Position Title Assembler and Fabricator
Alternate Title(s)  
Education & Training Level Bachelor’s degree generally not expected.
Education & Training Level Description The education level and qualifications needed to enter these jobs vary depending on the industry and employer. Although a high school diploma is enough for most jobs, experience and additional training is needed for more advanced assembly work.
Brief job description Assemblers and fabricators assemble both finished products and the parts that go into them. They use tools, machines, and their hands to make generators, computers, electronic devices, towers and blades, and other parts.
Preferred Level of Education High school diploma
Preferred Level of Experience See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information.
Estimated/Expected Salary See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information.
Job Profile

The job of an assembler or fabricator ranges from very easy to very complicated, requiring a range of knowledge and skills. Assemblers and fabricators typically do the following:

  • Read and understand detailed schematics and blueprints
  • Use hand tools or machines to assemble wind turbine components
  • Conduct quality control checks
  • Work closely with designers and engineers in product development.

Skilled assemblers putting together complex machines, for example, read detailed schematics or blueprints that show how to assemble the machine. After determining how parts should connect, they use various electronic, robotic, computer, or hand tools to make adjustments to align and fit components together properly. 

Assemblers are used extensively in the production of all turbine components. Manufacturing blades, for example, is labor intensive. Making the casings requires assemblers to interlace layers of fabrics and resins. Blades are usually made in two separate halves, which assemblers join together with an adhesive. After the blade has been formed, they sand and cover it with a protective coating.

Manufacturing techniques and changes in technology have transformed the manufacturing and assembly processes, moving away from traditional assembly line systems toward lean manufacturing systems where teams of workers produce entire products or components.

Manufacturing systems use robots, computers, programmable motion-control devices, and various sensing technologies. Advanced assemblers must be able to work with these new technologies and use them to produce goods. Despite increased automation, many parts still have to be put together and fastened by hand. For example, assemblers are responsible for putting the components together into a larger product. After determining how parts should connect, assemblers use hand or power tools to trim, shim, cut, and make other adjustments to align and fit components. After the parts are properly aligned, they connect them with bolts and screws or by welding or soldering pieces together.

Quality control is important throughout the assembly process, so assemblers look for faulty components and mistakes in the assembly process. They help to fix problems so no defective products are made.

It has also become more common to involve assemblers and fabricators in product development. Designers and engineers consult manufacturing workers during the design stage to improve product reliability and manufacturing efficiency. Some experienced assemblers work with designers and engineers to build prototypes or test products.
 
Job Skills
  • Color vision. Assemblers and fabricators who make electrical and electronic products must be able to distinguish different colors because the wires they work with often are color coded.
  • Dexterity. Assemblers and fabricators must grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts and components that are often very small. As a result, they should have a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination.
  • Math skills. As the manufacturing process continues to advance technologically, assemblers and fabricators must know basic math and must be able to use computers.
  • Mechanical skills. Modern production systems require assemblers and fabricators to be able to use programmable motion control devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor.
  • Physical strength. Assemblers and fabricators must be strong enough to lift heavy components or pieces of machinery. Some assemblers, such as those in the wind or aerospace industry, must frequently bend or climb ladders when assembling parts.
  • Stamina. Assemblers and fabricators must be able to stand for long periods and perform repetitious work.
  • Technical skills. Assemblers and fabricators must be able to understand technical manuals and schematics for a wide range of products and machines to properly manufacture the final product.
Resources

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Assembler and Fabricator

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