Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
U.S. Workers
38,420
Median Salary
$52,540
10-Year Growth
-21.1%
Annual Openings
2,800
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
12 of 12 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals and plan assembly or building operations.
AI: Fully automatable - AI models combined with CAD/PLM tools can read blueprints/specs and generate detailed assembly plans and sequences in most engineering contexts.
Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
AI: Fully automatable - Automated vision inspection, functional test rigs, and instrumented test systems can operate and verify finished products against specifications in many production lines.
Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
AI: Fully automatable - Coordinate measuring machines, automated gauges, and vision/metrology systems can verify part conformance to stock lists and blueprints reliably.
Lay out and drill, ream, tap, or cut parts for assembly.
AI: Fully automatable - CNC machines and robot-driven machining, guided by CAD/CAM and vision, can fully lay out and perform drilling, reaming, tapping, and cutting for standard parts in production environments.
Assemble systems of gears by aligning and meshing gears in gearboxes.
AI: Fully automatable - Industrial robots with precision vision and force-control systems can align and mesh gears for gearbox assembly in repeatable manufacturing setups.
Maintain and lubricate parts or components.
AI: Fully automatable - Routine maintenance and lubrication can be fully automated using sensor-driven schedules, automated lubrication systems, and maintenance robots in most settings.
Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
AI: Partial - Robotic manipulators and hoists can position and align components in fixtured, repeatable assemblies, but manual alignment is still needed in many unstructured or delicate situations.
Set and verify parts clearances.
AI: Partial - Automated sensors and metrology can verify clearances and some machines can adjust them, but fine manual setting and judgement are still often required.
Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.
AI: Partial - Welding and riveting are widely automated, but installation of piping, fixtures, and electrical wiring still involves complex routing and dexterous tasks that remain largely manual.
Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.
AI: Partial - Automated deburring, grinding, and finishing systems handle many smoothing tasks at scale, yet nuanced fitting, trimming, and tactile quality control often require human workers.
Rework, repair, or replace damaged parts or assemblies.
AI: Partial - AI can assist with diagnostics, guided disassembly/assembly, and automated replacement in constrained contexts, but complex or one-off repairs still require human dexterity and judgment.
Set up and operate metalworking machines, such as milling or grinding machines, to shape or fabricate parts.
AI: Partial - CAM/CNC and some automated fixturing handle routine machine setup and operation, but varied one-off setups and complex manual adjustments still often need human intervention.