Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Assemblers

Nature of work

Mechanical, electrical and electronics assemblers include those who fabricate, assemble or inspect a wide variety of products. They are employed in plants that manufacture automobiles, vans, and light trucks. Others are employed by aircraft and aircraft subassembly manufacturers, electronics manufacturing plants, for electrical appliance and electrical equipment manufacturing companies, by machinery and transportation equipment manufacturers, or by other manufacturing companies.

Job duties

The following is a summary of some of the duties performed by mechanical, electrical, and electronics assemblers:

• Assemble, fit and install prefabricated parts to form subassemblies or finish products using hand and power tools.
• Position, align and adjust parts for proper fit and assembly and connect cables, tubes and wires.
• Fasten parts together using bolting and riveting equipment or other fastening and joining techniques.
• Operate or tend automated assembling equipment, such as robotics and fixed automation equipment.
• Operate small cranes to transport or position larger parts as required.

Mechanical, electrical, and electronics machine operators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate machinery to assemble, test or package dry cell batteries.
• Position lead acid storage batteries on assembly line and insert battery contents into casing.
• Operate machinery, such as pasting and stacking machines, to fabricate plates for lead acid storage batteries.
• Load machinery with glass tubes, bulbs and other parts used to produce incandescent, fluorescent and other types of light bulbs and tubes, and remove and pack finished product.
• Operate or feed machinery and equipment to produce electrical wiring devices such as fuses, plugs, caps, sockets, connectors and switches.
• Operate equipment to apply protective coatings to items such as freezer cabinets, small electric motors or transformer assemblies.
• Perform minor repairs to items rejected from production line.
• Set up and adjust production machinery and equipment for operation.

Inspectors and testers in this group perform some or all of the following duties:

• Check in-process and completed production items for visual or mechanical defects or operate testing equipment to maintain quality of products.
• Identify and mark acceptable and defective assemblies and return faulty assemblies to production for repair.
• Collect, record and summarize inspection results.
• Investigate equipment malfunction and instruct on proper operation.
• Perform minor adjustments and repairs.
• Electronics testers operate various test equipment and tools to perform simple electrical and continuity testing of electronic components, parts, and systems.
• Motor vehicle inspectors check motor vehicle exterior priming and colour coats, sealers and glazers, and mark, record and report defects to be repaired; test motor vehicle electrical assemblies, equipment and wiring for proper performance; inspect auto parts and fully assembled motor vehicles for defects and to ensure that previously noted defects have been corrected; and drive and test motor vehicles on roll testing device to ensure that transmission, axle, engine and brakes function properly.
• Aircraft assembly inspectors inspect aircraft assemblies, using measuring and testing equipment, for adherence to engineering specifications; inspect assemblies for alignment, symmetry, dimensions, fit and quality of workmanship; and complete detailed inspection documentation.

Sample job titles

• aircraft assembler
• auto assembly worker
• avionics assembler
• battery maker
• control panel technician - industrial electrical equipment
• electrical appliance production assembler
• electronics tester
• farm equipment assembly inspector
• light bulb maker
• wheel and tire installer - automobile assembly

Skills

This work requires excellent spatial perception, form perception, and eye-to-finger coordination. You must be accurate and able to pay close attention to detail. A keen interest in working with machines and routine processes is necessary. You should also be physically fit and have good eyesight and hearing.

Job requirements

• Completion of high school is required.
• On-the-job training is usually provided.
• College or other courses or programs may be required.
• Inspectors may require experience as an assembler in the same company.

Other considerations

Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience while progression to inspector or tester is possible with a combination of experience and additional training. Self-employment in these jobs is rare, and work is not typically seasonal.

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