Assembly Specialist

Dexter; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Dexter in Elkhart, IN is seeking an Assembler - Specialty to join the axle assembly line. This role builds Dex-Air suspension assemblies, tests, and supports the line by setting up presses and torque equipment, interpreting engineering prints, and performing first-article inspections.

You will participate in line start-up and ramp-up, document results, and cooperate with engineering and quality teams to meet throughput and quality targets.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; manufacturing experience preferred.
• 2+ years in a manufacturing/machine assembly role with mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and work instructions.
• Experience operating presses and torque/rotation equipment; knowledge of torque verification.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation of inspection data.

Responsibilities

• Assemble Dex-Air suspension components per prints and specs.
• Set up and operate presses and torque/rotation equipment.
• Perform first-article and in-process inspections; document results.
• Read drawings and process sheets; verify torque and dimensions.
• Support line start-up, ramp-up, and equipment changeovers.
• Maintain safety and quality, collaborate with engineering and QA.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Read mechanical drawings

Torque tool operation

Equipment setup/operation

Quality inspection accuracy

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Bushing presses

Torque tools

Pneumatic tools

Hand tools

Calipers / gauges

Hoist / crane operation

Job description

The Assembler - Specialty will be working on a team while assembling parts on an axle assembly line, in a fast-paced environment. We are seeking a mechanically skilled Assembler to build, test, and support medium duty Dex-Air suspension assemblies on a new dedicated line. This role requires more technical and mechanical aptitude than a standard assembler — candidates should be able to set up/operate assembly presses and torque/rotation/compression equipment, interpret engineering work instructions/prints, perform first-article and in-process inspections, and support equipment changeovers and basic troubleshooting.

More specifically, this position will be responsible for activities including but not limited to the following:

• Assemble Dex-Air and related suspension components to engineering prints, standard work, and torque/fastening specifications.
• Operate and set up assembly equipment that provides controlled lifting, rotation, torque and compression (including bushing presses and related fixtures).
• Use calibrated torque tools, press equipment, pneumatic tools, and hand tools safely and accurately.
• Perform in-process inspection and final quality checks (dimensions, torque verification, visual inspections); document results per work instructions.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, assembly diagrams, process sheets, and torque/assembly specifications.
• Perform routine machine/fixture changeovers and set-up tasks for medium-duty assemblies.
• Support line start-up activities - initial builds, first articles, and ramp-up support - and provide feedback to engineering and process owners.
• Participate in equipment preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting (identify and elevate mechanical or process issues).
• Follow safety procedures and safe material handling practices; use lifting aids, hoists, and jigs as required.
• Maintain accurate production and quality records (WIP, inspection, nonconformance reports).
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, engineering, and quality teams to meet throughput, quality and safety objectives.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, bend, and use hands/fingers for manual assembly.
• Frequent lifting/handling of medium-weight components; must be able to safely use lifting equipment, hoists and jigs

Work Environment:

Industrial/Manufacturing plant environment. Willingness to work production shifts and overtime as business conditions change.

What We're Looking For:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required.
• 2 Years’ Experience in a manufacturing environment related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with medium-duty mechanical assemblies.
• Hands-on experience operating presses, torque tools, pneumatic tools and material handling equipment; experience with bushing presses or similar preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and written work instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to torque to specification and perform calibrated torque checks.
• Experience performing in-process and final inspections (use of calipers, gauges, go/no-go, visual checks).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to document inspection/assembly data accurately.
• Able to work in a production environment with a focus on safety, quality and throughput.
• Good communication skills and ability to work on cross-functional teams during start-up and ramp-up.
• Willingness to participate in required training and certifications (e.g., press operation, hoist/crane or powered industrial truck training as applicable).

Preferred Knowledge/Skills:

• Prior suspension, axle, or heavy-duty mechanical assembly experience (RV or medium-duty vehicle suspension systems a plus).
• Experience with line start-up and new product introduction / launch support.
• Ability to perform basic mechanical troubleshooting and minor equipment adjustments.
• Vocational/technical training or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Reliable, repeatable assembly to print and torque specifications meeting quality targets.
• Safe operation of presses, torque devices and lifting/rotation equipment.
• Timely identification and escalation of assembly or equipment issues and productive collaboration with engineering and quality to resolve them.
• Contribute to a smooth line start-up and ramp to meet Dex-Air medium-duty launch targets

The above statements are indented to describe the general nature of the level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in said position.