Assembly Operator

Bright Machines is seeking an Assembly Operator to join their team in Cincinnati, OH / Northern Kentucky. This role is crucial for maintaining the safe, efficient, and high-quality operation of automated server assembly lines. The operator will support robotic cells and production equipment, preparing materials, monitoring automated systems, performing visual and functional checks, and ensuring units meet quality standards. The position combines manual tasks with routine oversight of automated equipment to ensure smooth production flow.

Must Have

• Operate, monitor, and support automated assembly systems, including robotics, vision systems, conveyors, and workcells
• Load and unload components and materials according to standardized work instructions
• Respond to machine alarms and stoppages, performing basic troubleshooting
• Verify machine programs, setups, tooling, and fixtures prior to production start
• Conduct in-process inspections (visual, torque, fit, alignment, labeling) to ensure quality standards are met
• Use MES and digital tools to confirm process steps and record production data
• Document defects, deviations, and trends; escalate issues to Quality or shift leadership
• Perform basic rework within defined tolerances and procedures
• Stage, replenish, and scan materials to maintain continuous flow through automated stations
• Track components using ERP, MES, and RF scanning systems; follow FIFO, traceability, and lot-control requirements
• Maintain a safe work environment and comply with EHS requirements for automation and robotics
• Perform routine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance, including sensor cleaning, feeder checks, and alignment verification
• Maintain 5S standards around automated work cells to prevent downtime and quality issues
• Collaborate with Automation Technicians, Process Engineers, and Quality teams to support production flow
• Provide feedback on system performance, cycle times, and recurring stoppages to improve automation reliability
• Participate in problem-solving efforts and escalate root-cause insights as needed
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Ability to read work instructions, visual diagrams, and digital work orders
• Comfortable using computers, tablets, and MES/ERP systems
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
• Ability to follow multi-step procedures accurately and consistently
• Good communication skills and willingness to collaborate in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to recognize abnormal machine behavior and report issues promptly
• Comfortable standing, lifting, and performing repetitive/precision tasks

Good to Have

• Previous experience in automated or semi-automated manufacturing (electronics, precision assembly, automotive, medical devices, etc.)
• Familiarity with robotics-assisted or software-controlled production lines is a plus
• Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, or robotic systems is helpful
• Technical training or certifications in automation, mechatronics, electronics, or manufacturing operations preferred

RETHINK MANUFACTURING

The only way to ignite change is to build the best team. At Bright Machines®, we’re innovators and experts in our craft who have joined together to create a new category of manufacturing that will help transform the industry. We believe software and data are the answer, thoughtfully applied to solve our customers’ unique challenges. Through intelligent automation, we give factories newfound flexibility, scalability, and resilience. We deliver products to meet the demands of today while building a platform to take advantage of what comes next.

Working with us means you’ll have the opportunity to make lasting, impactful changes for our company and our customers. If you’re ready to apply your exceptional skills to create the factory of the future, we’d love to speak with you.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Bright Machines is on a mission to transform how electronics are made—bringing intelligence, scalability, and flexibility to the factory floor. We combine the best of automation, machine learning, and software to modernize manufacturing from the ground up. We are looking for an Assembly Operator to join our team.

An Assembly Operator at Bright Machines plays an important role in keeping our automated server assembly lines running safely, efficiently, and with consistent quality. They work where automation and hands-on work meet, supporting robotic cells, production equipment, and assembly steps that build complex server components for our customers. In this role, the Assembly Operator prepares materials, monitors automated systems, performs visual and functional checks, and ensures each unit meets Bright Machines’ quality standards. The job combines manual tasks with routine oversight of automated equipment to keep production moving smoothly.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Operate, monitor, and support automated assembly systems, including robotics, vision systems, conveyors, and workcells.
• Load and unload components and materials according to standardized work instructions.
• Respond to machine alarms and stoppages, performing basic troubleshooting and escalating complex issues to technicians or engineering.
• Verify machine programs, setups, tooling, and fixtures prior to production start.
• Conduct in-process inspections (visual, torque, fit, alignment, labeling) to ensure quality standards are met.
• Use MES and digital tools to confirm process steps and record production data.
• Document defects, deviations, and trends; escalate issues to Quality or shift leadership.
• Perform basic rework within defined tolerances and procedures.
• Stage, replenish, and scan materials to maintain continuous flow through automated stations.
• Track components using ERP, MES, and RF scanning systems; follow FIFO, traceability, and lot-control requirements.
• Maintain a safe work environment and comply with EHS requirements for automation and robotics.
• Perform routine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance, including sensor cleaning, feeder checks, and alignment verification.
• Maintain 5S standards around automated work cells to prevent downtime and quality issues.
• Collaborate with Automation Technicians, Process Engineers, and Quality teams to support production flow.
• Provide feedback on system performance, cycle times, and recurring stoppages to improve automation reliability.
• Participate in problem-solving efforts and escalate root-cause insights as needed.

WHAT WE WANT TO SEE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in automated or semi-automated manufacturing preferred (electronics, precision assembly, automotive, medical devices, etc.).
• Familiarity with robotics-assisted or software-controlled production lines is a plus.
• Ability to read work instructions, visual diagrams, and digital work orders.
• Comfortable using computers, tablets, and MES/ERP systems.
• Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, or robotic systems is helpful but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to follow multi-step procedures accurately and consistently.
• Good communication skills and willingness to collaborate in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to recognize abnormal machine behavior and report issues promptly.
• Comfortable standing, lifting, and performing repetitive/precision tasks.
• Technical training or certifications in automation, mechatronics, electronics, or manufacturing operations preferred.

BE EMPOWERED TO CHANGE AN INDUSTRY

Bright Machines is a next-generation, AI-enabled manufacturer focused on data center infrastructure assembly operations. Bright Machines uses its proprietary AI-based robotics and software to assemble AI infrastructure hardware products (i.e., data center servers) for hyperscalers and leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). With its new AI factory, Bright Machines addresses increasing market demands for computing power due to the surge of AI and the U.S. national mandate to reshore manufacturing by building data center infrastructure at scale with higher quality and shorter time-to-market.

Bright Machines is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an integration center in Guadalajara, Mexico. The company has been recognized as one of Forbes’ AI 50, awarded “Best AI-based Solution for Manufacturing” by AI Breakthrough, named a “Technology Pioneer” by the World Economic Forum, and highlighted by several other leading technology and innovation organizations.