Specialist Assembler - 1st Shift

Saab, Inc.; Grayling (MI); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Generous PTO and holidays

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition assistance

Wellness resources

Employee stock purchase opportunities

Disability coverage

Job summary

Saab, Inc. in Grayling, Michigan is seeking Specialist Assemblers for our production team to join a high‑skill environment. You will participate in complex system assembly, mentor peers, and lead collaborative workflows that support evolving manufacturing infrastructure.

You will interpret technical drawings, ensure strict safety and quality controls, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. The role requires standing, lifting, and occasional extended hours to meet production needs,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing environments, and extensive floor expertise.
• Ability to interpret complex technical documentation, including detailed assembly drawings, schematics, and standardized work instructions to ensure quality control.
• Demonstrated ability to handle diverse material scales, ranging from miniature, intricate components to large, heavy structural parts with precision and safety.
• Ability to operate automated equipment while optimizing mechanical assembly processes and manufacturing workflows for maximum efficiency.
• Demonstrated experience to drive root‑cause problem‑solving initiatives to permanently resolve recurring, systemic issues within production lines.
• Experience with continuous improvement projects by recommending new operational procedures and leading their full implementation.
• Demonstrated experience with leveraging specialized tools, equipment, and manufacturing software to support advanced technical processes.

Responsibilities

• Apply problem solving techniques to troubleshoot issues and support production objectives.
• Spearhead production workflows and assembly line execution.
• Deliver work according to quality requirements and work instructions; implement the requirements in daily ways of working in a team-based environment.
• Understand and adhere to ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) control procedures and safeguarding requirements.
• Understand and adhere to Explosive Safety control procedures and safeguarding requirements.
• Support daily, incremental continuous improvement highlighting advancement opportunities in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and morale.
• Ability to complete functional testing of assemblies and systems.
• Sign off when work is complete according to specification.
• Support the training and transfer of knowledge to new employees.
• Contribute to a positive and productive work environment, aligned with our Company values: Trust, Drive, Expertise and Support.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekend overtime when required.
• Other tasks as assigned and authorized.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Team mentorship

Quality focus

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Automated equipment operation

Manufacturing software

Job description

Job Description: As Saab expands its advanced manufacturing operations in Grayling, Michigan, we are seeking Specialist Assemblers for our production team. These roles involve complex system assembly, peer mentorship, team leadership, and active contribution to our evolving manufacturing infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Apply problem solving techniques to troubleshoot issues and support production objectives.
• Spearhead production workflows and assembly line execution.
• Deliver work according to quality requirements and work instructions; implement the requirements in daily ways of working in a team-based environment.
• Understand and adhere to ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) control procedures and safeguarding requirements.
• Understand and adhere to Explosive Safety control procedures and safeguarding requirements.
• Support daily, incremental continuous improvement highlighting advancement opportunities in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and morale.
• Ability to complete functional testing of assemblies and systems.
• Sign off when work is complete according to specification.
• Support the training and transfer of knowledge to new employees.
• Contribute to a positive and productive work environment, aligned with our Company values: Trust, Drive, Expertise and Support.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekend overtime when required.
• Other tasks as assigned and authorized.

Compensation

Starting hourly rate of $34.00, commensurate with relevant experience. The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing environments, and extensive floor expertise.
• Ability to interpret complex technical documentation, including detailed assembly drawings, schematics, and standardized work instructions to ensure quality control.
• Demonstrated ability to handle diverse material scales, ranging from miniature, intricate components to large, heavy structural parts with precision and safety.
• Ability to operate automated equipment while optimizing mechanical assembly processes and manufacturing workflows for maximum efficiency.
• Demonstrated experience to drive root‑cause problem‑solving initiatives to permanently resolve recurring, systemic issues within production lines.
• Experience with continuous improvement projects by recommending new operational procedures and leading their full implementation.
• Demonstrated experience with leveraging specialized tools, equipment, and manufacturing software to support advanced technical processes.

Desired Experience

• Working/handling of munitions or other hazardous materials.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as consistent bending, stooping, twisting, grasping, gripping, standing, walking, kneeling, climbing, reaching throughout a normal workday.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions (such as lifting or assembly of parts) including the use of handheld power tools.
• Ability to lift up to twenty‑five (25) pounds frequently, and up to fifty (50) pounds on occasion.

Citizenship Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug‑Free Workplaces

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug‑free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre‑employment drug screen.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
• Wellness and employee assistance resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage

About Us

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations. Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an affirmative action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an equal employment opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status or any other federal, state or locally protected category. Be Part of Something Bigger When you take a job at Saab, you become a part of something bigger. You’ll work on exciting, meaningful projects right from the start. Learn more about careers in the U.S. Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab, Inc. serves the U.S. government, industry, and commercial customers with world‑leading products, services and solutions including military and civil security. We provide solutions and technologies that are central to U.S. defense and homeland security. We develop, modify and deliver Saab's portfolio to U.S. customers, blending Swedish quality and reliability with American ambition and cost efficiency. Learn more about us.