The Assembly Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring both manual and automatic assembly machines to produce components and finished goods that meet quality, safety, and productivity standards. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, keen attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
- Set up, operate, and tend manual assembly machines including presses, jigs, and fixtures according to work orders and production schedules.
- Operate and monitor automated assembly equipment such as programmable assembly systems, conveyor-fed lines, and turntable type machines to ensure efficient, high quality operation.
- Load and unload raw materials, components, and finished parts to and from machines.
- Perform changeovers between product runs, including tooling swaps, fixture adjustments, and program selection.
- Inspect finished assemblies using calipers, gauges, go/no-go fixtures, and other measurement tools to verify dimensional and functional conformance and record the results per work instructions.
- Identify and segregate non-conforming parts; complete reject tags and notify supervisor of recurring defects.
- Perform first-article and in-process inspections per control plans and quality documentation.
- Maintain production records including part counts, scrap logs, and inspection results.
- Perform routine operator-level preventive maintenance tasks: lubrication, cleaning, minor adjustments, and consumable replacement.
- Report equipment malfunctions, unusual noises, or performance degradation to maintenance personnel promptly.
- Keep work area, machines, and tooling clean and organized in accordance with 5S standards.
- Properly store fixtures, tooling, and materials at end of shift.
- Follow all company safety policies, and OSHA regulations at all times.
- Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves as applicable.
- Immediately report unsafe conditions, near-misses, or injuries to the supervisor.
- Participate in safety training, toolbox talks, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Communicate effectively with team leads, quality technicians, and maintenance staff regarding production status and issues.
- Support cross-training efforts by learning multiple machine types and assembly processes.
- Assist with new operator onboarding and informal knowledge transfer as requested.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum 1 year of experience operating manual or automatic assembly equipment in a manufacturing environment preferred; entry-level candidates with mechanical aptitude will be considered.
- Experience reading and interpreting work orders, engineering drawings, or assembly instructions a plus.
- Mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand machine operation and identify basic problems.
- Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and precision measurement instruments.
- Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, fractions, and measurement conversions.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing defect-free work.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately and consistently.
- Comfortable working in a standing position for extended periods and performing repetitive tasks.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for up to 10 hours per shift.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs. unassisted; team lift protocol for heavier items.
- Sufficient manual dexterity for precise assembly and tooling handling.
- Ability to work in varying environmental conditions including noise, heat, and light chemical exposure with appropriate PPE.
This position is performed entirely on the production floor in a manufacturing facility. The environment may include exposure to machinery noise, metal or plastic dust, coolants, oils, and other manufacturing-related substances. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and required. The operator may be assigned to rotating shifts or asked to work overtime to meet production demand.
Requirements:
The Assembly Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring both manual and automatic assembly machines to produce components and finished goods that meet quality, safety, and productivity standards. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, keen attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
- Set up, operate, and tend manual assembly machines including presses, jigs, and fixtures according to work orders and production schedules.
- Operate and monitor automated assembly equipment such as programmable assembly systems, conveyor-fed lines, and turntable type machines to ensure efficient, high quality operation.
- Load and unload raw materials, components, and finished parts to and from machines.
- Perform changeovers between product runs, including tooling swaps, fixture adjustments, and program selection.
- Inspect finished assemblies using calipers, gauges, go/no-go fixtures, and other measurement tools to verify dimensional and functional conformance and record the results per work instructions.
- Identify and segregate non-conforming parts; complete reject tags and notify supervisor of recurring defects.
- Perform first-article and in-process inspections per control plans and quality documentation.
- Maintain production records including part counts, scrap logs, and inspection results.
- Perform routine operator-level preventive maintenance tasks: lubrication, cleaning, minor adjustments, and consumable replacement.
- Report equipment malfunctions, unusual noises, or performance degradation to maintenance personnel promptly.
- Keep work area, machines, and tooling clean and organized in accordance with 5S standards.
- Properly store fixtures, tooling, and materials at end of shift.
- Follow all company safety policies, and OSHA regulations at all times.
- Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves as applicable.
- Immediately report unsafe conditions, near-misses, or injuries to the supervisor.
- Participate in safety training, toolbox talks, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Communicate effectively with team leads, quality technicians, and maintenance staff regarding production status and issues.
- Support cross-training efforts by learning multiple machine types and assembly processes.
- Assist with new operator onboarding and informal knowledge transfer as requested.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum 1 year of experience operating manual or automatic assembly equipment in a manufacturing environment preferred; entry-level candidates with mechanical aptitude will be considered.
- Experience reading and interpreting work orders, engineering drawings, or assembly instructions a plus.
- Mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand machine operation and identify basic problems.
- Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and precision measurement instruments.
- Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, fractions, and measurement conversions.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing defect-free work.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately and consistently.
- Comfortable working in a standing position for extended periods and performing repetitive tasks.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for up to 10 hours per shift.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs. unassisted; team lift protocol for heavier items.
- Sufficient manual dexterity for precise assembly and tooling handling.
- Ability to work in varying environmental conditions including noise, heat, and light chemical exposure with appropriate PPE.
This position is performed entirely on the production floor in a manufacturing facility. The environment may include exposure to machinery noise, metal or plastic dust, coolants, oils, and other manufacturing-related substances. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and required. The operator may be assigned to rotating shifts or asked to work overtime to meet production demand.
PennEngineering is committed to Diversity, Equity and Belonging, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We lift up voices and opinions by creating a respectful work environment where difference is valued, and we are doing our part to build towards a greater society where diverse points of view are celebrated.
