Valve & Actuator Assembler - Training Provided (08014)

A Control Valve and Positioner Assembler turns individual components into reliable flow-control equipment—the kind of work where precision is not a finishing touch; it is the whole foundation. This role assembles, adjusts, tests, and documents control valves, pneumatic and electro-pneumatic positioners, actuators, and related accessories in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, quality standards, and customer requirements.

The assembler works hands-on with valve bodies, bonnets, trim, actuators, tubing, fittings, linkages, and instrumentation. Success depends on disciplined craftsmanship: every fastener tightened correctly, every travel setting verified, every air leak eliminated, and every completed unit ready to perform in demanding industrial service.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble control valves, actuators, positioners, and accessory packages following approved assembly procedures, bill of materials, engineering drawings, and production routings.
• Install and align valve trim components, including plugs, seats, cages, stems, packing, gaskets, retainers, and bolting.
• Assemble pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, and digital valve positioners, including mounting brackets, feedback arms, linkages, air tubing, fittings, gauges, and electrical connections where applicable.
• Set up, stroke, calibrate, and function-test control valves and positioners to confirm proper travel, response, fail position, and operating performance.
• Perform visual and dimensional inspections using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, torque wrenches, pressure gauges, and other test equipment.
• Identify and correct assembly issues such as misalignment, air leaks, improper travel, binding components, damaged threads, missing hardware, or incorrect part fit.
• Read and interpret assembly drawings, wiring diagrams, pneumatic schematics, work instructions, and quality requirements.
• Verify that materials, components, and serial-numbered parts match the production order and bill of materials before and during assembly.
• Document assembly, inspection, calibration, testing, rework, and nonconformance activities accurately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S, EHS, and company safety requirements.
• Report quality concerns, drawing discrepancies, material shortages, and process-improvement opportunities to the supervisor, manufacturing engineer, or quality team.
• Support troubleshooting, repair, and rework of returned or nonconforming valve assemblies when required.
• Collaborate with quality, engineering, planning, test, and shipping teams to meet production schedules and customer delivery commitments.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in mechanical assembly, industrial manufacturing, valve assembly, instrumentation, or a related technical environment.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, assembly instructions, pneumatic schematics, and bills of materials.
• Working knowledge of hand tools, torque tools, measuring instruments, and basic test equipment.
• Familiarity with control valves, actuators, pneumatic systems, positioners, or industrial instrumentation preferred.
• Ability to perform repetitive, detail-oriented work while maintaining quality and traceability.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and position components and assemblies as required by the work area.
• Basic computer skills for accessing work instructions, recording production data, and completing quality documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical certificate, vocational training, or apprenticeship in mechanical assembly, industrial maintenance, instrumentation, or manufacturing technology.
• Experience calibrating pneumatic or digital valve positioners.
• Knowledge of valve trim, packing systems, actuator types, air supply systems, and fail-open/fail-close operating principles.
• Experience working in a lean manufacturing environment, including 5S, continuous improvement, and standard work practices.
• Familiarity with pressure testing, functional testing, and quality-control documentation.

Core Competencies

The ideal assembler brings the steady focus of a craftsperson and the investigative mindset of a troubleshooter. They notice when a stem does not travel smoothly, when a linkage sits slightly out of alignment, or when a fitting whispers air instead of sealing cleanly. They work safely, follow procedures without shortcuts, protect product quality, and take pride in delivering equipment that will control critical processes long after it leaves the shop floor.