First Article Assembler

FLIR Systems, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated is seeking a Prep Assembler to perform precise preparation for first article and prototype cable/connector assemblies. You will ensure cleanliness, proper surface preparation, and readiness of materials and fixtures for assembly, with strong emphasis on detail and repeatability.

The role involves sanding, deburring, chemical handling, fixture setup, and documentation while maintaining safety standards and 5S practices in a fast-paced, precision-driven

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5 years of electromechanical assembly experience.
• Experience with cable assemblies and connectors preferred.
• IPC/J standard soldering training/certification preferred.
• Ability to read, interpret blueprints and BOMs.
• English reading/writing proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cables, connectors and components for first article and prototype builds.
• Perform surface preparation, sanding, polishing and deburring.
• Handle solvents and chemicals per safety procedures for cleaning.
• Set up fixtures and tooling for first article builds and verify readiness.
• Follow work instructions and document measurements and steps as required.
• Perform in-process inspections and address deviations.
• Maintain 5S cleanliness and safety in the work area.

Skills

Soldering proficiency

Blueprint reading

Mechanical assembly

Hand tools use

English literacy

Lean 5S

Education

High school diploma or GED

IPC/J Standard soldering training

Job description

Be visionary Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research. We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.

Job Description General Overview

Under minimal supervision, performs a wide variety of precision preparation activities required to support first article and prototype cable/connector assemblies. This role is responsible for ensuring all components are properly cleaned, prepped, and staged to meet strict quality and process requirements prior to assembly. The Prep Assembler plays a critical role in the success of first article builds by ensuring material readiness, surface preparation, and process compliance, with a strong focus on cleanliness, detail, and repeatability. The position requires extensive use of chemicals, abrasives, and manual preparation techniques to achieve specified requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

Other duties may be assigned.

First Article Preparation & Execution

Perform detailed preparation of cables, connectors, and components for first article and prototype builds. Ensure all materials meet cleanliness, dimensional, and surface preparation specifications prior to assembly. Support first article builds by ensuring readiness of all prepared components and fixtures.

Surface Preparation & Finishing

Perform sanding, polishing, trimming, and deburring of components to required specifications. Utilize abrasives and manual tools to achieve proper surface finishes and tolerances. Inspect prepared components to ensure consistency and compliance with drawings and work instructions.

Cleaning & Chemical Processing

Use approved solvents, cleaners, and chemicals to prepare components for assembly. Follow all procedures related to handling hazardous or flammable materials. Ensure components meet required cleanliness standards for molding and assembly processes.

Fixture & Setup Preparation

Prepare, clean, and stage fixtures, tooling, and workstations for first article builds. Verify fixtures are properly configured and ready for use. Identify and elevate any issues with tooling or fixture readiness.

Work Instruction & Documentation Compliance

Read and interpret production drawings, work instructions, and bills of material. Follow detailed instructions precisely to ensure process integrity and repeatability. Complete required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

Quality & Inspection

Perform in-process visual inspections and basic checks throughout preparation activities. Identify defects, inconsistencies, or deviations and elevate as needed. Maintain high standards of workmanship and attention to detail.

Safety & 5S

Follow all safety procedures, particularly when handling chemicals and operating tools. Maintain a clean and organized work area consistent with 5S standards. Proactively identify and address safety or environmental concerns.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not supervise other employees.

Qualifications/Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) education. Minimum 2 to 5 years of experience in comparable electromechanical assembly. Experience working with cable assemblies, connectors, or electromechanical components is strongly preferred. Prior work cell lead and experience training others preferred. IPC/J Standard soldering training and certification is highly preferred. Demonstrated proficiency in soldering, including, but not limited to through-hole and surface mount technology. Experienced in using hand tools and some power tools (power drills, sanders, etc.,) Understanding of mechanical hardware (nuts, bolts, screws, etc.) assembly. Advanced knowledge of blueprints, Bill of Materials and mechanical drawings, Ability to read, write, and speak the English language at a level that allows for the comprehension of detailed instructions and the legible completion of paperwork. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Exhibits mechanical aptitude. Must have basic computer skills Requires ability to perform simple mathematical calculations. Understanding of 5S and Lean Manufacturing practices is a plus. Candidate must possess U.S. citizenship or be a "U.S. Person". (A U.S. Person is defined as a person who is a lawful permanent resident “GreenCard holder” as defined by 8U.S.C. 1101 (a)(20) or who is a ”Protected Individual” as defined by 8U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).)

Salary Range:

The anticipated salary range listed for this role is only an estimate. Actual compensation for successful candidates is carefully determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, location, education/training, work experience, key skills, and type of position.

Background checks

Teledyne conducts background checks on qualified applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, education verification, employment history and verification, criminal convictions, Motor Vehicle Report (MVR & driving history), reference check, credit checks/credit history and drug testing. All qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Company values

Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

Additional background

You may not realize it, but Teledyne enables many of the products and services you use every day. Teledyne provides enabling technologies to sense, transmit and analyze information for industrial growth markets, including aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, energy, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.