What does an assembly technician do?
Assembly technicians are responsible for constructing small parts and components to create a new product according to the specifications of a client or a supervisor. An assembly technician performs diagnostic tests on the assembled product to ensure efficiency and conduct adjustments as needed. An assembly technician also provides manual instructional guides for product use and troubleshooting procedures. Assembly technicians must be knowledgeable about the technology and mechanical industry, as well as have the ability to analyze designs as a guide for creating high-quality products.
Assembly technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real assembly technician resumes:
- Manage the flow of each pallet to ensure the group is able to produce the quality product.
- Perform in microscope SMT hand soldering to IPC standards and rework BTC components.
- Use proper electrical discharge PPE (personal protection equipment) in ESD zone properly to prevent unexpect incident or damage device.
- Perform electro-mechanical tasks using a wide range of electronic equipment.
- Install switches, gfi's.
- Rework (complex wiring) to CCA's according to ECO's.
- Assemble cad and sleeper interior parts
- Assemble and inspect pneumatic valves at Honeywell facility.
- Assemble engine parts of Toyota and Honda cars.
- Use laser levels to establish surfaces are straight and level.
- Assist in component selection, QC and interface with vendors.
- Perform RF distortion tuning for analog transmitters for CATV applications.
- Repair ac unit use for trailer (military equipment).
- Operate equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and personnel lifts.
- Possess good manual dexterity and the ability to work at high speeds.
Assembly technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 26% of Assembly Technicians are proficient in Customer Service, Hand Tools, and Lean Manufacturing. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Assembly Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 26%
Assisted Technical Support and Customer Service in order to ensure proper configuration of controllers.
- Hand Tools, 12%
Fasten parts together using simple hand tools, with bolts, screws, speed clips, rivets, or other fasteners.
- Lean Manufacturing, 4%
Worked with Industrial and Process engineering on ergonomic cell configurations to meet the movement toward a lean manufacturing environment.
- Safety Procedures, 4%
Participated in company training, followed work and safety procedures.
- Basic Math, 3%
Complete basic mathematical calculations and follow standard work instructions.
- Sub Assemblies, 3%
Received assembly certification for more than 60 sub assemblies involving two Medical Device manufacturing lines.
Common skills that an assembly technician uses to do their job include "customer service," "hand tools," and "lean manufacturing." You can find details on the most important assembly technician responsibilities below.
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an assembly technician to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must be able to clearly explain, both orally and in writing, the need for changes in designs or test procedures." Assembly technicians often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "assembled and packed telecommunication materials scan barcode input to computer systems. "
Detail oriented. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of assembly technicians is detail oriented. This skill is critical to many everyday assembly technician duties, as "mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must make precise measurements and keep accurate records for mechanical engineers." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "job details include following customer specifications to produce quality enclosures, quality assurance, trouble shooting and producing daily quotas"
Math skills. A big part of what assembly technicians do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to assembly technician responsibilities because "mechanical engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical assembly technician tasks: "perform mathematical calculations and inspection of specialized equipment for proper tolerances and safety guidelines. "
Mechanical skills. Another common skill required for assembly technician responsibilities is "mechanical skills." This skill comes up in the duties of assembly technicians all the time, as "mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must apply theory and instructions from engineers by making new components for industrial machinery or equipment." An excerpt from a real assembly technician resume shows how this skill is central to what an assembly technician does: "assembled the highest quality electro mechanical life-saving vaporizer unit under fda guidelines. "
The three companies that hire the most assembly technicians are:
- NW Services Corporation185 assembly technicians jobs
- Assemblers
177 assembly technicians jobs
- SPAR Group139 assembly technicians jobs
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Compare different assembly technicians
Assembly technician vs. Mechanical assembler
Mechanical assemblers are individuals who fabricate or assemble mechanical pieces, products, or parts. They are knowledgeable about assembly instructions as well as their interpretations. Among their primary responsibilities are to read the list of mechanical components, identify all present interests, and assemble tools. They should know how to read and interpret sketches and blueprints. It is also essential for every assembler to listen to the directions given by their supervisors or any other head.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an assembly technician are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "work ethic," "mechanical assembly," and "production equipment." On the other hand, a job as a mechanical assembler requires skills like "assembly operations," "calipers," "manual dexterity," and "electro-mechanical assembly." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Mechanical assemblers really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $37,830. Comparatively, assembly technicians tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $37,725.The education levels that mechanical assemblers earn slightly differ from assembly technicians. In particular, mechanical assemblers are 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an assembly technician. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Assembly technician vs. Electrical assembler
An electrical assembler is responsible for developing and assembling electrical components and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. It is their duty to install and maintain systems, analyze diagrams and blueprints, operate tools and equipment, attach and route wirings, arrange or mount control units, and conduct regular maintenance checks, performing repairs as needed. Furthermore, as an electrical assembler, it is essential to adhere to the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real assembly technician resumes. While assembly technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "customer service," "safety procedures," "basic math," and "work ethic," electrical assemblers use skills like "electrical assembly," "switches," "ladders," and "cranes."
Electrical assemblers may earn a lower salary than assembly technicians, but electrical assemblers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $37,576. On the other hand, assembly technicians receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $37,725.In general, electrical assemblers achieve similar levels of education than assembly technicians. They're 0.5% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Assembly technician vs. Electronic assembler
An electronic assembler is responsible for connecting electronic parts and systems, analyzing schematics and blueprints, and following clients' specifications. Electronic assemblers utilize various hand tools and equipment to perform their duties, requiring them to be knowledgeable of the mechanical industry to inspect equipment efficiency, perform repairs, and replace defective components to boost optimization. An electronic assembler must adhere to the safety precautions during operations to prevent electrical hazards in the workplace. They should also work closely with the maintenance team for the completion of the assembly process.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from assembly technician resumes include skills like "customer service," "lean manufacturing," "safety procedures," and "work ethic," whereas an electronic assembler is more likely to list skills in "electronic assembly," "assembly operations," "manual dexterity," and "calipers. "
Electronic assemblers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $34,858. Assembly technicians earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $37,725.electronic assemblers typically earn similar educational levels compared to assembly technicians. Specifically, they're 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Assembly technician vs. Production assembler
An assembler is responsible for the arrangement of multiple parts to create an entirely new component, following the client's specifications or blueprint instructions. Assemblers must be able to interpret schematics well, as well as being able to operate mechanical equipment and hand tools to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the job. They should also monitor inventories and check the adequacy of supplies, verify the correct quantity of components, and inform the management of any needed assistance. An assembler must have a broad knowledge of the mechanical industry to perform tasks under certain conditions.
Types of assembly technician
Updated January 8, 2025
