A Mechanical Assembler is a professional who plays a crucial role in the manufacturing industry by assembling and building mechanical components and systems. They work with various tools and equipment to put together intricate pieces, ensuring that everything fits and functions properly. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Mechanical Assemblers.

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Main Responsibilities of a Mechanical Assembler

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Mechanical Assembler:

Adhere to

• Adhere to company PPE policies in restricted areas.

• Adhere to production schedules and report material shortages.

• Adhere to quality control standards and procedures.

Align

• Align and fit mechanical parts accurately.

• Align, fit and assemble component parts using hand tools, power tools, fixtures and templates.

Apply

Apply feedback to improve performance.

Assemble

• Assemble and wire various electro-mechanical units.

• Assemble cables and harnesses from schematics and assembly drawings.

• Assemble chassis components using a variety of hardware.

• Assemble complex motion machinery.

• Assemble industrial doors per customer specifications.

• Assemble mechanical components according to specifications.

• Assemble, position, align and fasten units to assemblies, subassemblies or frames.

• Assemble high-tolerance electronic and mechanical products to written specifications.

• Assemble, in predetermined order, electrical components, terminals and push buttons.

• Assemble products to engineering specifications and drawings using tools provided.

• Assemble sub or final assemblies in a safe and timely fashion.

• Assemble sub-assemblies and complex electromechanical systems.

• Assemble sub components into sheetmetal chassis's.

• Assemble various sizes and models of construction equipment.

Assist in

• Assist in constructing instruments.

• Assist in the development and improvement of assembly procedures.

• Assist in training and mentoring new assemblers.

• Assist in training new assembly employees.

• Assist production Manager on Routine duties.

Attach

Attach or fasten components using bolts, screws, or other appropriate methods.

Attend

Attend company meetings as required by supervisor.

Build

Build first articles and engineering models with or without guidance or oversight.

Carry out

Carry out daily tasks in line with health and safety procedures.

Clean

• Clean parts, using cleaning solutions, air hoses, and cloths.

• Clean and lubricate parts and assemblies.

• Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and work area.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with engineers and designers to provide feedback on assembly processes.

• Collaborate with other departments, such as quality control or supply chain.

• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth production flow.

Collect

Collect all material and equipment needed to begin the process.

Complete

• Complete all on-the-job training and other required training as assigned.

• Complete process documentation.

• Complete work in a timely manner.

Conduct

• Conduct routine maintenance on assembly equipment and tools.

• Conduct visual inspections for defects or irregularities.

Connect

Connect threaded pipe, mechanical / hydraulic components, conduit, tubes, hoses, and wires.

Construct

Construct or assemble an entire product or component of a product.

Disassemble

Disassemble and replace parts as required.

Document

Document testing accurately utilizing company approved data check sheets.

Ensure

• Ensure proper parts are received.

• Ensure quality standards are maintained all through the production.

• Ensure that design, implementation, test and maintenance methods / processes are developed.

• Ensure that quality checks are completed throughout the manufacturing process.

• Ensure the assembly is good and met the quality level set up by the company.

• Ensure the production area is kept clean and organized.

Examine

Examine and test parts for quality.

Fasten

Fasten parts together using fastening and joining equipment.

Follow

• Follow all safety rules and procedures throughout the facility according to company's policies.

• Follow and enforce established safety and environmental practices.

• Follow appropriate work instructions and maintain records.

• Follow company core values.

• Follow company policies and procedures.

• Follow prescribed safety and health rules and regulations.

• Follow prints to produce sub-assemblies of parts.

• Follow production drawings, sample assemblies and verbal instructions with general supervision.

• Follow safety protocols and guidelines throughout the assembly process.

• Follow through on commitments.

Gather

Gather all necessary components and parts for assembly.

Give

Give basic training to others on assembly and / or testing procedures.

Hand

Hand assembly and visual inspection.

Handle

Handle basic issues and problems, and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.

Help

Help build generators using hand tools (screw driver, hammer, drill, etc..).

Identify

• Identify and troubleshoot assembly issues and make necessary adjustments.

• Identify components and selects correct parts and tools for assemblies.

• Identify hardware components with good fastening techniques.

• Identify product defects and complete appropriate documentation when defects are identified.

Inspect

• Inspect finished product for proper functioning.

• Inspect parts for proper fit and integration with mechanical and electrical components.

• Inspect product upon completion of assembly step for any flaws.

Install

• Install electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies using hand soldering and hand tools.

• Install firmware, drivers & apps.

• Install windows, rivets, handles and other specialty components to industrial doors.

Interact with

Interact with management and team members to encourage effective communication on production floor.

Keep

• Keep accurate records of completed assemblies and inventory.

• Keep equipment operational by completing preventive maintenance requirements.

• Keep records of production quantities and time.

• Keep up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in assembly methods.

Layout

• Layout and construct various electrical and electromechanical assemblies.

• Layout electrical panels / components - align / measure for precise assembly.

Lead

Lead the installation of equipment, piping, and instruments according to Mechanical drawings.

Learn

Learn final alignments and running of machines prior to shipping.

Lift

Lift and stack completed subassemblies and parts up to 65 lbs.

Light

Light assembly and wiring of electrical control panels utilizing electrical drawings and schematics.

Log in

Log in and complete calibration data reports to keep in QA product files.

Maintain

• Maintain 5 S work environment cleanliness and organization.

• Maintain accurate daily production records so that manufacturing performance can be analyzed.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

• Maintain and displays strong attendance habits by being present and on time.

• Maintain a positive and cooperative working environment.

• Maintain a safe and clean work environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

• Maintain concentration over a long period of time.

• Maintain inventory of product in work stations.

• Maintain the flow of product through the Final Assembly & Integration processes production.

• Maintain the flow of product through the manual assembly processes of the production.

• Maintain work area clean, safe, and organized.

Make

• Make machinery for bottling machines.

• Make minor adjustments and repairs.

• Make repairs to returned components.

Manage

Manage wire / Cable routing.

Mark

Mark and tag components so that stock inventory can be tracked and identified.

Measure

Measure parts to determine specified tolerance.

Meet

Meet production quotas and deadlines.

Monitor

• Monitor and report any issues or inefficiencies in the assembly process.

• Monitor the quality of output to identify, discard, or remanufacture faulty products.

Move

Move / create bin boxes and perform cycle counts.

Notify

Notify the Lead to obtain additional resources.

Obey

Obey Company's health and safety rules and regulations.

Operate

• Operate a torch, plasma cutter, or grinder to cut and shape parts.

• Operate converting machines per specifications.

• Operate equipment including oven.

• Operate forklift when needed.

• Operate hand and power tools to complete assemblies.

• Operate manual material handling equipment such as hand jacks and wheeled carts safely.

• Operate or tend automated assembling equipment, such as robotics and fixed automation equipment.

• Operate small cranes to transport or position larger parts.

Package

Package and prepare assembled products for shipping or delivery.

Participate in

Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Perform

• Perform advanced mechanical assemblies & sub-assemblies.

• Perform assembly of special units from engineering prints and blueprints.

• Perform basic repairs or adjustments on assembled products.

Perform

• Perform electrical and mechanical assembly tasks.

• Perform electrical testing on gear motors.

• Perform engineering changes and rework.

• Perform in process and final inspections.

• Perform inspection / test of in process and incoming materials as assigned.

• Perform Inventory adjustments.

• Perform measurements and inspections to ensure proper fit and alignment.

• Perform mechanical repair of assembled chassis.

• Perform necessary changes, modifications, and / or repairs as directed.

• Perform other assignments as required.

• Perform other tasks related to his / her classification.

• Perform QC checks, trouble-shoot, run tests and software verification.

• Perform quality assurance inspections.

• Perform quality checks to ensure the product meets quality standards.

• Perform reprocessing of subassemblies as directed by line leads.

• Perform some mechanical assembly.

• Perform standard testing and major troubleshooting.

• Perform tasks in accordance with established quality and safety standards.

Prepare

• Prepare cables assemblies and harness to connect electrical components.

• Prepare finished work for shipment or storage as instructed or required.

Provide

• Provide calibration and / or testing services as established in specific procedures.

• Provide feedback to engineering and other support groups.

• Provide input for design improvements and develop assembly techniques.

• Provide input in the creation or update of procedures.

• Provide production status and updates to Production Manager.

Pull

Pull Inventory for assembly.

Read

• Read and follow instructions properly.

• Read and interpret blueprints / schematics in order to assemble product to customer specifications.

• Read and interpret drawings and perform assembly tasks according to the work instructions.

• Read and interpret mechanical assembly instructions and diagrams.

• Read and understand drawings (metric and imperial).

• Read and understand process documentation and assembly diagrams.

• Read blueprints to assemble parts accurately.

• Read / Interpret pick sheets.

• Read and interpretsblue prints to fabricate complex assemblies.

• Read and interpret work instructions to ensure accuracy of work performed.

Receive

Receive parts with Manufacturing Part Number and Creation Part Number Validation.

Receive, clean, store, and move materials used in Assembly.

Recognize

Recognize the importance of quality.

Record

• Record information on production records, logs and other report forms.

• Record, measure, or report results and take corrective actions when needed.

Reject

Reject defective parts according to quality and procedures.

Remove

Remove and maintain accurate record of defective units.

Resolve

Resolve assembly problems by altering dimensions to meet specifications.

Respond to

Respond well to questions.

Return

Return audit functions and stocking of parts.

Review

Review and interpret drawings and schematics.

Rework

• Rework and / or repair equipment and assembled products based on changes in technical specifications.

• Rework any assembly errors and correct issues.

Rotate

Rotate through different tasks on the assembly line.

Route

Route and connect various tubing and connector types.

Seek

Seek out cross-training and other opportunities to grow and improve.

Test

• Test and assemble electromagnetic components.

• Test assembled components for functionality and performance.

• Test functional performance of assemblies.

• Test functional performance to ensure wiring and assemblies are operational.

Train

• Train and assist lower level assemblers.

• Train and work in various areas of assembly in response to production demands.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot, install ECOs and re-test boards from customer units.

• Troubleshoot inventory discrepancies such as shortages and lost and found parts.

Use

• Use calipers and mechanical instruments to take measurements.

• Use hand, air and / or power tools to assemble parts.

• Use hand tools, air tools and hoists.

• Use hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment for assembly.

• Use a computer to confirm orders and print labels.

• Use basic hand tools (e.g. screwdrivers, torque drivers, drill, and precision blade).

• Use blueprints and instructions for final inspection.

• Use hand and power tools for assembly.

• Use scale and reel counter.

• Use samples and photos as a reference.

• Use small hand tools to assemble parts on trucks.

• Use various fixtures, gauges, and assembly tools to assemble, adjust, or repair product.

Utilize

• Utilize basic hand and power tools.

• Utilize hand tools / power tools to assemble various electrical panels.

• Utilize Microsoft Excel and Word to enter, manipulate and format text and numerical data.

• Utilize time tracking system to document time spent on jobs.

Verify

• Verify all processes are performed to the documentation.

• Verify and adjust alignments and dimensions of parts, using gauges and tracing lathes.

• Verify that requirements are met by measuring completed assemblies.

• Verify the accuracy and quality of assembled components.

Work with

• Work as part of a team to achieve mutual goals.

• Work effectively to meet or exceed productivity goals while maintaining high quality standards.

• Work from complex drawings, work instuctions and specifications to plan assembly operations.

• Work in accordance with general safety rules and practices.

• Work in a safe manner as part of a growing team.

• Work under general supervision.

• Work with direction to drawings, sketches, layout boards, etc., and / or verbal instructions.

• Work with other team members to resolve issues in a timely manner.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Mechanical Assembler:

1. Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical assembly instructions and diagrams.

2. Knowledge of mechanical components and systems.

3. Experience with hand tools, power tools, and assembly equipment.

4. Understanding of assembly techniques and methods.

5. Familiarity with measurement tools, such as calipers or micrometers.

6. Proficiency in using fasteners, adhesives, and sealants.

7. Knowledge of quality control standards and procedures.

8. Experience with troubleshooting and problem-solving in assembly processes.

9. Understanding of safety protocols and guidelines in assembly work.

10. Familiarity with equipment maintenance and repair.

11. Proficiency in using computerized assembly systems or software.

12. Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.

13. Understanding of inventory management and control.

14. Experience with assembly line or production line processes.

15. Proficiency in following assembly procedures and specifications.

16. Knowledge of electrical or electronic component assembly.

17. Understanding of material properties and compatibility.

18. Experience with mechanical repairs or adjustments.

19. Proficiency in using cutting and shaping tools.

20. Understanding of workplace health and safety regulations.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Mechanical Assembler:

1. Attention to detail and precision in assembly work.

2. Excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

3. Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

4. Time management and organizational skills.

5. Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced assembly environment.

6. Ability to follow instructions and work independently.

7. Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

8. Commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

9. Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

10. Accountability and reliability in meeting production targets.

Conclusion

Mechanical Assemblers play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and accurate assembly of mechanical components and systems. By possessing a combination of technical expertise, attention to detail, and effective communication skills, these professionals contribute to the success and quality of manufacturing processes in various industries.