Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knob Assembler

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knob Assembler, you are a crucial part of our manufacturing process, responsible for the hands-on creation of our products. You will work within a collaborative team environment, following precise instructions and using a variety of tools to construct, inspect, and package high-quality knobs. This role requires a keen eye for detail, excellent manual dexterity, and a commitment to safety and efficiency. You will be the artisan ensuring that every product leaving our facility meets the functional and aesthetic standards our customers expect.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Production Helper
Warehouse Associate

Advancement To:

Assembly Team Lead
Quality Control Inspector
Production Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Machine Operator
Materials Handler
Packer / Shipper

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Accurately interpret and follow complex blueprints, work orders, and assembly diagrams to determine the correct sequence of operations for various knob models.
Skillfully use a diverse range of hand, pneumatic, and power tools, including torque drivers, riveters, and drills, to fasten and assemble components.
Precisely position, align, and fit parts together to construct intricate knob assemblies, ensuring all components are secure and correctly oriented.
Perform rigorous in-process and final quality inspections on all assemblies to identify any defects, cosmetic flaws, or functional issues, ensuring compliance with our stringent quality standards.
Proactively identify and report any material discrepancies, product non-conformance, or equipment malfunctions to the line supervisor to facilitate swift corrective action.
Operate and monitor automated and semi-automated assembly equipment, making minor adjustments to settings to maintain production flow and quality.
Meticulously maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation by consistently applying 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
Securely package finished knob assemblies according to specific customer or internal requirements, verifying counts and applying correct labels for shipment.
Maintain accurate and detailed production logs, documenting quantities produced, assembly times, scrap rates, and any quality control issues encountered during your shift.
Rotate through different stations and tasks within the assembly line to build a comprehensive skill set and provide flexible support to the production team.
Collaborate effectively with engineering and quality assurance teams to troubleshoot recurring assembly issues and contribute to root cause analysis.
Perform routine preventative maintenance on assembly tools and equipment to ensure their optimal performance, safety, and longevity.
Handle and transport raw materials, components, and finished products within the production facility using manual carts or pallet jacks as needed.
Adhere strictly to all company safety guidelines and OSHA regulations, including the mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and gloves.
Conduct thorough inspections of incoming parts and materials to verify they meet specifications before being introduced into the assembly process.
Perform functional and cycle testing on completed products to ensure they meet all performance, durability, and operational criteria.
Strive to consistently meet or exceed established daily and weekly production targets while upholding the highest standards of workmanship and quality.
Assist in the hands-on training and mentorship of new team members, patiently demonstrating proper assembly techniques, safety procedures, and quality checks.
Actively participate in continuous improvement (Kaizen) events and team meetings, offering constructive ideas to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve workplace safety.
Manage component inventory at your workstation, effectively communicating with materials handlers to request replenishment and prevent line stoppages.

Secondary Functions

Assist with periodic inventory counts and cycle counts of raw materials and finished goods.
Participate actively in departmental safety meetings and contribute to the safety committee.
Help calibrate fixtures and set up equipment for different production runs or new product introductions.
Support other production departments or teams during periods of high demand or staff shortages.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven ability to skillfully operate manual, electric, and pneumatic assembly tools (e.g., torque wrenches, screwdrivers, drills, presses).
Strong aptitude for reading and interpreting technical documents, including engineering blueprints, assembly drawings, and detailed work instructions.
Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, essential for manipulating small and delicate components with precision.
Experience using precision measurement instruments such as digital calipers, micrometers, and go/no-go gauges for quality verification.
Foundational understanding of manufacturing principles, production workflows, and quality control processes.
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Ability to perform highly repetitive tasks with sustained accuracy, focus, and consistency over an entire shift.
Basic mathematical skills for counting parts, calculating quantities, and accurately recording production data.
Experience operating light industrial machinery and equipment in a manufacturing setting.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing concepts and 5S organizational methodologies is a strong plus.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all aspects of assembly and inspection.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and communicate clearly within a diverse team.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and suggesting potential solutions.
Time Management: Capable of prioritizing tasks to meet demanding production schedules.
Adaptability: Flexible and willing to learn new processes and cross-train in different areas.
Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and committed to producing high-quality work.
Communication: Able to give and receive constructive feedback and follow verbal instructions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or diploma from a vocational or technical school in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Manufacturing Technology
Industrial Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years. This is a great entry-level opportunity for a motivated individual.

Preferred: 1+ year of hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing, production, or assembly environment is highly desirable.