What Skills are Needed to Become an Electronic Assembler?

An electronic assembler’s role within a production team is to assemble, test and service electronic equipment.

Although the day-to-day duties of an electronic assembler can vary from company to company, generally, the overall principle duties will include manufacturing, servicing, testing, calibrating and assembling electrical equipment.

These duties will usually be conducted within a manufacturing or production setting.

Electronic Assembler Job Description

An example job description for an electronic assembler might be:

Responsible for assembling electronic equipment. In this role you will be required to read and interpret instructions, assemble parts and use tools to fit electronic components.

  • An Electronic Assembler is tasked to assemble electronic components, subassemblies, products.
  • Use hand tools such as crimps, stakes, screws, bolts, rivets, welds, solders, cements, press fits, or similar hand tools.
  • Mount assembled components, such as transformers, resistors, transistors, capacitors, integrated circuits and sockets on chassis panels.
  • Connect component wires to circuits and connect wires between individual component leads.
  • Install finished assemblies or subassemblies in cases and cabinets.
  • Tend to machines.
  • Adjust or trim materials from components.

Electronic Assembler Duties

Other duties of an electronic assembler may include:

  • Material assembly.
  • Read and interpret drawings, diagrams, blueprints, specifications, work orders, or reports.
  • Clean parts thoroughly.
  • Review work activities with supervises.
  • Inspect wiring installations, assemblies, and circuits.
  • Assemble electrical or electronic systems or support structures and install components, units, subassemblies, wiring, or assembly casings, using rivets, bolts, soldering or micro-welding equipment.
  • Pack finished products for shipment.
  • Tag components.
  • Adjust or repair electrical equipment.
  • Correct defects.
  • Test product to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Build products such as electric motors, computers, electronic control devices, and sensing equipment.
  • Perform manual assembly during the small-scale production of electronic devices used in avionic systems, military systems, and medical equipment.
  • Fabricate or modify parts, using shop equipment.
  • Verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to blueprint specifications, using instruments, such as micrometres, callipers, and height gauges.
  • Populate or modify/replace components on printed circuit board assemblies.
  • Test functional performance.

Electronic Assembler Salary

The average wage for an Electronic Assembler in the UK is different depending on where you are located and your current experience.

The lower end of the scale for Electronic Assemblers in the UK is around £18,000. This is usually for a starting or training position.

More experienced positions as Electronic Assemblers can demand salaries as high as £30,000 and more.

These figures are intended as a guide only.

Electronic Assembler Job Progression

Electronic Assemblers will gain a solid understanding in the operation of components and how they work together. Natural progression from an assembler position would be to move into an Electronic Engineering role.

An electronic engineering role would usually require a level 3 or 4 National Qualification that could be obtained at college or through a working apprentice scheme.

Once qualified, the expected salary for an Electronics Engineer is £21,000 – £45,000 bringing the median salary to £30,000.

Specialists in electronic assembly and engineering are highly sought-after roles and can provide a solid life-long career opportunity.

Tips for Getting Started as an Electronic Assembler

As with most positions, the most valuable tip is to get your foot in the door and get started. Becoming an Electronic Assembler does not require experience or qualifications. However, to progress to higher levels within the field you will need to have achieved certain certifications. These can be achieved in the form of an apprenticeship or through a college or university course.

Many companies are recruiting for these positions so contact our team today and we can help you find the ideal position.

Electronic Assembler Jobs, Careers & Vacancies

If you are looking to make a change in your career and are not sure where to start, then talk to our team at BMR Solutions today. We specialise in finding the best engineering and technical jobs in Bristol – our highly passionate team are here to help you find the best positions available.