Assembly Line Operative Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Traveling Mechanical Assembler
Job Description

This role focuses on the precision assembly of large custom diesel and natural gas engines that power hospital backup generators, data centers, and heavy industrial equipment. You will use a wide range of mechanical and electrical tools to assemble, troubleshoot, and repair engines during the build process, working from detailed work instructions, engineering drawings, and customer specifications. This is a hands-on, technically demanding position suited for individuals with strong mechanical aptitude who enjoy building complex machinery rather than performing basic or repetitive assembly-line work.

Responsibilities

• Assemble large diesel and natural gas engines according to detailed blueprints, schematics, and customer specifications.
• Use a wide variety of hand and power tools, including torque wrenches, pneumatic air tools, DC (electrical) tooling, and basic wrenches, to complete assembly tasks safely and accurately.
• Manipulate and position massive engine components using lifting devices, cranes, and hoists while following all safety protocols.
• Interpret and follow written work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and engineering drawings using a CPU to review and document processes and progress.
• Apply proper fastening and sealing techniques to ensure high-quality, leak-free assemblies that meet stringent quality standards.
• Set up, operate, and verify torque equipment and pneumatic tooling to ensure all fasteners meet specified torque requirements.
• Perform in-process troubleshooting and basic mechanical repairs on engines during assembly to resolve issues and keep production moving.
• Work with hundreds of subassemblies, identifying the correct tools and methods for each task based on the unique requirements of each engine build.
• Use electrical testing equipment and wiring knowledge as needed to support assembly and verification of engine systems.
• Collaborate closely with a partner on the assembly team, working side by side within designated zones on the main line to complete assigned work.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, quality, fastening, sealing, hydraulic and torque equipment operation throughout training and daily work.
• Adhere to all plant safety rules, including consistent use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining a clean, hazard-free work area.
• Accurately record work performed, progress, and any issues encountered in the appropriate systems and documentation tools.
• Participate in and successfully complete written and hands-on assessments during the training period to demonstrate proficiency in key tasks.
• Support general production and light industrial tasks related to engine assembly, including handling materials and components as needed.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience working in an industrial environment performing hands-on mechanical tasks.
• Demonstrated experience using mechanical tooling such as torque equipment, DC tools, hand tools, and pneumatic tools.
• Mid-level or higher mechanical aptitude, with the ability to understand and perform complex mechanical assembly work beyond basic power tool usage.
• Experience following written work instructions, SOPs, blueprints, schematics, and other technical documentation.
• Ability to use a CPU or computer to follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and documented processes.
• Capability to pass written and hands-on assessments during the training period related to safety, fastening, sealing, hydraulic equipment, torque equipment, and quality.
• Comfort using measuring tools such as tape measures and reading mechanical blueprints.
• Ability to perform mechanical troubleshooting on assemblies or equipment based on prior work or personal experience.
• Strong awareness of and adherence to quality standards and processes in a production or assembly environment.
• Ability to safely operate or work around cranes, hoists, and lifting devices for large, heavy components.
• Willingness and ability to wear required PPE at all times, including steel or composite toe shoes, earplugs, and safety glasses.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts and overtime, including weekend schedules as needed in a production environment.
• Readiness to complete and meet required assessment benchmarks, including scoring at or above the specified percentile on internal assessments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in automotive repair, diesel technician roles, lube technician work, or tire shop environments.
• Background in farming, construction, maintenance, or facilities work involving hands-on mechanical tasks.
• Prior experience in mechanical assembly, especially with large or industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics, wiring, and basic electronic assembly in an industrial or light industrial setting.
• Experience working in general production, general labor, or light industrial environments with a focus on safety and quality.
• Comfort working with hydraulic equipment and understanding of basic hydraulic principles in a production setting.
• Ability to clearly explain past experience building or assembling items from scratch using tools, including describing tools used and steps followed.
• No formal diploma required; candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and relevant hands-on experience are encouraged to apply.

Why Work Here?

You will join a large, established manufacturing operation known for its stable work environment and long-term opportunities. After a successful contract period, you can apply for full-time roles, with attendance and performance as key considerations, and there is particularly strong opportunity on second and third shifts. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off, paid holidays, a competitive 401(k) match, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance starting on the first day of employment. All employees benefit from structured pay increases at 90, 180, and 365 days, supporting clear growth in earnings over time. The culture emphasizes safety, quality, and teamwork, providing a clean, organized, and supportive environment where mechanically inclined individuals can develop and refine their skills on complex, impactful products.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, temperature-controlled manufacturing facility that is divided into an assembly area and a machine shop. The environment is clean and orderly, with minimal debris such as metal scraps, packaging, or oil spills, reflecting a strong emphasis on safety. Assembly work typically occurs in small teams, often with two people working together in one of several zones on the main line, each handling multiple components and subassemblies with varying cycle times. Multiple shifts are available, including traditional 1st (approximately 6:30 AM–2:30 PM), 2nd (approximately 2:30 PM–10:30 PM), and 3rd (approximately 10:30 PM–6:30 AM) shifts, as well as alternative weekend schedules such as 6:00 AM–6:00 PM or 6:00 PM–6:00 AM on Friday through Sunday. Production may include scheduled overtime, often involving every other Saturday, subject to change based on business needs. The facility enforces a relaxed but clear dress code: sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, work pants, and jeans are acceptable, while leggings and sweatpants are not. Personal protective equipment is mandatory on the floor, including steel or composite toe shoes, earplugs, and safety glasses, with earplugs and glasses provided on-site. The campus is tobacco-free, with use of tobacco or vaping products limited to approved break times in personal vehicles in the parking lot. Overall, the work environment supports focus, safety, and collaboration while providing access to extensive tooling—often 40 or more tools at a station—such as torque wrenches, pneumatic tools, DC tools, cranes, and hoists to handle massive engine components.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Lafayette, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lafayette,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 1, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.