activities aimed at optimizing workflow and eliminating waste.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint and Schematic Reading: Ability to accurately read, interpret, and follow complex technical drawings and diagrams.
  • Hand and Power Tool Proficiency: Skilled in the safe and effective use of a wide array of assembly tools.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Strong understanding of how mechanical systems work and fit together.
  • Measurement and Inspection: Competency in using precision measuring tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
  • Quality Control Principles: Knowledge of in-process inspection techniques and the ability to identify product defects.
  • Basic Math Skills: Ability to perform calculations, including fractions and decimals, for measurement and part verification.
  • Computer Literacy: Basic ability to interact with production software for data entry and work order tracking.
  • Soldering and Wiring: Experience with soldering techniques and routing/connecting wires and harnesses.
  • Knowledge of Safety Procedures: Understanding of manufacturing safety standards, including PPE and LOTO.
  • Material Handling: Experience with safely moving and staging materials for production.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all tasks to ensure high-quality output and prevent errors.
  • Manual Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and the physical ability to work with small parts and tools.
  • Problem-Solving: The ability to identify issues, troubleshoot problems, and implement effective solutions on the assembly line.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Works well with others to achieve shared production goals.
  • Time Management: Ability to manage one's own time effectively to meet production quotas and deadlines.
  • Communication Skills: Clearly communicates with team members and supervisors regarding progress, issues, and needs.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to switch between different tasks and workstations as production demands change.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and committed to performing duties to the best of their ability.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a relevant discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Electronics Assembly
  • Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-2 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or hands-on assembly environment.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of dedicated experience as an Industrial Assembler, particularly with complex mechanical or electronic products. Proven experience working from detailed schematics and using a variety of specialized tools is highly desirable.
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