Job Title: NAP Sub Assembly Piper
Department: 312: Factory
Location: RAE Corporation
Reports To: Production Supervisor National Accounts Products
FLSA Status: Hourly
About Us: RAE Corporation is a leading provider of innovative HVAC solutions, dedicated to delivering unparalleled quality and customer satisfaction. Our company values a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and employee empowerment. We are committed to fostering a positive work environment where every team member feels valued, heard, and supported.
Role Overview: The NAP Sub Assembly Piper occupies a foundational role within RAE Corporation's refrigeration manufacturing operation. This position is responsible for the precision fabrication and assembly of piping sub-assemblies that feed directly into the main production line. The quality, consistency, and timeliness of each sub assembly directly impacts the efficiency of the entire assembly line operation. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, mechanically skilled, and capable of working at a steady production pace while maintaining strict adherence to engineering specifications, quality standards, and safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Fabricate and assemble copper piping sub assemblies in accordance with engineering drawings, bills of material, and manufacturing work instructions, ensuring all dimensions and specifications are met.
- Cut, ream, deburr, and prepare piping and tubing materials to specified lengths and tolerances using handheld pipe cutters, tube saws, and cold saws.
- Identify, match, and assemble correct components, fittings, valves, and hardware to each sub assembly per drawing specifications.
- Stage completed sub assemblies in designated holding areas, to ensure smooth and timely delivery to the production line.
- Perform both soft soldering and silver (hard) brazing operations on copper-to-copper, copper-to-brass, and copper-to-steel piping joints, fittings, and components used in refrigeration sub assemblies.
- Properly clean, flux, and prepare all joint surfaces prior to soldering - including thorough removal of oxidation, burrs, and debris - to ensure sound metallurgical bonds and leak-free connections.
- Select the correct solder alloy and flux for each application, including silver brazing alloys (e.g., Sil-Fos, Stay-Silv) for high-pressure refrigeration joints.
- Apply torch heat evenly and at the correct temperature to achieve full solder flow and proper capillary penetration throughout the joint, avoiding overheating, cold joints, flux burn, or internal oxidation.
- Purge refrigerant-grade copper lines with dry nitrogen during brazing operations as required to prevent internal oxide scale formation that can damage refrigeration system components.
- Visually inspect all completed solder and braze joints for full fill, smooth fillet formation, and absence of voids, pinholes, cracks, or excessive flux residue; rework any joints that do not meet quality standards before release.
- Maintain torch equipment, tips, hoses, and fuel connections in safe, clean operating condition; report any deficiencies or leaks to maintenance immediately.
- Adhere strictly to all fire safety protocols and housekeeping standards when operating open-flame equipment.
- Maintain a safe and clean working environment at all times by strictly complying with all company procedures, OSHA regulations, and facility safety policies.
- Inspect all completed sub assemblies for dimensional accuracy, workmanship quality, and conformance to drawing specifications before releasing to the assembly line.
- Identify and immediately communicate any quality concerns, non-conforming materials, or drawing discrepancies to the supervisor or lead.
- Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times while in the production area, including safety glasses, work gloves, protective sleeves, and hearing protection.
- Wear fully covered leather shoes or approved safety footwear at all times within the production facility - open-toed shoes and athletic footwear are strictly prohibited.
- Handle and store all flammable materials, fluxes, and solvents in accordance with applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and facility protocols.
- Production Support & Accountability
- Coordinate with production leads to align daily work priorities with line demand and scheduled production targets.
- Maintain a consistent and reliable output of sub assemblies to prevent production line stoppages, material shortages, or schedule delays.
- Adapt build sequencing and task priorities in response to shifting production schedules or urgent line requirements.
- Accurately charge all labor time to the correct work orders in IFS upon completion of each sub assembly to ensure proper labor distribution, job costing, and payroll accuracy.
- Complete and sign off on all required manufacturing paperwork, traveler documents, and inspection records upon job completion.
- Tools, Equipment & Workspace
- Operate all assigned tools and equipment safely and proficiently, including pipe cutters, tube saws, torches, drills, grinders, and hand tools.
- Perform daily visual inspection of tools and equipment; report any damage, wear, or malfunction to maintenance promptly.
- Maintain the sub assembly work area in a clean, organized, and hazard-free condition throughout the shift in accordance with 6S workplace standards.
- Identify and retrieve necessary materials, parts, and consumables from stock areas to support the build schedule.
- Collaborate professionally and respectfully with fellow sub assembly pipers, assembly line teams, supervisors, and support departments.
- Receive, interpret, and execute instructions from supervisors and leads accurately and without delay.
- Proactively communicate production progress, material shortages, quality concerns, or equipment issues to supervisors in a timely manner.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and cooperative team environment consistent with RAE Corporation's values and culture.
- Must be willing to train and obtain certification in DOT (Department of Transportation) compliance when assigned by management.
- Work scheduled overtime as required to support production demands and organizational commitments.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred; required for advancement into higher pay grades.
- Prior experience in pipefitting, plumbing, HVAC fabrication, refrigeration manufacturing, or a related trade is preferred; comprehensive on-site training is provided for qualified candidates.
- Demonstrated experience with soldering, brazing, or welding operations in a manufacturing or industrial environment is a plus.
- Prior experience in a production line or high-volume manufacturing environment is advantageous.
Knowledge & Skills
- Ability to read, interpret, and work from engineering drawings, assembly schematics, and bills of material.
- Proficiency in basic mathematics and measurement, including reading a tape measure to 1/16 of an inch.
- Working knowledge of soldering and brazing techniques, torch operation, and joint preparation for copper piping systems.
- Strong attention to detail with a consistent commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Ability to maintain a productive, independent work pace without constant supervision.
- Effective verbal communication and active listening skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Certifications, Licenses & Training
- No formal certifications are required. Comprehensive on-site training is provided for all essential job functions, tools, and processes.
- Completion of all required RAE Corporation safety and compliance training upon hire is mandatory.
Level/Grade:
- Level 1 - Beginning: Meets minimum quality standards; requires additional time and supervisor guidance to complete sub assemblies.
- Level 2 - Proficient: Consistently meets quality standards and completes sub assemblies within estimated labor hours with minimal supervision.
- Level 3 - Advanced: Exceeds quality standards, consistently completes sub assemblies ahead of estimated hours, and serves as a technical resource and mentor for team members.
Why Join Us: At RAE Corporation, we believe the quality of our products starts with the quality of our people. When you join the NAP Sub Assembly team, you become part of a skilled workforce that powers refrigeration solutions used across commercial and industrial operations nationwide. We invest in your development - providing the training, tools, mentorship, and advancement pathways you need to build a long-term, rewarding career in precision manufacturing.
Benefits:
- Professional development opportunities
Working Environment: Work takes place in our industrial production area, where you'll be exposed to moving mechanical parts and varying temperatures. Our supportive team environment ensures you feel empowered to meet deadlines and uphold product quality.
Physical Demands
Lift/Carry
Stand
C
Walk
C
Sit
O
Handling / Fingering
C
Reach Outward
C
Reach Above Shoulder
O
Climb
F
Crawl
C
Squat or Kneel
C
Bend
C
Twist
C
10 lbs. or less
C
11-20 lbs.
O
21-50 lbs.
O
51-100 lbs.
N
Over 100 lbs.
N
Push/Pull
12 lbs. or less
F
13-25 lbs.
F
26-40 lbs.
O
41-100 lbs.
O
+100 lbs. N
N (Not Applicable)
Activity does not apply to this occupation.
O (Occasionally)
Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs./day)
F (Frequently)
Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly)
Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
Other Physical Requirements: Auditory capabilities, visual & speech capabilities
The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and primary duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional procedures and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment. The Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.
RAE Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
EEO/AA M/F/V/D
