Occupation · SOC 51-2031
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Median wage
$52,540
$37,950–$74,300
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
38,420
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
2 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringReading ComprehensionQuality Control AnalysisSpeakingMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTroubleshootingTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessRepairingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceComplex Problem SolvingCoordinationJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment SelectionSystems AnalysisActive LearningWritingService OrientationPersuasionSystems EvaluationNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructingMathematicsManagement of Material ResourcesLearning StrategiesInstallationTechnology DesignScienceProgrammingOperations AnalysisManagement of Financial Resources
Knowledge areas
MechanicalProduction and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServiceEngineering and TechnologyPublic Safety and SecurityMathematicsAdministration and ManagementDesignEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsPersonnel and Human ResourcesBuilding and ConstructionAdministrativePhysicsTransportationLaw and GovernmentChemistryEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingPsychologyCommunications and MediaPhilosophy and TheologyGeographyTelecommunicationsForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryFood ProductionBiologyHistory and ArcheologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
Computer aided design and drafting CADD softwareDassault Systemes SolidWorksMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSpreadsheet softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesGetting InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentProcessing InformationThinking CreativelyJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleWorking with ComputersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationTraining and Teaching OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationDeveloping and Building TeamsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationCoaching and Developing OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesStaffing Organizational UnitsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Assembly blueprints and specification manuals — locate and read basic diagrams under direct supervisor guidance on the production floor.Hand tools and basic fastening equipment — identify and handle correctly during introductory assembly tasks in a supervised shop environment.Mechanical components and subassemblies — position and align manually following step-by-step instructions provided by a lead assembler.Calipers and basic gauges — use to take simple measurements and compare results against labeled tolerances with close oversight.Parts lists and stock inventories — cross-reference physical components against printed lists to confirm correct parts are staged for assembly.Surface finishing tools — remove rough spots and burrs from parts using hand files and emery cloth under direct instruction.Completed subassemblies — perform basic visual inspection to identify obvious defects before passing work to the next station.Piping fixtures and wiring connections — assist in fastening pre-fitted components using hand tools under the supervision of a skilled assembler.Assembly sequence steps — follow written work instructions and checklists to maintain correct build order during routine machine assembly.Safety protocols and shop floor procedures — demonstrate compliance with PPE requirements and tool-handling rules in a manufacturing facility.
developing
Assembly blueprints and engineering drawings — interpret multi-view diagrams and extract dimensional specifications to plan routine build sequences independently.Micrometers, dial indicators, and precision gauges — select and apply appropriate instruments to verify parts clearances and dimensional conformance with minimal oversight.Mechanical subassemblies — position, align, and secure components using manual lifting and hoist equipment according to established assembly procedures.Piping, electrical wiring, and fixtures — fasten and route correctly into engine or machine assemblies using hand tools and rivet guns in a production environment.Drill presses and tapping tools — lay out, drill, ream, and tap parts to specification dimensions during standard machining-support tasks.Completed assemblies — operate and functionally test finished machines against customer specifications, documenting results on standard inspection forms.Quality control checklists — apply structured analysis to identify out-of-tolerance conditions and initiate corrective steps within familiar assembly contexts.Power tools and surface preparation equipment — smooth and fit mating surfaces to achieve proper part fit during assembly without dimensional damage.ERP and spreadsheet software — enter production data, parts consumption, and inspection results into shop floor tracking systems accurately.Verbal and written communication — relay assembly status updates, part discrepancies, and quality findings clearly to supervisors and co-workers during shift operations.
proficient
Complex engine or machine blueprints — read, interpret, and translate full specification packages into detailed assembly plans for non-routine or custom builds without supervision.Full-scope precision measurement instruments — select, calibrate, and apply micrometers, CMM data, and multi-point gauging systems to verify critical clearances across an entire assembly.Hoist rigging and alignment fixtures — plan and execute precise component positioning for heavy or geometrically complex subassemblies, resolving fit issues independently.Completed machines and engines — conduct comprehensive operational tests, diagnose capability shortfalls, and recommend corrective adjustments to meet customer performance specifications.Non-standard parts and modified assemblies — evaluate conformance against engineering drawings and substitute or adapt components when standard stock deviates from specifications.Welding equipment and advanced fastening methods — perform or oversee weld-joint assembly and high-torque fastening operations that meet structural and leak-test requirements.Root-cause analysis processes — apply critical thinking to trace assembly defects back to upstream causes and implement durable corrective actions on the production floor.CAD and ERP software — extract dimensional data, cross-reference work orders, and confirm bill-of-materials accuracy to support efficient build scheduling.Surface machining operations — plan and execute drilling, reaming, and tapping sequences for custom or rework assemblies, selecting tooling and feeds to maintain dimensional integrity.Quality assurance documentation — author and maintain assembly procedure updates, inspection records, and non-conformance reports that support regulatory and customer audit requirements.
advanced
Assembly standards and work instructions — author, revise, and approve facility-wide procedures that govern engine and machine build quality across all product lines.Production quality systems — lead implementation of statistical process control and measurement system analysis programs to drive defect reduction across the assembly department.Workforce capability development — design and deliver structured on-the-job training programs that build technical competency in blueprint reading, precision measurement, and assembly methods for new and incumbent assemblers.Capital tooling and equipment strategy — evaluate and recommend acquisition of hoists, precision instruments, and CNC support equipment to expand shop capacity and improve accuracy.Customer specification compliance — serve as the technical authority in customer meetings and audits, translating complex requirements into actionable assembly standards and acceptance criteria.Cross-functional engineering collaboration — partner with design and process engineering teams to identify and resolve producibility issues before new engine or machine designs enter full production.ERP and digital manufacturing platforms — lead configuration and adoption of enterprise software to integrate bill-of-materials, assembly routing, and inspection data across the production operation.Safety and continuous improvement culture — champion hazard-reduction initiatives and Lean or 5S programs that sustainably improve shop floor ergonomics and operational efficiency.Production throughput and cost management — analyze assembly cycle times, rework rates, and material usage data to set performance targets and drive measurable improvement in output quality.Organizational knowledge transfer — document institutional expertise in complex assembly techniques and mentor senior assemblers to ensure critical technical knowledge is retained and disseminated across the workforce.
Also known as
71 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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