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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Assembly Technician

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingAssemblyElectronicsTechnicianProduction

🎯 Role Definition

The Assembly Technician is a hands-on manufacturing professional responsible for building, testing, troubleshooting and documenting mechanical and electronic assemblies to meet production, quality and safety standards. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, proficiency with hand and power tools, familiarity with IPC/ISO/AS standards, and the ability to read engineering drawings and bills of materials (BOMs). Assembly Technicians are essential to new product introductions, continuous improvement initiatives, and on-time delivery of finished goods.

Key SEO terms: Assembly Technician, electronics assembly, mechanical assembly, IPC-A-610, soldering, QA inspection, manufacturing technician, production assembly, MES, ERP, lean manufacturing.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Assembler / Line Assembler
  • Electronics Assembler / Cable Harness Assembler
  • Maintenance Technician Apprentice

Advancement To:

  • Senior Assembly Technician / Lead Assembler
  • Production Supervisor / Shift Lead
  • Process/Manufacturing Engineer
  • Quality Engineer / Inspector

Lateral Moves:

  • Test Technician / Validation Technician
  • Field Service Technician / Installation Technician
  • Materials Coordinator / Inventory Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Read, interpret and follow engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematic layouts and detailed work instructions to assemble electronic and mechanical products to specification and tolerance requirements.
  • Assemble subassemblies and finished products using hand tools, power tools, torque wrenches, presses and fixtures while ensuring compliance with torque, depth, and alignment specifications from drawings and assembly travelers.
  • Execute soldering tasks including hand soldering, through-hole, surface mount (SMT) rework and reflow processes per IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 standards, ensuring solder joints meet quality acceptance criteria.
  • Perform in-process visual inspections and functional testing using calibrated test equipment (multimeter, oscilloscope, power supplies) and document measured values in travelers, MES, or ERP systems.
  • Set up, operate and monitor automated and semi-automated assembly equipment such as pick-and-place, wave soldering machines, press-fit machines, dispensing systems and conformal coating stations according to machine setup sheets.
  • Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and first piece verification for new production runs, recording nonconformances and initiating corrective actions in accordance with quality management procedures.
  • Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues on assemblies, isolate root causes using schematic logic and test equipment, perform rework or escalate to engineering with detailed failure documentation and photos.
  • Execute rework and repair of nonconforming assemblies, following engineering rework instructions, updating traceability records and ensuring repaired units pass full functional verification.
  • Maintain lot and serial number traceability, complete production travelers and label finished goods per customer and internal requirements, ensuring parts are trackable for warranty and compliance.
  • Operate and maintain hand-held and bench test fixtures, calibrate measurement devices as required, and log calibration and maintenance activities into equipment history records.
  • Implement and comply with ESD control procedures including proper use of wrist straps, ESD workstations, grounding, and ionization to protect electrostatic-sensitive devices during handling and assembly.
  • Participate in new product introduction (NPI) builds, prototype assembly, and pilot runs providing feedback on manufacturability, assembly tooling needs and process documentation improvements.
  • Use manufacturing execution systems (MES), ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and barcode scanners to update work orders, log completed operations and track component consumption in real time.
  • Apply lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen) to maintain a clean, safe and efficient work area, propose process improvements to reduce waste, shorten cycle time and improve first-pass yield.
  • Complete required production documentation including assembly instructions, test results, nonconformance reports (NCRs), and corrective action requests (CARs) with accurate, timely entries for audits.
  • Support production changeovers and line setup including fixture changes, tool swaps, and BOM updates while minimizing downtime and ensuring consistent quality after transitions.
  • Perform mechanical assembly tasks such as press fits, rivet installations, cable routing, crimping, indexing and fastening, ensuring specified tolerances and strain relief for wire harnesses.
  • Follow ISO 9001, AS9100 or equivalent quality system requirements, participate in internal and external audits, and implement corrective actions to close audit findings.
  • Maintain spare tooling, consumables, inspection gauges and test fixtures inventory; request replenishment and participate in Kanban / cycle count activities to prevent production interruptions.
  • Collaborate with quality, test engineering and production planning teams to prioritize builds, escalate supply or quality issues, and ensure on-time delivery of high-quality assemblies.
  • Mentor and train junior assemblers and temporary staff on assembly best practices, safety procedures and quality acceptance criteria, providing on-the-job coaching for consistent workmanship.
  • Report and respond to safety incidents and near-misses, comply with PPE and OSHA guidelines, and participate in safety committees to drive a culture of workplace safety.
  • Prepare assemblies for shipping — final inspection, packaging per customer specifications, applying appropriate labels and shipping documentation to ensure products arrive undamaged and correctly identified.
  • Maintain continuous improvement records and metrics (yield, scrap rate, rework hours) and participate in cross-functional problem-solving sessions to improve product reliability and reduce cost.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist engineering with root cause investigations and production support reports for field failures and warranty returns, providing hands-on rebuilds and detailed failure reproduction steps.
  • Help update and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions and visual aids to reflect process improvements and lessons learned from production.
  • Participate in cross-training activities to increase cell flexibility and support variable production demands, temporarily filling roles such as test operator or material handler when needed.
  • Support EHS, quality and continuous improvement projects including assembly ergonomics assessments and small capital improvement pilots for tooling upgrades.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, BOMs, assembly drawings and wiring diagrams.
  • Hands-on soldering skills (IPC J-STD-001, IPC-A-610 training preferred) for both through-hole and surface mount work.
  • Experience using bench test equipment: digital multimeter, oscilloscope, power supplies, LCR meter and continuity testers.
  • Familiarity with SMT/THT processes, rework stations, pick-and-place operations and reflow ovens.
  • Proficient with hand and power tools including torque drivers, crimpers, presses and pneumatic tools.
  • Experience with MES/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor) for logging production output and tracking components.
  • Knowledge of ESD controls, cleanroom protocols and proper handling of static-sensitive devices.
  • Ability to perform mechanical assembly tasks: rivets, fasteners, press fits, cable routing and harness assembly and crimp termination.
  • Competence in first article inspection, dimensional measurement and use of calipers, micrometers and gauges.
  • Understanding of quality systems such as ISO 9001, AS9100, and familiarity with NCR/CAPA processes.
  • Basic PLC and fixture troubleshooting skills, and the ability to follow electrical/mechanical debug procedures.
  • Experience documenting work in travelers, work orders and test reports and maintaining traceability.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and quality-first mindset with a commitment to “right-first-time” workmanship.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills to work with engineers, quality and production planning teams.
  • Good problem-solving skills with the ability to isolate causes, document findings and suggest corrective actions.
  • Team player who adapts to shifting priorities and supports cross-functional objectives in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
  • Reliable time management and the ability to prioritize production tasks to meet schedule targets.
  • Continuous improvement orientation; comfortable participating in Kaizen events and implementing process changes.
  • Professionalism and accountability — respects confidentiality, safety protocols and company policies.
  • Patience and dexterity for fine assembly work and repetitive tasks without compromising quality.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required; technical high school certificate or vocational training preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or certificate in Electronics Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
  • Certifications such as IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001, or equivalent soldering/assembly qualifications are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electronics Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance / Mechanical Technology
  • Mechatronics / Automation
  • Electro-Mechanical Assembly
  • Quality/Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of hands-on assembly experience in a manufacturing environment (electronics, medical device, aerospace, or industrial products).

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of progressive experience in electronics or electromechanical assembly with demonstrated proficiency in IPC standards and functional testing.
  • Experience working in regulated environments (ISO 9001, AS9100, FDA-regulated manufacturing) and using MES/ERP systems.
  • Previous involvement in New Product Introduction (NPI), prototype assembly, troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.
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