what is a mechanical assembler?
Mechanical assemblers usually work on assembly lines. In your position as a mechanical assembler, you interpret blueprints, sketches and other instructions to put parts together correctly. Depending on the products you're assembling, you may use hand tools, machinery, computers or robots in your work.
During the quality control portion of the job, you check for any errors in the assembly process and resolve issues as quickly as possible. After you finish assembling your assigned components, you pass your completed units to the next station on the line.
When your employer develops new products, you'll assist with the assembly of prototypes. You may need to purchase small parts from suppliers. Additionally, your employer might ask you to keep track of the inventory.
In roles that involve working with electrical components, you'll install circuit breakers and switches in wiring harnesses. You might repair broken relays, generators or switches. If necessary, you'll use nuts and bolts to connect components together. You may need to use wrenches or screwdrivers.
If you work with cars or boats, your role includes installing brakes, transmissions, engines, oil pans and exhaust systems. You'll maintain and repair starter motors and fuel pumps. In some cases, you may remove certain components to prepare them for trade-in.
Would working as a mechanical assembler suit your problem-solving skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a mechanical assembler role.
view jobs near youaverage mechanical assembler salary
As a mechanical assembler, your salary depends on the types of products you're putting together. Generally, you'll earn a higher salary if you work as an engine or machine assembler.
According to 2022 estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engine and other machine assemblers earn an average of $51,980 per year. If you're involved in motor vehicle manufacturing, you'll earn an average annual salary of $59,640. When you make parts for motor vehicles, you can expect to earn around $55,080 each year. You'll earn approximately $56,990 per year for assembling aerospace parts and products, and the average annual salary for assembling metalworking machinery is $53,910.
The average annual salary of a miscellaneous assembler is $40,250. As a miscellaneous assembler, you may put together plastic products, furniture or household appliances. When you work as a plastic products assembler, you'll make an average of $36,170 per year. You can expect to earn $34,960 if you work in furniture assembly, and household appliance assemblers make approximately $40,340 per year.
Wondering what you can earn as a mechanical assembler? Find out immediately with the salary comparison tool! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a mechanical assembler is.
types of mechanical assembler
When you work as a mechanical assembler, your job title depends on the types of machines or products you assemble. As the name suggests, if you're an electromechanical equipment assembler, you'll work on devices that use electricity. These could include household appliances or vending machines.
To be successful with any type of mechanical assembly, you should understand how to read diagrams, use computers and work with tools. You'll need to have a deep knowledge of the parts and products you're assembling. For example, as a motor vehicle assembler, you're expected to be familiar with the engines, brakes and other components you're installing.
working as a mechanical assembler
In your job as a mechanical assembler, you'll usually work in a factory setting, and you'll be part of an assembly line. You may have to stand for long periods of time. Depending on the products you're assembling, the role could be physically demanding.
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mechanical assembler job description
What does a mechanical assembler do? In this position, you're in charge of putting products and parts together. You can choose to work with a wide variety of components, including electrical equipment, motor vehicles, household appliances and more.
You'll need to have a good knowledge of the parts and techniques that you use in the assembly process. In addition, your role could involve working with different types of hand tools, including hammers and screwdrivers. You may use robots and computerized machinery for part of your work.
When you finish a component, you'll measure it to ensure that it meets the required specifications. You'll communicate with other stations on the assembly line to keep the work moving as quickly and accurately as possible. If you notice a defect in a part, you should inform your supervisor right away.
Your specific duties will depend on the particular products you're assembling. For example, if you're working on a motor vehicle assembly line, you'll have responsibilities like the following:
- installing car engines, brakes, pumps and transmissions
- maintaining and repairing oil pans, fuel pumps, motors and exhaust systems
- welding body panels and frames
- removing vehicle parts for repair, trade-in or sale
If your work involves electrical components, your duties could include:
- installing circuit breakers
- fastening or soldering small parts together
- repairing wiring harnesses, relays and generators
As you carry out your duties, you'll comply with safety procedures and regulations. You need to maintain a clean working environment, and you should take steps to conserve supplies. You'll submit production and quality documentation on a regular basis.
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mechanical assembler work environment
In your position as a mechanical assembler, you'll be working in a factory setting. The working environment may be noisy, and the work often requires physical strength. For example, you might need to lift up to 75 pounds of equipment, climb ladders or bend your knees. In addition, this role involves standing for long periods of time.
Your employer may require you to operate heavy machinery on the factory floor. If you're working with small components, you should have the necessary dexterity to grasp and manipulate these parts.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues may include other mechanical assemblers and team leaders. You could also be working in close proximity to machine operators, quality inspectors and production managers. Your supervisor will monitor your performance.
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work schedule
In your position as a mechanical assembler, you'll usually be working in a full-time job. Your employer will expect you to work 40 hours per week. During busy times of the year, you may need to work overtime. In general, your work schedule won't be flexible, and it could be difficult to arrange time off at certain points during the year.
At some companies, you may work in shifts. Your shifts could include evening, weekend or overnight work.
During your workdays, you'll have breaks for meals, rest and bathroom visits. To keep the assembly line running at all times, many employers use the signal system for bathroom breaks. When you need to go to the bathroom, you give the signal, and another employee takes your place on the assembly line. Your employer sets your meal and rest times in advance, and you should make sure that you adhere to the schedule.
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job outlook for mechanical assembler
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job openings for most mechanical assemblers will decline over the next nine years. Aircraft assemblers and engine and other machine assemblers could experience some of the sharpest declines in employment opportunities. These anticipated reductions in job growth are due to the increasing use of automation and recent advances in robotics.
However, projections indicate that job openings for electromechanical, electric and electronic assemblers could increase by 4% over the next nine years. As operating costs continue to evolve, some employers may choose to build new factories in the United States, creating more jobs for many mechanical assemblers.
If you're interested in working in a related field, take some time to consider a new career as a production manager, a quality manager, a quality inspector or a machine operator. Your mechanical aptitude, problem-solving abilities and computer skills will be particularly useful in these jobs.
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benefits of working for randstad as a mechanical assembler
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a mechanical assembler is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
mechanical assembler skills and education
You'll need to have a high school diploma or a GED to work as a mechanical assembler. Certain employers might prefer candidates who have associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees or technical school certificates. For example, some candidates may have degrees in mechanical engineering or related fields.
To apply for certain roles, employers may require you to have one to three years of work experience in a manufacturing environment. You'll receive on-the-job training for your new role. You'll learn how to handle materials, and your instructors will demonstrate the appropriate assembly methods. Depending on your role, your training could last for days or weeks.
You won't necessarily need any certifications to work as a beginner-level mechanical assembler. However, obtaining certifications could help you advance in your career, and some positions require on-the-job training. Certification programs expand your practical knowledge, and you can use them to test your professional skills.
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International (FMA) offers industry-recognized certificates in laser welding technology, the fundamentals of metal fabrication and more. For the laser welding certification, you'll learn about the different kinds of welds. The metal fabrication certificate covers metal fabrication safety, metallurgy, inspection, quality and blueprint reading.
skills and competencies
In your role as a mechanical assembler, you'll be working on the factory floor for long hours. There might be lots of noise, and you'll be performing repetitive motions. To keep the work flowing as smoothly as possible, it's beneficial to have the following skills and attributes:
- ability to use computers, robots, programmable devices and other production systems
- ability to use hand tools, including hammers, gauges and wrenches
- a deep understanding of blueprints, schematics and technical manuals
- proficiency in data entry, spreadsheets and computer-aided drafting (CAD)
- physical strength and stamina
- dexterity and fine motor skills
Since this role involves working as part of a team, you'll need to have good communication skills. You'll share information with team members to complete certain tasks. Problem-solving skills will help you troubleshoot issues with machines, tools and products.
FAQs about working as a mechanical assembler
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about mechanical assemblers.
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can I earn a high salary as a mechanical assembler?
The salary you earn depends on your experience, location and the types of products you're assembling. For example, if you assemble motor vehicles or metalworking machinery, you'll earn a high salary for this industry. To increase your earning potential, consider obtaining certifications in metalworking or similar disciplines.
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do I need a degree or experience to work as a mechanical assembler?
In most cases, you'll be able to enter this field with a high school diploma or a GED. Certain employers might prefer applicants with associate's degrees or bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering. For some positions, you may need to have up to three years of previous experience in manufacturing.
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will I receive on-the-job training?
Yes, you'll attend training sessions to prepare for your work. During the sessions, you'll learn how to put specific components together. Your instructors will teach you how to handle certain materials.
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will I have a flexible schedule in my role as a mechanical assembler?
Generally, most employers will require you to work a full-time schedule of 40 hours a week. Due to the nature of working on an assembly line, flexible schedules are rare. It may be hard to get time off during busy periods, and you could have to work overtime.
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how can I succeed as a mechanical assembler?
You'll need to know how to use tools, machinery, computers and robots to flourish in this role. You should be familiar with blueprints and schematics. Physical stamina, dexterity, communication skills and precision are important for your success in this field.
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how do I find a job as a mechanical assembler?
Applying for a mechanical assembler job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our data engineer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
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