Lead Transformer Final Assembly Technician

Sanmina; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanmina in Houston, Texas, is looking for a Lead Transformer Final Assembly Technician to oversee tanking and final assembly operations for liquid-filled transformers. The successful applicant will have over 5 years of manufacturing experience, particularly in transformer assembly, and will manage quality control during production. Key tasks include operating vacuum oil filling equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and effectively managing inspection processes. The role requires a high school diploma, technical proficiency, and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of specific experience in liquid-filled transformer manufacturing.
• Ability to operate vacuum oil filling and assembly equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead tanking and final assembly operations for transformers.
• Operate vacuum oil filling equipment ensuring quality and safety.
• Perform inspections and quality checks throughout the build process.

Skills

Ability to read technical drawings

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting assembly issues

Proficiency with measurement tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree (preferred)

Tools

Vacuum oil filling equipment

Hand and power tools

Inspection tools

Job description

Lead Transformer Final Assembly Technician

Summary: The Lead Transformer Final Assembly Technician is responsible for leading tanking, final assembly, and vacuum oil filling operations for liquid-filled distribution transformers in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, process requirements, and quality standards. This role includes preparation of active parts for tanking, installation of final components and accessories, operation of vacuum oil filling equipment, and execution of assembly activities required for inspection and downstream production readiness.

Experience required for facility ramp-up, process stabilization, operator training, equipment readiness, and production quality support.

Tanking & Final Assembly Operations

• Perform tanking and final assembly operations for liquid-filled distribution transformers in accordance with engineering drawings, bills of material, and work instructions
• Prepare active parts and related assemblies for tanking, including fit-up, alignment, and readiness verification
• Lower, position, and install transformer assemblies into tanks using approved methods and equipment
• Install covers, bushings, fittings, switches, hardware, and related transformer accessories in accordance with design requirements
• Complete final assembly steps required for inspection, filling, and downstream production readiness
• Support development and refinement of standard work and best practices for final assembly operations during ramp-up

Vacuum Oil Filling Operations

• Operate and support setup of vacuum oil filling equipment in accordance with approved work instructions, process requirements, and quality standards
• Prepare units for vacuum oil filling, sealing, and related final assembly steps
• Perform insulating liquid filling operations for oil-filled or ester-filled transformers using approved equipment and procedures
• Monitor filling operations for equipment status, process conformance, cleanliness, and completion of required steps
• Support troubleshooting of filling equipment, filling process issues, or non-conforming conditions in coordination with maintenance, engineering, and supervision as needed
• Handle insulating liquids and related materials in a safe and controlled manner

Quality Control & Inspection

• Inspect components, tanks, fittings, hardware, and related materials prior to use for condition, completeness, and conformance
• Verify fit-up, alignment, preparation status, accessory installation, and final assembly readiness throughout the build process
• Perform in-process dimensional and visual checks using standard measurement and inspection tools in accordance with work instructions
• Identify defects such as poor fit-up, damaged components, missing hardware, contamination concerns, or non-conforming assembly conditions and take corrective action
• Accurately log production data, material traceability, and quality yields into the ERP or production tracking system
• Identify recurring assembly or quality issues and support corrective actions to improve consistency and reduce rework

Material Handling

• Safely handle transformer components, active parts, tanks, fittings, hoses, hardware, and related materials using appropriate lifting or handling equipment
• Use overhead cranes, hoists, fixtures, and other approved devices as required
• Stage materials and equipment to support efficient workflow while maintaining organization and traceability

Tools, Equipment & Workplace Standards

• Use hand tools, power tools, torque tools, hoses, valves, fittings, fixtures, and related equipment required for tanking, final assembly, and vacuum oil filling operations
• Perform routine equipment and tool checks and report issues as needed
• Support troubleshooting of equipment, tooling, or process issues as required
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with company standards

Training & Team Support

• Support training and qualification of new operators during factory ramp-up
• Share assembly best practices, workmanship expectations, filling process knowledge, and quality standards with team members
• Assist supervisors in identifying process gaps, training needs, and improvement opportunities
• Interface with upstream and downstream production operations as required by production flow

Required Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or assembly environment
• 3+ years of experience in liquid-filled transformer manufacturing, final assembly, tanking, oil filling, or similar industrial manufacturing environments
• Prior experience supporting equipment readiness, process stabilization, or operator training in a quality-critical manufacturing environment preferred

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, work instructions, bills of material, and production documentation
• Ability to operate and support setup of vacuum oil filling equipment and final assembly processes in accordance with approved procedures
• Proficiency with measurement and inspection tools such as tape measures, calipers, gauges, and related inspection tools
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to identify, troubleshoot, and respond to assembly, equipment, or quality issues
• Ability to support startup, training, and process stabilization activities in a manufacturing environment

Safety & Certifications

• Experience with overhead cranes, hoists, or lifting equipment preferred
• Ability to follow all workplace safety requirements and reinforce safe work practices with others
• Ability to safely work around vacuum oil filling equipment, insulating liquids, heavy components, and moving equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree (AAS) in Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or related field strongly preferred
• Experience in liquid-filled transformer manufacturing or similar industrial manufacturing environments
• Experience with tanking, final assembly, vacuum oil filling, accessory installation, or related downstream transformer manufacturing operations
• Experience supporting process improvements, operator training, startup activities, or process documentation in a quality-critical environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example in quality, safety, and execution

Additional Requirements

• Ability and willingness to travel internationally for training, including extended travel during initial facility ramp-up
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role as outlined below

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during the work shift
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs, with or without assistance
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks involving hand and arm motion
• Ability to bend, reach, climb, and work in a manufacturing environment around moving equipment
• Ability to safely work in an industrial environment using required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing environment
• Exposure to vacuum oil filling equipment, insulating liquids, hoses, fittings, heavy components, hand and power tools, and moving equipment
• Requires standing, lifting, and repetitive manufacturing and assembly-related tasks