What does an Assembly Technician do?
Assemblers are highly technical workers with strong engineering backgrounds who receive and conceptualize designs to create a physical model of the desired product. This hands-on role requires workers to understand and utilize complex designs and follow specific design specifications to ensure a product is designed effectively. Many assemblers work in the aerospace industry, although any industry that requires the production of physical products may require and hire assemblers.
Assemblers require a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a G.E.D.) at a minimum. A Bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering may be preferred for some positions. As this role requires the use of different mechanical equipment, different certificates will be required for most assembler roles. Such certificates can often be obtained through specialized training schools. Assemblers may also need a security clearance to work on government contracts.
- Receive, read, and understand complex design specifications
- Collaborate with team members to ensure proper delineation of production roles
- Assemble various parts and products based on physical and digital designs
- Operate design machinery and modify machinery settings as needed to meet design specifications
- Operate power tools and other heavy machinery while following strict safety guidelines
- Communicate with engineers and design staff to ensure consistency and troubleshoot any issues with designs or production
- Quickly and effectively detect malfunctions with machinery and inform managers or upper-level staff of issues as they arise
- Travel to different locations to work with various teams and engineering staff when necessary
- Post-secondary degrees, including Associate's or Bachelor's, may be necessary or preferred
- Additional certifications for industry-specific machinery may be necessary
- 0-6 years of experience, depending on previous education and current skills
- Experience working with computer-aided drafting (CAD) software
- Ability to read and interpret drawings and designs
- Proven knowledge and experience using drafting tools and machinery
- Safety-conscious with an extreme respect for established safety guidelines and rules
- Experience with or willingness to learn production tools and methods
- Significant mechanical skills and proven attention to detail
How much does an Assembly Technician make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$46,300
/ yrAssembly Technician Career Path
Learn how to become an Assembly Technician, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Assembly Technician Insights

“If you desperately need an income source its a good choice because tge acceptance rate is high”

“Good career growth giving promotion if you are performing well they are really observing each and every employee”

“It was great to work and help students and become an expert in 3D printing.”

“Was a great opportunity for me to learn and do something new in my career.”

“Well you have to leave 4 hours early today because there's no overtime allowed.”

“High turnover rate which probably isn't good if you want a long term career.”

“It is a small company in Seattle so not much room for growth career wise.”

“Volvo gives a great opportunity to start a career with very little or no education.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of an Assembly Technician
- Warehouse Worker
- Material Handler
- Forklift Operator
- Packer
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