What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assembly Technician-1st Shift position at Working with us?
About Us
Poclain Hydraulics is a French-owned company specializing in the design, manufacture, and marketing of hydrostatic transmission systems. Our North American operations are based in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, where we support a wide range of industries with innovative, high-performance hydraulic solutions. We are committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement—driven by a global team of passionate professionals.
Overview
We are currently seeking a reliable and skilled Assembly Technician join our high-performing 1st shift team (6:45 am-3:15 pm) in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will have hands-on mechanical experience and proficiency with hand and power tools to efficiently assemble and fabricate hydraulic components. This position plays a critical role in maintaining both quality standards and production targets on the assembly line.
Key Responsibilities
Component Assembly & Mechanical Build
- Assemble hydraulic motors & subcomponents according to engineering drawings, SOPs, and torque specs
- Install seals, bearings, shafts, and rotating components using manual & pneumatic tools
- Apply torque using calibrated torque wrenches & powered fastening equipment
- Perform press-fit operations requiring controlled hand-force & component stabilization
- Conduct visual & tactile inspections to ensure proper fit & alignment
Tool & Equipment Operation
- Operate hand tools including ratchets, torque wrenches, pliers, mallets & screwdrivers
- Operate pneumatic & electric power tools requiring sustained grip and trigger activation
- Secure & stabilize components during the mechanical fastening operations
- Utilize measuring devices including calipers, micrometers, and gauges
- Maintain control of tools & parts to prevent product damage or personal injury
Material Handling & Physical Tasks
- Lift & maneuver components weighing up to 45 lbs
- Frequently grip, grasp, pinch, and manipulate parts ranging from small precision components to larger assemblies
- Apply bilateral grip force estimated between 15 – 40 lbs depending on task
- Maintain a standing position for 8-10 hours of work
- Perform repetitive hand motions throughout production cycles
- Reach, bend, twist, and rotate upper extremities during assembly process
Quality & Documentation
- Read & interpret assembly drawings, work instruction and quality check sheets in English.
- Perform in process quality inspections
- Record production data & complete required documentation
- Identify nonconforming components and escalate per procedure.
Safety & Operational Compliance
- Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements
- Maintain a secure grip and control of all tools to prevent injury.
- Participate in safety audits & continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain a clean & organized workstation (5S standards)
Qualifications
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Must be at least 18 years old.
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High school diploma or GED preferred.
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Ability to read, write, and speak English is required.
Technical Competencies
- Mechanical aptitude & understanding of the assembly process
- Ability to interpret blueprints and technical drawings
- Proficiency with manual and powered assembly tools
- Knowledge of torque specifications & measurement devices
- Understanding of basic hydraulic principles (preferred)
Cognitive Competencies
- Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions in English
- Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, measurement conversion)
- Attention to detail and quality focus
- Ability to identify process deviations
- Problem-solving within defined procedures
Physical Competencies
- Frequent lifting up to 45 lbs.
- Continuous standing (8-10 hours)
- Manual dexterity for small part manipulation
- Repetitive upper extremity movement
- Ability to exert grip force between 15 – 40 lbs. frequently
- Ability to sustain power grip and pinch grip throughout 8 – 10 hour shift
- Bilateral hand coordination required
- Operation of manual, pneumatic, & electric tools requiring trigger activation & steady hand control
- Carrying & positioning parts at waist & chest level
- Pushing and pulling carts or bins of materials
- Frequent walking within production area
- Frequent reaching (forward & overhead)
- Bending, stooping. And twisting at the waist
- Squatting or kneeling as required to access lower assembly areas
- Stretching & extended arm positioning during assembly tasks
- Maintaining balance while handling materials and operating equipment
- Visual acuity sufficient to read work instructions & assembly drawings, inspect components for defects and identify measuring markings on precisions tools.
- Depth perception & peripheral vision sufficient to safely operate tools & equipment
- Hearing ability sufficient to detect machine sounds indicating malfunction and hear alarms, safety signals and verbal instructions in a production environment.
- Exposure to typical manufacturing environment including: mechanical equipment, moving parts, noise levels requiring hearing protection
- Required use of PPE including safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves and hearing protection
- Work performed in a temperature controlled but industrial setting
Why Join Us?
As an Assembly Technician, you’ll be a vital part of a supportive team where your technical skills contribute directly to achieving our production goals. We value safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement—and we’re looking for individuals who do too. We invest in training, development and internal mobility.
We are a global organization with a strong footprint and a long-term vision. Here, you are not just a number - you are part of building something meaningful!