This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
83% STARs in role.
Job Title: Mechanical Assembler
Job Description
The Mechanical Assembler builds production machines and fixtures from the ground up in a research and development prototype center. In this role, you support the creation of large, complex components that are later installed into automated production lines at a nearby high-volume facility. You work from drawings, schematics, and blueprints to complete sub-assemblies, using hand and power tools to assemble, inspect, and prepare components for installation.
Responsibilities
- Assemble production machines and fixtures from the ground up using drawings, schematics, and blueprints as guides.
- Build sub-assemblies that become part of larger components measuring approximately 8–10 feet long and 4–5 feet tall, with up to 75 parts per component.
- Work as an “extra set of hands” to tighten bolts, place parts accurately, and use hand and power tools to complete mechanical assemblies.
- Follow step-by-step assembly instructions provided by a team lead and ask questions to ensure clarity and quality.
- Use basic math and tape measures to verify dimensions and ensure components meet specifications.
- Inspect parts and assemblies visually and with basic tools to confirm correct fit, alignment, and quality.
- Assist with troubleshooting simple assembly issues and make minor adjustments as needed to achieve proper operation.
- Operate a sit-down forklift occasionally, once trained, to move in-process and finished components safely around the facility.
- Handle and stage materials, parts, and hardware to keep assembly stations organized and efficient.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with shop and safety guidelines.
- Wear required personal protective equipment and follow all safety procedures while working with tools, equipment, and moving components.
- Collaborate with the team lead and other assemblers to meet build schedules, typically completing one unit per week.
Essential Skills
- Strong mechanical aptitude gained in a manufacturing environment or through hands-on personal experience such as working on cars or similar mechanical projects.
- Ability to use hand and power tools safely and effectively for mechanical assembly tasks.
- Basic math skills, including the ability to measure accurately and interpret dimensions.
- Comfort reading and working from drawings, schematics, and blueprints for assembly guidance.
- Attention to detail when placing parts, tightening fasteners, and verifying correct assembly.
- Capability to perform mechanical assembly work in a production or industrial setting.
- Willingness and ability to operate a sit-down forklift occasionally after receiving training.
- Ability to stand, move, and handle components throughout the shift in a manufacturing environment.
- Reliability in following instructions from a team lead and completing tasks on schedule.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Previous experience in mechanical assembly, production, or general labor in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience using tape measures, hand tools, and power tools in an industrial or workshop setting.
- Familiarity with assembly line or general production processes.
- Experience reading and interpreting mechanical drawings, schematics, and blueprints.
- Basic troubleshooting skills to identify and correct simple assembly or fit issues.
- Prior experience operating a sit-down forklift is preferred but not required; training is provided.
- Ability to perform inspection of assembled components to confirm quality and conformance.
- Ownership of steel or composite-toe safety shoes, which are required for the role.
Why Work Here?
You join a modern prototype center where parts are developed well before they enter high-volume production, offering a unique opportunity to work on new and innovative equipment. The facility is temperature controlled, bright, quiet, and highly organized, supporting focus and comfort throughout the day. The organization values work-life balance and prides itself on maintaining little to no overtime, with most weeks ranging between 40 and 45 hours. Team members benefit from stable schedules, supportive leadership, and strong tenure among the workforce, creating a collaborative environment where you can grow your skills and build a long-term career.
Work Environment
This role is based in a research and development prototype center that feeds a larger production plant. The facility is temperature controlled, quiet, bright, and well organized, creating a comfortable and efficient place to work. You work primarily on first shift, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with overtime extending the shift to 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. only when required, which is rare. The schedule includes two 12-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch, and you can generally expect 40–45 hours per week. Work involves assembling large components that take about a week to build, using hand and power tools, tape measures, and other basic equipment at individual workstations. Forklifts are used to move in-process and finished components, and training is provided for occasional operation. Personal protective equipment includes steel or composite-toe safety shoes and safety glasses, with additional cut protection as required. The dress code is typical for a light industrial manufacturing environment, emphasizing safety, practicality, and comfort while working with tools and machinery. Some assemblers may find the work straightforward and repetitive, as it involves a significant amount of tightening bolts and performing basic assembly steps, but the environment and the nature of prototype work make it engaging and stable.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, IN.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,IN.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.
About Aerotek
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006036442
