Assembly Operator Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an assembly operator. Feel free to use our assembly operator job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an assembly operator.
Who is an Assembly Operator?
Assembly operation is commonly practiced in the production and manufacture of goods, products, machines, and other related equipment. It involves the addition of interchangeable parts of equipment during the production process. The semi-finished assembled products are moved from place to place and workstation to workstation; they are added in sequence until the final product is produced. By mechanically moving the parts to the assembly work and moving the semi-finished assembled equipment from workstation to workstation, a finished product can be manufactured faster and with less labor than by having workers carry parts to a stationary piece for assembly.
Also, the concept of assembly line operation is viewed as a common and efficient method of assembling complex items including automobiles and other transportation equipment, electronic goods, and household appliances. Most assembly operations aim to minimize labor; however, the process must be performed with strict adherence to best practices. In addition, assembly operations speed up the production and manufacturing process; products, goods, and equipment are produced faster, labor is utilized appropriately, cost-effectiveness is enhanced, and the quality of products is sustained. Relatively, assembly operations are designed for the sequential organization of workers, machines, tools, and parts.
Additionally, the motion of workers is minimized to the barest minimum by assembly operations. The workers are required to perform a simple operation unless job rotation strategies are applied. Also, heavy lifting is done by specific machines such as forklifts or cranes. Similarly, Henry ford outlined the principles of assembly operation to start from placing tools and workers in sequences to ensure each component or part travels the least possible distance. Next, work slides and other carriers are used to enable the workmen to complete their operations and ensure that parts are placed in the right spaces. Lastly, all the parts are assembled and delivered at convenient distances using sliding assembly lines. Thus, a workman, worker, or individual that performs an assembly operation is known as an assembly operator. Several definitions exist for an assembly operator depending on the employer, scope, duties, and location. Generally, an assembly operator is simply defined as an individual that follows operation guidelines to build a product for an organization based on instructions and blueprints. They make sure that items and equipment are wholly assembled, ensure safety protocols are followed and adhered to on the assembly line, and troubleshoot any issues found during the production process.
Furthermore, assembly operators are stationed in the manufacturing units of most organizations and are responsible for packaging products and operating machines. They also follow production plans, prepare items for shipment, and ensure work is done according to specifications. The assembly operator is responsible for writing, generating, and documenting production reports. They have been known to have good eye-hand coordination and other qualities like dexterity, teamwork, mechanical aptitude, effective communication, and time management. The day-to-day tasks of an assembly operator depend on the unit they are assigned to. Most employers set targets for assembly operators; you must meet such targets and report any fault or problem with goods, products, or machines to the assembly line. Successful assembly workers are methodical and reliable; they tend to focus on repetitive chores with a keen eye for detail. Since they consistently work on the same tasks, they can notice or decipher mistakes on their part, from machines malfunction, or coworkers. Remember, errors and mistakes can be harmful to the products; hence, the need for attention to detail when working. Most assembly operators work as part of a team and are motivated by the number of items assembled, the number of products manufactured, or work done per hour for example.
An assembly operator verifies the correct quantities of component parts and checks the quality of completed and produced items. They use schematics to put parts of a product together; also, they manage parts inventory and ensure hand tools and mechanical equipment are in good shape. Significantly, assembly operators work under supervisors and managers that explain the importance of safety procedures and precautions to them. The dangers of not following health and safety measures are also enumerated to the assembly operator during employee orientation and on-the-job training. Arriving to work on time is extremely important in assembly operations; the operator must notify supervisors of valid absenteeism or delay in reporting for a shift so that a contingency can be put in place. During the manufacture or production of a product, the assembly operator helps to install fasteners and connect wires to machines and other equipment. Depending on the company and experience, an assembly operator can service equipment to ensure it works properly; as well as communicate with other stations on the assembly line to ensure speed, accuracy, and efficiency. The assembly operator ensures the workstation is maintained in a clean, neat, and orderly fashion always.
Assembly Operator Job Description
Below are the assembly operator job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an assembly operator job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
Although the daily responsibilities of an assembly operator depend on the industry, organization, or employer, the general tasks revolve around the interpretation of product blueprints and handling different tools. Also, you must be cooperative, humble, and honest to perform your duties accordingly. Moreover, you will be working in a team and with people from various departments; hence, the need for excellent collaborative skills. Additionally, the kind of products created can determine the duties of an assembly operator. While listening carefully to instruction is vital, the following roles and tasks constitute the main core of the job description of an assembly operator;
- Read blueprints, instructions, and drawings: Blueprints, instructions, and drawings are designed by managers and supervisors to guide assembly operators. These documents simplify the tasks and offer clarity on what is required to get the job done. Thus, an assembly operator will need to read and follow every instruction, blueprint, and drawing to use as a guide for proper assembly of products and product parts.
- Monitor and observe machines and other equipment: Production and manufacturing of products are often carried out with the aid of machinery. Some of these machines might be susceptible to wear and tear. The assembly operator monitors the assembly line and all machinery for proper functionality. When defects or malware are detected, the assembly operator is mandated to hit the kill switch to stop the assembly line and pause production to get the problem fixed.
- Box products and items: After production, goods and items need to be boxed and packaged. An assembly operator places fully assembled items in bins and boxes after they come off the assembly line. Then, the items are sorted, arranged, packaged, and kept in their designated boxes for onward delivery.
- Inspect finished products: An important cog of production is ensuring the finished product meets specified requirements and standards. This can be achieved through the inspection of finished products. The assembly operator visually inspects and tests finished items to ensure they have been correctly assembled. They polish the items or products to remove fingerprints.
- Adhere to safety precautions and protocols: Adherence to health and safety requirements is vital in assembly operation. Hence, the assembly operator adheres to all safety measures and wears the recommended safety and protective gear always while working.
- Load and unload inventory: An assembly operator loads products and pieces slated for assembly into the line and load full assembled or boxed products into their designated location.
- Report incidents, product imperfection, or faulty operation on the assembly line to the manager or supervisor.
- Keep and record mechanical repairs and adjustments.
- Maintain work station in a clean, neat, and orderly manner.
- Discern the quality of parts and materials used in production.
- Follow the company’s procedures and directives.
- Inventory parts, tools, and equipment used in the assembling process.
- Take precision measurements to ensure components are a perfect fit.
- Select or modify components according to measurements and specifications.
What Are the Qualifications for an Assembly Operator?
An assembly operator performs several assembly tasks repeatedly ranging from assembling products and components to boxing items and products. Such activities are carried out following blueprints, diagrams, and instructions. There are qualification requirements for assembly operators such as;
The individual must be at least 18 years old to qualify for such an endeavor.
A minimum of a high school diploma with an excellent score in English and mathematics is an added advantage.
Most employers and organizations require prospective assembly operators to have a minimum of one year of experience working in a manufacturing or related firm.
Forklift certification is an added advantage; candidates with such certificates stand out among their competitors vying for the same role.
Excellent knowledge in production and processing is desirable. The ideal candidate should know raw materials, production processes, costs, quality control, and other techniques for maximizing the effective production and packaging of products. In addition, knowledge of tools, equipment, and machine design, uses, repairs, and maintenance is desirable.
Preferably, the individual should possess proficiency in public safety and security. They should be trained on relevant equipment strategies, policies, and procedures. This is essential for the promotion of local, state, and national security operations as well as the protection of data, institutions, people, and properties.
Also, many firms prefer candidates with education and training on the principles and methods of curriculum and training designs. Knowledge of teaching and instruction for individuals and groups and measurement of training effects can suffice.
A vast understanding of design principles, techniques, and tools is a bonus; so too is the knowledge of the processes involved in the development of précised technical plans, drawings, blueprints, and models.
Expertise in computers and electronics is an advantage. The assembly operator should be able to maneuver processors, electronic equipment, circuit boards, computer hardware and software (such as applications and programming), and chips.
A vehement qualification for assembly operators is proficiency and experience in building and construction. They must be conversant and familiar with materials, methods, and the tools associated with the repair and construction of buildings, houses, and other structures including roads and highways.
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and production methods is required.
Finally, the preferred candidate should be an excellent customer server; he/she should have the ability and experience to assess clients’ needs, meet quality standards for services, and evaluate customers’ satisfaction and vice versa.
Essential Skills
The job of an assembly operator requires some essential skills; these can be both hard and soft skills. An assembly operator must develop and improve these skills to be a perfect fit for employers, companies, and businesses. Where there is a deficiency in any of the essential skills, the assembly operator must hone and harness them through training, learning from coworkers and managers, and personal study. Therefore, the basic skills needed to succeed in assembly operations are discussed below in no distinct order;
Social orientation and concern for others: The position of an assembly operator requires individuals to work cohesively with others. Thus, an individual must be connected with others on the job to succeed in the role. Similarly, you must improve your ability and skill of being sensitive to others’ feelings and needs. You must understand and be willing to help your coworkers when needed.
Quality control analysis and monitoring skills: An assembly operator should have the skills and expertise to conduct inspections and tests on finished products, processes, and services to evaluate and determine the quality or performance of such products. Simply put, the assembly operator should be able to know if the products are of standard and required quality or not. On the other hand, they should possess abilities that will enable them to monitor individual, organizational, and group performances. This is crucial for improving or correcting a faulty product or service.
Mathematical and computer skills: Most assembly operators need good math skills to read measuring devices and perform required assembly and inspection duties. Concurrently, they need excellent computer skills since most assembly lines use digital machinery and equipment.
Logic and reasoning skills: An assembly operator should have the ability to use logic and reasoning to discover the pitfalls, strengths, and downsides of alternative conclusions, solutions, or approaches to problems.
How to Become an Assembly Operator
The steps in becoming an assembly operator include;
Complete a secondary or high school diploma with good grades in English and mathematics to meet the minimum educational requirement.
Choose an industry to work in; assembly operators are employed by several industries including food and beverage, health and social care, transport and logistics, pharmaceutical, mining, or medical.
Apply for an entry-level position to hone and develop your skills, experience, and knowledge.
Participate in on-the-job training organized by the organization to come to terms with standards, procedures, and best practices.
Undertake additional qualifications and certification needed in the industry such as forklift licensure to build on the knowledge you’ve acquired on the job.
Progress to advanced assembly operation roles.
Where can an Assembly Operator work?
An assembly operator can work on the assembling line for things like automotive, electronic goods or appliances, and aircraft. Most work in factories and warehouses of companies and businesses. Hence, employers of assembly operators include retail, construction, manufacturing, logistics, production, health and social care, mining, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and transportation industries.
Assembly Operators Salary Scale
In developing countries like Nigeria, an assembly operator earns an average net salary of 214,000NGN. In contrast, an assembly operator in the United States earns a median annual salary of $31,294 which can be broken down to $14.87 per hour. Relatively, the average salary for an assembly operator in the United Kingdom is £9.86 per hour.