Printed circuit board assembler
Also known as: PCB assembler, PCB assembly operative, printed circuit board fabricator, through-hole technology assembly operative, through-hole technology assembler, assembler of printed circuit boards
About this occupation
Printed circuit board assemblers read blueprints and drawings to assemble printed circuit boards. They use hand- and automated soldering tools and machines to connect electronic components to the board.
A specialisation of electronic equipment assembler.
Essential skills and knowledge
- prepare board for soldering
- read assembly drawings
- meet deadlines
- operate insertion mount machine
- integrated circuits
- solder components onto electronic board
- ensure public safety and security
- apply through-hole technology manually
- circuit diagrams
- electronics
- semiconductors
- through-hole technology
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers (O*NET 51-2022.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Inspect or test wiring installations, assemblies, or circuits for resistance factors or for operation, and record results.
- Assemble electrical or electronic systems or support structures and install components, units, subassemblies, wiring, or assembly casings, using rivets, bolts, soldering or micro-welding equipment.
- Explain assembly procedures or techniques to other workers.
- Confer with supervisors or engineers to plan or review work activities or to resolve production problems.
- Pack finished assemblies for shipment, and transport them to storage areas, using hoists or handtrucks.
- Clean parts, using cleaning solutions, air hoses, and cloths.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Active Listening, Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.