Assembler Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an assembler. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an assembler.
Who is an Assembler?
An assembler is an individual that puts parts or systems together to create a finished product. They follow and adhere to instructions and use efficient tools to build several objects such as electronic devices, control panels, toys, engines, and vehicles. Do you possess the soft skills to build something? Can you read schematics, charts, blueprints, designs, and drawings? Have you ever worked on complex projects before? How did you accomplish your first building project? Why is safety at work important to you? These and more are key questions associated with the role or position of an assembler. Normally, assemblers work between 20 to 50 hours weekly; however, this may vary depending on the country, company, and nature of work.
The role of an assembler can be cumbersome sometimes; hence, different types of assemblers exist. These include electronic or electrical assemblers, coil winders, tapers and finishers, and mechanical assemblers. Others are structural metal fabricators or fitters’ assemblers, fiberglass laminators and/or fabricators assemblers, as well as timing device assemblers, adjusters, and calibrators. Despite the type or industry of assemblers, their tasks, responsibilities, and duties are generally similar. All assemblers are employed to contribute to and enhance the manufacturing and production process.
Furthermore, an assembler is a technical, nominal, and methodical worker with excellent engineering training and background. Assemblers create a physical model of the desired product after receiving and conceptualizing a design. Usually, an assembler understands, comprehends, and apprehends schematics. They utilize complex designs, follow specifications and stipulations, and use hands-on techniques to ensure the products are designed accordingly and effectively. In addition, most assemblers tend to work in the aerospace industry or sector. However, an assembler is also essential, hired, or crucial to any industry or employer that requires the production of physical products and goods. While putting pieces or parts together and following schematics or blueprints forms the basic component of an assemblers’ work, they instinctively verify the correct quantities of the parts and ensure the completed products are of required quality and standards. Some employers delegate assemblers to manage inventories and complete production and quality forms. These professionals work on factory floors in most organizations and use heavy equipment and machinery. Similarly, assemblers frequently bend and climb ladders and might stand for long periods when performing repetitive tasks. Most assemblers use dexterity to manipulate, grasp, or assemble components that are small and often work with color-coded wiring.
Additionally, an assembler develops and maintains an excellent work and maintenance culture always. Most work with templates, manuals, and stencils. In some companies, the assemblers measure the completed parts to verify and ensure specifications are met. Sometimes, they may control an automated machine to assemble products partially or completely. The standardization of products is guaranteed by detail orientation; the assembler regularly ensures tasks are performed according to plans though the daily tasks may differ largely because of the employers. Experience working with assembly tools and gears has been documented as an essential requirement for an assembler. Relatively, self-motivation, safety, and staying focused are other qualities assemblers possess that enable them to succeed.
Significantly, assemblers have high aptitudes for mechanics and can handle products carefully. They are introduced to assembly-specific standards and principles through education, mentorship, or job shadowing. Critically, assemblers are known for being proficient listeners; they comprehend written and verbal instructions and understand technical documents, diagrams, and sketches easily. Importantly, these attributes help to speed up their daily activities and undertakings. Finally, an assembler is an astute team player; at times, assemblers are required to work with coworkers from other units to enhance productivity, analyze, and solve problems.
Assembler Job Description
Below are the assembler job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The assembler follows blueprints and instructions to perform tasks including putting parts together. Though most assemblers are full-time workers, some companies and firms have openings and roles for part-time assemblers. Interestingly, a part-time assembler performs the same tasks as a full-time assembler albeit in relatively less time. Using physical fitness, guile, good reflexes, and endurance, an assembler accomplishes company and industry-based responsibilities. Also, excellent eyesight to identify and discern colors, depths, and dimensions is paramount in the day-to-day work of an assembler. Therefore, every assembler regardless of the employer or organization must be able to carry out the following;
- Studying instructions, blueprints, and part lists to produce items accordingly.
- Notifying managers or supervisors about problems encountered during assembly.
- Suggesting remedies or solutions to the encountered problems.
- Positioning subassemblies accurately by using measurements and templates.
- Following organizational protocols and etiquette to maintain a safe work environment.
- Regularly maintaining equipment and tools and solving problems as they arise.
- Documenting actions and filling quality forms.
- Using tools to repair or make products.
- Interpreting technical documents, drawings, and blueprints correctly.
- Identifying defective items and handling them according to established and set procedures.
- Receiving, reading, and comprehending complex design specifications.
- Being an excellent team player to ensure proper delineation of production roles.
- Communicating with design and engineering staff to ensure consistency.
- Using digital designs to assemble required parts or products.
- Modifying and operating design machinery to meet design specifications.
- Traveling to different locations to work with teams and engineering staff where necessary.
- Conducting quality assurance checks to confirm that assembled products meet quality requirements.
- Communicating with other stations on the assembly line to ensure accuracy and speed.
- Conserving supplies and resources to minimize waste.
- Participating in continuous training and development.
- Completing daily reports to indicate products that have been shipped and identify late orders.
Assembler Qualifications
An assembler requires a minimum of a high or secondary school diploma amongst other qualifications to be considered for employment. Since the position and duties of an assembler often require the knowledge and use of different mechanical equipment, certain, training, experience, and certifications are needed. For assemblers that wish to apply and work on government contracts, a security clearance is mandatory. Thus, the specific or basic qualifications for assemblers across several industries are discussed below;
Education: Though employers accept a high school diploma for entry-level assembler positions, a bachelor’s or associate degree is preferred. Ideally, the bachelor’s degree should be in mechanical engineering or any related field. However, technical school certification is accepted by most companies that hire assemblers. Post-secondary education is recommended and ideal for career advancement and progression. In relation, technical certificates with training, teaching, and emphasis on heavy equipment transportation, production, and wielding technologies are acceptable for candidates without degrees. Any form of education is necessary for an assembler; the modules and courses are designed to imbibe specific industry-based and practical skills.
Training and experience: The technical specifications for an assemblers’ position including materials handling are taught in the classroom. However, the individual needs training and practical experience to thrive in the sector. Many aspects of the job require training on physical stamina, body posture, and endurance. Assemblers must undergo training to build physical strength by working out constantly for example. Relatively, additional training in soldering and other areas is preferable and an added advantage. Concurrently, several assembler roles including entry-level positions require one to three years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment. Proficiency and experience working with computer-aided drafting software are a bonus and mandated by most companies.
Certification: To stand out in this profession, an individual must enroll for and gain professional certifications. These certificates help validate an assemblers’ professional credentials to the hiring manager or company. Also, more practical knowledge and expertise are gained through professional certification. Common certifications for assemblers include;
Laser welding technology certificate: This is an internationally recognized certificate administered by the fabricators and manufacturers association. It focuses on the applications and fundamentals of wielding. The course is divided into practice with hands-on demonstrations, classroom instruction, and a final exam. The assembler must pass the examination to be awarded the certificate. The participants are introduced to and shown how to achieve the best quality of wields. They also learn how to identify the root cause of equipment failure or malfunction and distinguish between the various types of wields.
Fundamentals of metal foundation certificate: Also anchored and managed by the fabricators and manufacturers association, this certificate is designed mainly for entry-level assemblers and covers fundamental concepts of sheet metal fabrication. Topics covered include quality and inspection, metal fabrication, safety, metallurgy for metal fabrication, and blueprint reading. Entry-level assemblers that present this certificate are mostly favored.
Precision sheet metal operator certificate: Lastly, the precision sheet metal operator certificate shows that the individual is an advanced metal worker. Just like the previous two, this is offered by the fabricators and manufacturers association and must be renewed every three years. The course covers topics such as turret punch press, sawing, shearing, laser cutting, mechanical finishing, and press brake. To be qualified for the certificate, an assembler must possess a minimum of two years of experience.
Essential Skills
An assembler essentially requires soft and hard skills to succeed. Assembler skills have been defined as important qualities possessed by assemblers that enable them to perform their tasks effectively. To follow instructions and ensure efficacy, an assembler must have technical and immeasurable skills. Therefore, an assembler needs the following skills to complete his/her job;
Dexterity skills: The most successful assemblers possess dexterity skills; every day, assemblers are introduced and required to deal with small pieces. Hence, they must be agile to grasp, tighten, and fasten these components so that they go together properly.
Mechanical skills: This is an important skill for all assemblers. Mechanical skills enable an assembler to use production systems, computers and robots, and programmable motion control devices on the factory floor. Also, it enables the assembler to handle tools and machinery such as tube bending machines, inspection fixers, gauges, rivet tools, hammers, and specialty wrenches.
Reading and comprehension skills: Remember, the assembler is expected to work with blueprints, instructions, and specifications. To complete their responsibilities efficiently, assemblers need reading and comprehension skills to interpret and use schematics. Following the guidelines of several blueprints and paying attention to slight variations is equally important since schematics are often designed in written and visual forms.
Computer skills: To properly manufacture products or fit parts together, an assembler needs proficiency in computers. Relatively, computer skills are needed for data entry, using computer-aided drafting software and spreadsheet software.
Resource conservation: The ability to conserve resources is essential to the assemblers’ success. Similarly, using equipment and supplies wisely helps the organization or company to reduce operating expenses. Thus, an assembler needs resource conservation skills to meritoriously minimize waste, conserve resources, and ensure the firm complies with environmental regulations.
Maintenance culture: Assemblers complete lots of manual tasks; but sometimes, they use heavy machinery to process complex activities. It is important that assemblers routinely maintain the machinery or equipment. Understanding how to detect an issue with a machine enables them to know when to contact the repair team to prevent further damage. All these and more require a good maintenance culture and ability.
How to Become an Assembler
An assembler puts together products for a company that specializes in producing electronics, toys, or prosthetic devices. To become an assembler, you must understand the skills, education, training, and expertise needed in the profession. Hence, explained below are the steps involved to become a qualified assembler;
Pursue post-secondary education: After graduation from high school, review schools and universities within and outside your locality to enroll for a relevant degree mostly in mechanical engineering. Where necessary, pursue an advanced education as well to stay abreast of development and changes in the industry.
Gain relevant training and work experience: Next, apply for entry-level positions in manufacturing to gain relevant work experience. Participate in different training and use the expertise acquired to move into advanced assembler roles.
Earn professional certification: If possible, consider earning professional certifications. This will make you a better and top candidate within and outside your organization. Moreover, most employers and companies prefer and ask for professional certifications to ensure they are hiring detail-oriented professionals.
Update your resume and review the current job market: After meeting qualification requirements, update your resume to include your work history and relevant certifications. Mention and highlight your achievements, skills, and industry-specific recognition. Then, review the current job market and apply for assembler positions you are qualified for.
Where to Work
The education, skills, experience, and expertise of an assembler can be transferred and used by several industries. As an assembler, you can have a career and offer your professional and technical services to the following employers;
- Government agencies.
- Construction companies.
- Manufacturing firms
- Textile industry
- Aerospace industry
Assembler Salary Scale
Since an assembler can work full-time or part-time, annual salary and earnings vary. Also, salaries vary based on experience, level of education, and employer. Analysts have also indicated industry, location, and size as additional determinants of an assembler’s salary scale. Thus, an assembler earns $14.96 per hour in the United States of America. In Canada, an assembler earns an average salary of 17.64CAD per hour.