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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Unit Worker

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingProductionOperations

🎯 Role Definition

A Unit Worker is an entry- to mid-level manufacturing and production specialist responsible for assembling, testing, and preparing units or subassemblies on a production line. This role focuses on consistent, high-quality output, adherence to safety and quality standards, and continuous improvement of production processes. Unit Workers operate hand and power tools, perform visual and dimensional inspections, follow standard work and quality checklists, and collaborate with production leads to meet daily throughput, uptime, and yield targets. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to follow written procedures and basic technical drawings while contributing to a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Associate / Production Operator
  • Assembler / Electronics Assembler
  • Machine Operator / Press Operator

Advancement To:

  • Line Lead / Team Lead
  • Shift Supervisor / Production Supervisor
  • Quality Technician / Quality Inspector
  • Maintenance Technician / Mechanical Technician

Lateral Moves:

  • Material Handler / Inventory Specialist
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Packing and Shipping Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assemble product units and subassemblies on a high-volume production line following detailed work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and engineering drawings to meet quality and throughput targets.
  • Operate and set up manual and semi-automatic assembly equipment, hand tools, torque wrenches, and pneumatic tools while adhering to torque and process specifications.
  • Perform accurate visual, dimensional, and functional inspections of parts and finished units using gauges, calipers, micrometers, and inspection checklists; document non-conformances and follow containment procedures.
  • Execute first article inspections (FAI) and in-process quality checks, recording measurement data and ensuring traceability of parts and serial numbers for each production unit.
  • Stage, sort, and kitting of components for production runs; verify parts against bills of materials (BOM) and part numbers to prevent assembly errors and minimize scrap.
  • Read and interpret basic mechanical and electrical schematics, production prints, and assembly drawings to ensure correct component orientation and fitment.
  • Maintain production targets by monitoring cycle-time, performing quality checks at defined intervals, and communicating issues immediately to leads to minimize downtime.
  • Adhere to all safety policies, wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), and participate in safety audits, pre-shift safety huddles, and incident investigations.
  • Document work performed in electronic or paper-based production logs, including quantities produced, rejects, rework performed, and abnormal conditions.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting on assembly fixtures and conveyance systems, resetting equipment, replacing consumables, and coordinating with maintenance for complex failures.
  • Apply lean manufacturing principles by suggesting process improvements, performing 5S activities at the workstation, and participating in kaizen or continuous improvement events.
  • Complete required quality and compliance documentation accurately, including non-conformance reports, corrective action requests, and calibration records as directed.
  • Package, label, and prepare finished units for shipment in accordance with packing instructions and customer-specific requirements, ensuring product protection and compliance.
  • Conduct end-of-line functional tests when applicable, document test results, and isolate any failed units for repair or disposition in line with quality procedures.
  • Monitor inventory levels of consumables and components at the workstation, request replenishment proactively, and support cycle counts or physical inventories as needed.
  • Train and mentor new hires and temporary staff on standard work, quality expectations, and safety procedures to accelerate their onboarding and maintain consistent output.
  • Follow environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations, including proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, and participate in safety training and audits.
  • Support changeover activities between production runs, including cleaning, tooling changes, and verification of setup parameters to minimize changeover time and scrap.
  • Implement and maintain process documentation, including job aids, standard work cards, and quick reference guides to support consistent operations across shifts.
  • Escalate production, quality, and supplier issues to supervisors and quality engineers, providing detailed observations and data to facilitate root-cause analysis.
  • Participate in cross-functional problem solving with engineering, quality, and maintenance teams to resolve recurring defects and improve product reliability.
  • Maintain workstation housekeeping to meet 5S and company cleanliness standards, ensuring tools and materials are organized and hazards are minimized.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc production requests, rush orders, and special packaging requirements to meet customer delivery deadlines.
  • Assist quality engineers with sample collection, batch labeling, and returning suspect lots for supplier evaluation.
  • Contribute to the organization's continuous improvement initiatives by documenting small improvement ideas and testing low-risk process adjustments.
  • Help coordinate with inventory control and logistics to stage outbound shipments and verify shipping documentation.
  • Participate in scheduled equipment calibration activities and support the maintenance team during planned preventive maintenance windows.
  • Support onboarding and cross-training programs by documenting training outcomes and competency checklists for unit-level tasks.
  • Perform basic data entry into ERP or MES systems to record production quantities, lot codes, and traceability information.
  • Provide coverage for adjacent production stations during short-term absences to maintain production flow.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Mechanical assembly and subassembly of components, including use of hand tools, torque wrenches, and bench fixtures.
  • Operation and basic setup of semi-automatic assembly machinery and power tools.
  • Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and bills of materials (BOM).
  • Conducting visual and dimensional inspection using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and go/no-go fixtures.
  • Performing functional and electrical end-of-line tests and logging test results.
  • Knowledge of standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality inspection plans (QIPs), and first article inspection (FAI) processes.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and continuous improvement practices.
  • Basic troubleshooting of assembly equipment and conveyor systems; ability to replace simple components and escalate complex issues.
  • Use of manufacturing software such as MES (Manufacturing Execution System), WMS, or ERP systems for production tracking and lot traceability.
  • Forklift or material handling equipment operation (as applicable and certified).
  • Barcode scanning and label verification, lot tracking, and serialization practices.
  • Awareness of EHS regulations, PPE requirements, and hazardous material handling procedures.
  • Basic computer literacy: MS Office (Excel/Word) and data entry into production systems.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing defect-free work.
  • Reliable work ethic with excellent attendance and punctuality.
  • Effective verbal communication skills for coordination with leads, quality, and maintenance.
  • Team player mentality and willingness to assist co-workers to meet production goals.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, shift patterns, and production mix.
  • Time management and the ability to meet daily production quotas under supervision.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to escalate and document issues clearly.
  • Ability to follow written instructions, checklists, and standardized work without deviation.
  • Patience and persistence when performing repetitive tasks while maintaining quality.
  • Initiative to suggest process improvements and participate in continuous improvement efforts.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; equivalent vocational diploma or relevant on-the-job training accepted.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate in manufacturing, industrial maintenance, or a related trade (e.g., electronics assembly, mechanical assembly).
  • Completion of an apprenticeship or vocational training program is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance
  • Mechanical or Electrical Trades
  • Electronics Assembly
  • Quality Assurance / Inspection

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years of direct experience in production, assembly, or manufacturing environments; entry-level candidates with relevant internships or vocational training considered.

Preferred: 1–3 years of hands-on experience in a production or assembly role with proven competence in assembly techniques, use of inspection tools, and familiarity with lean/5S practices. Certifications such as forklift operator, basic electrical safety, or ISO-quality training are advantageous.

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