Production Assembly Technician

Summary

The Production Assembly Technician performs precision mechanical assembly, hardware installation, and surface finishing of components. Operates manufacturing equipment including various presses and standard hand tools to assemble high-quality parts according to strict technical specifications. Responsible for applying glues, bonding products, and performing detail-oriented paint touch-ups to ensure final products meet quality and aesthetic standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must satisfy the following duties and responsibilities:

• Reads process sheets, blueprints, production drawings, and work instructions to determine assembly sequences, hardware requirements, and quality specifications.
• Installs standard and specialized hardware components into assemblies using various manual and powered hand tools.
• Prepares surfaces and applies various glues, adhesives, and chemical bonding products according to technical specifications and standard safety guidelines.
• Operates secondary manufacturing equipment including mechanical presses, compression tools, and basic alignment fixtures.
• Performs precision paint touch-ups and surface finishing to correct minor cosmetic defects and ensure parts meet final inspection standards.
• Inspects first-run pieces and spot-checks succeeding assemblies for conformance to technical drawings utilizing basic inspection tools (calipers, scales, gauges).
• Prepares and organizes hardware, adhesives, and tools for subsequent production runs during assembly cycles to optimize efficiency.
• Marks, labels, or stamps parts as required per process and quality specifications.
• Performs daily routine maintenance on assembly tools, presses, and workstations (cleaning, minor adjustments).
• Works under immediate supervision.
• Other duties as may be assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves assembly issues in a timely manner.
• Communication – Listens and gets clarification; able to read and interpret written technical information; accepts feedback from others.
• Diversity/Ethics – Shows respect and sensitivity for differences; works with integrity; upholds organizational values; conserves manufacturing resources.
• Organizational Support – Follows shop policies and procedures, including established Quality Management Systems (QMS); completes tasks correctly and on time.
• Quality/Quantity – Demonstrates high attention to detail and craftsmanship; accuracy and thoroughness in hardware installation and paint finish; monitors own work to ensure first-pass quality; completes work in a timely manner.
• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; strictly adheres to PPE guidelines, including the consistent use of provided gloves when handling glues, bonding agents, and paint; uses tools and equipment properly.
• Punctuality/Dependability – Is consistently at work and on time; follows production instructions and responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•Education and/or Experience - Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Requires 1–2 years of experience in hardware installation, product assembly, or cosmetic touch-up environments.

• Language Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules (including chemical safety sheets), operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

• Mathematical Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Ability to read basic measurement layouts.

• Reasoning Ability - Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform job functions.

Computer Skills:

Basic computer skills preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

No certificates, licenses or registrations defined.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel small hardware components. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision (critical for paint touch-up verification), depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts (such as assembly presses). The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or odors from glues, bonding materials, and touch-up paints. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Mechanical product assembly: 1–2 years (Preferred).

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Reporting Data:

Job Title: Production Assembly Technician

Reports To: Production Manager

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Southern Machine Works, Inc. is a growing, third-generation precision manufacturing company located in Duncan, Oklahoma. Since 1964, we have served customers in aerospace, defense, firearms, commercial OEM, and other demanding industries by producing high-quality CNC-machined components and related manufacturing services.

We are AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified and operate a modern, climate-controlled manufacturing facility equipped with advanced Mazak CNC mills and lathes, multi-axis machining capability, horizontal machining centers with pallet automation, and Zeiss CMM inspection equipment.

Southern Machine Works is built around long-term customer relationships, skilled manufacturing, continuous improvement, and the ability to take on technically demanding work. We value dependable people who take ownership of their work, communicate well, and want to grow their skills while working with modern manufacturing technology.

Southern Machine Works offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including group medical, dental and vision coverage, a SIMPLE IRA with employer match, employee life and AD&D insurance, paid holidays, and paid time off.