Assembly Technician

Description of job: Work as part of a team having responsibility for assembling an entire product or component of a product. Team assemblers can perform all tasks conducted by the team in the assembly process and rotate through all or most of them rather than being assigned to a specific task on a permanent basis. May participate in making management decisions affecting the work. Includes team leaders who work as part of the team.

These days almost any product you buy at a store had its finishing touches put on by an assembler. Assemblers construct finished products and the parts that go into them. They use tools, machines, and their hands to make a wide variety of products, in many different settings. Assemblers typically specialize.

Most assemblers work in manufacturing plants, where difficult tasks may be automated or aided by power tools. However, assembly work can still involve long periods of standing, sitting, or working on ladders. While some jobs involve exposure to chemicals or fumes… ventilation systems generally minimize harmful effects. Although a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training are enough for most jobs, experience and additional education or training is needed for more advanced assembly work.

Related Careers: Assembler, Finisher, Machine Assembler, Machine Feeders, Manufacturing Associate, Production Line Worker, and Team Assembler

Sources: Minnesota CAREERwise & CareerOneStop

Typical Job ActivitiesSkills & KnowledgeAve Wage/Job OutlookEducation & Training

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Record operational or production data.
Clean work areas.
Operate forklifts or other loaders.
Assemble electrical or electronic equipment.
Package products for storage or shipment.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
Instruct workers to use equipment or perform technical procedures.
Maintain production or processing equipment.

Typical Working Conditions

Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, or hard hats.
Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Having face-to-face discussions.
Meeting strict deadlines.
Working with a group or team.
The importance of being accurate or exact.
Close physical proximity with other people.

Tools & Technology used by Team Assemblers

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Team Assemblers

Coordinating with Others—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking—Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring Equipment—Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operating Equipment—Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Controlling Quality—Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Making Decisions—Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Team Assemblers

Production and Processing—Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Engineering and Technology—Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical—Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Chemistry—Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
Communications and Media—Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Public Safety and Security—Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

Realistic—Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional—Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Wages Per Hour For Team Assemblers (MN)

Low

$15.19

Median

$18.88

High

$24.89

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Source: ONetOnline

Demand
This career is seeing high growth compared to other careers. There will be a 3.7% growth for Team Assemblers to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota DEED, Career & Education Explorer

This career requires at least a high school degree, and a few professionals attend some college. This career does not require a license or certifications.

View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career: