Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is an industry-leading provider of electric motor, generator, control, and service solutions critical to Naval applications for more than 120 years. Located in Thomaston, Connecticut, Ward Leonard has worked hard to build a reputation as being a trusted name in powering the defense industry. This trust within the market is not possible without the continued hard work, commitment, and dedication of our team who respect the importance of what we do and the impact it has on the servicemen and women.
Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers
Position Overview:
The Assembler will timely and accurately build sub-assemblies and assemblies to customer specifications involving complex and repetitive wiring and mechanics. The Assembler will perform a wide range of skilled assembly to produce a quality product (electrical switchgear) in a timely manner. Perform all assignments within acceptable quantity and perfect quality requirements in keeping within assigned functions.
In this function you will:
- Assemble electric motor components and sub‑assemblies, including stators, rotors, housings, and related hardware, following defined procedures and work instructions.
- Perform multiple manufacturing operations such as fitting bearings and shafts, installing brackets, aligning components, and performing basic motor lead wiring.
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, blueprints, and technical drawings to build sub‑assemblies and final assemblies to specification.
- Be responsible for visual and basic dimensional inspection of parts and assemblies before, during, and after assembly to ensure they meet quality and performance requirements.
- Use various fixtures, gauges, hand tools, and power tools to assemble, adjust, or repair motor assemblies and components.
- Perform basic in‑process checks and assist with motor testing activities as directed.
- Report faulty operation, defective material, documentation discrepancies, and unusual conditions to the leadership team or supervisor.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, observing good housekeeping (5S) and all safety procedures, including proper use of PPE and safe handling of dielectric solvents.
- Accurately document completed work, defects, and rework in production records or electronic systems.
- Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and resolve assembly challenges and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support production schedules and team objectives.
Basic (Required) Qualifications:
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent qualification from an accredited school.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience using basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.).
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
- Must be able to work in the United States without corporate sponsorship now and in the future.
- U.S. Citizen required (to meet NOFORN requirements; must be able to provide acceptable proof of citizenship and attest to no dual citizenship).
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1-2 years of previous manufacturing or assembly experience.
- Previous experience following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, or production documentation.
- Basic understanding of electric motors or mechanical systems, including familiarity with components such as bearings, shafts, and windings.
- Previous experience with product electrical/mechanical assembly, maintenance, and/or repair.
- Basic working knowledge and experience with computers for accessing work instructions, entering production data, or viewing drawings.
Position Criteria:
- Ability to read and interpret work orders, work instructions, and basic blueprints/technical drawings.
- Basic computer proficiency (e.g., ability to navigate production systems; Microsoft Office Suite a plus).
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills to meet production and quality targets.
- Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and commitment to quality and precision.
- Must be able to work on a manufacturing floor and follow all PPE and safety requirements, including safe use of hand and power tools and handling of solvents.
- Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, engineering, and quality regarding production status, issues, and improvement opportunities.
- Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs and to perform repetitive motions including lifting, bending, and squatting.
- Ability to stand for extended periods while performing assembly
Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled