Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for HVAC Assembler
💰 $18 - $28 / hour
🎯 Role Definition
Are you a hands-on professional with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for building things? We are actively seeking a motivated and skilled HVAC Assembler to become a cornerstone of our manufacturing team. As an HVAC Assembler, you will be instrumental in constructing the high-quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that create comfortable environments for people everywhere. This position requires a strong mechanical aptitude, a deep commitment to safety and quality, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced production environment. You will be responsible for transforming raw components and materials into fully functional, reliable HVAC units, playing a vital role in our success and reputation for excellence.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- General Production Worker
- Manufacturing Associate
- Trade School Graduate (HVAC or Industrial Maintenance)
Advancement To:
- Lead HVAC Assembler / Team Lead
- Quality Control Inspector
- Production Supervisor
- HVAC Service Technician (with further training/certification)
Lateral Moves:
- Sheet Metal Fabricator
- Maintenance Technician
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Interpret and work from complex blueprints, engineering drawings, schematics, and detailed work orders to accurately assemble commercial and residential HVAC units.
- Perform intricate mechanical assembly tasks, such as installing compressors, motors, fans, coils, and other critical components according to precise specifications.
- Skillfully utilize a wide array of hand tools, power tools, and pneumatic equipment, including drills, impact wrenches, rivet guns, and torque wrenches, to secure and fit parts.
- Execute high-quality brazing and soldering on copper and aluminum tubing to create durable, leak-proof connections within the refrigerant circuit.
- Complete point-to-point electrical wiring of control panels, sensors, and motors, ensuring all connections are safe, secure, and correctly routed.
- Conduct in-process quality checks and functional tests at various stages of assembly to identify and resolve any defects, misalignments, or operational faults.
- Perform rigorous pressure and vacuum leak testing on all refrigerant-containing circuits to guarantee the integrity and quality of the final product.
- Safely operate material handling equipment, such as overhead cranes and hoists, to lift, move, and position heavy sub-assemblies and complete units.
- Apply insulation, sealants, and gaskets to unit casings and duct connections to ensure optimal thermal performance and prevent air or water intrusion.
- Assemble and fasten sheet metal panels, structural frames, and access doors to form the exterior casing of the HVAC unit.
- Maintain a high level of productivity to consistently meet or exceed daily and weekly production quotas while upholding strict quality standards.
- Adhere meticulously to all corporate and OSHA safety regulations, including the consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adherence to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
- Document assembly processes, record production and quality data, and promptly report any equipment malfunctions, material shortages, or safety concerns to the line lead.
- Collaborate effectively with team members, engineers, and quality assurance personnel to troubleshoot assembly challenges and implement process improvements.
- Charge units with refrigerant to specified levels, following all EPA regulations and environmental best practices for safe handling.
- Rotate through various workstations and assembly tasks, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to master multiple aspects of the production line.
resorting and staging parts and materials needed for the daily production schedule. - Perform final visual and functional inspections of completed units to check for cosmetic flaws, correct component installation, and overall completeness before they move to packaging.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area by following 5S principles to promote a safe and efficient production environment.
- Participate actively in continuous improvement events and lean manufacturing initiatives, offering suggestions to enhance safety, quality, and productivity.
Secondary Functions
- Assist in the hands-on training and mentoring of new assemblers on standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
- Participate in periodic inventory counts of parts and materials to ensure accuracy.
- Perform minor preventative maintenance and cleaning of assembly tools and equipment.
- Contribute to team safety meetings and support plant-wide improvement projects.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.
- Hand & Power Tool Proficiency: Extensive experience with a variety of tools used in mechanical and electrical assembly.
- Brazing and Soldering: Proven skill in creating strong, leak-free joints on copper and aluminum tubing.
- Mechanical Aptitude: Strong understanding of mechanical principles and how components work together.
- Precision Measurement: Competency in using tape measures, calipers, and other measurement tools to ensure accuracy.
- Electrical Wiring: Knowledge of basic wiring, termination, and routing techniques.
- Quality Control Inspection: Ability to identify defects, use gauges, and perform functional tests.
- Safety Protocol Adherence: Deep understanding of manufacturing safety, including LOTO, PPE, and proper lifting techniques.
- Basic Mathematics: Ability to perform calculations, including fractions and decimals, for measurements and counts.
- Leak Detection: Experience with pressure testing, vacuum testing, and using electronic leak detectors.
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous in ensuring every component is assembled correctly and meets quality standards.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with others on a production line to achieve common goals.
- Problem-Solving: Capacity to identify issues during assembly and contribute to finding effective solutions.
- Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and committed to performing high-quality work.
- Adaptability: Flexible and able to switch between different tasks and workstations as needed.
- Time Management: Skilled at working efficiently to meet production deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
- Communication: Clearly communicates with team members and supervisors regarding production status and issues.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred Education:
- Certificate or Associate's Degree from a vocational or technical college.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- HVAC Technology
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 1-3+ years in a related assembly or manufacturing role.
Preferred: Previous experience in HVAC unit assembly, sheet metal fabrication, appliance manufacturing, or a similar mechanical assembly position is highly advantageous. Candidates with a proven track record of working from blueprints in a production environment will be given strong consideration.