51-2031.00 - Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

Updated 2010

Summary Report for:
51-2031.00 - 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.

Sample of reported job titles: Assembler, Machine Assembler, Assembly Line Worker, Fitter, Cell Technician, Engine Assembler, Engine Builder, Field Service Technician, Fuel Injection Technician, Jet Engine Assembler

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks

Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
Set and verify parts clearances.
Rework, repair, or replace damaged parts or assemblies.
Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals and plan assembly or building operations.
Maintain and lubricate parts or components.
Assemble systems of gears by aligning and meshing gears in gearboxes.
Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.
Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.

Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Adjustable wrenches — Backup wrenches

Calipers — Dial calipers; Vernier calipers

Files — Hand files; Ring filing wheels

Hammers — Claw hammers; Nylon hammers

Mallets — Plastic mallets; Rubber mallets

Power drills — Hand drills

Retaining ring pliers — Snap ring pliers

Technology used in this occupation:

Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

Knowledge

Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Skills

Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Abilities

Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Work Activities

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?

Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.

Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Job Zone

Title	Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education	These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience	Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
SVP Range	(4.0 to < 6.0)

There are 5 recognized apprenticeable specialties associated with this occupation:
Machine Builder; Machine Builder; Machine Assembler; Assembler, Aircraft Power Plant; Electric-Motor-and-Generator Assembler

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information website.

For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship website.

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
62	High school diploma or equivalent
26	Some college, no degree
10	Less than high school diploma

Interests

Interest code: RC

Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.

Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Work Values

Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Related Occupations

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51-4034.00	Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4121.06	Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters Bright Outlook
51-4122.00	Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-5113.00	Print Binding and Finishing Workers
51-7041.00	Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
51-9041.00	Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9121.00	Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9195.07	Molding and Casting Workers
51-9196.00	Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Wages & Employment Trends

National

Median wages (2012)	$17.36 hourly, $36,110 annual
Employment (2010)	34,000 employees
Projected growth (2010-2020)	Slower than average (3% to 9%)
Projected job openings (2010-2020)	8,300
Top industries (2010)	Manufacturing

State & National

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data and 2010-2020 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Assemblers and Fabricators . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.

Summary Report for: 51-2031.00 - Engine and Other Machine Assemblers