JobsGenerac

Assembly Lead - 1st Shift

Generac · Beaver Dam, WI

Posted Sep 13, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

Apply at Generac

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time you had to lead a team meeting or pass along job information to your crew. How did you make sure everyone understood what was expected?

whether the candidate can actually take on lead-level communication, not just do the assembly work

Describe a time you found a problem on the line that wasn't in your job description to fix. What did you do?

initiative and whether they'll flag or fix issues instead of just clocking through the task

Tell me about a time you had to switch between multiple workstations or departments in the same shift. How did you keep up quality when the task changed?

adaptability to the flex-to-multiple-workstations demand and whether quality holds up under change

Tell me about a time a coworker pushed back when you tried to train them or explain a better way to do something. How did you handle it?

how they handle authority without a formal title and whether they can influence peers respectfully

Give me an example of when you suggested a change to a process, tool, or workstation setup. Did it get used, and what happened?

genuine contribution to continuous improvement, not just compliance with existing procedures

Tell me about a time you had to hold a teammate accountable for something without going over their head to a supervisor.

whether they can handle informal lead responsibilities without creating conflict or avoiding the issue

Technical

Have you used 5 Why, 8D, or PDCA before? Can you walk me through a specific problem you worked through with one of those tools?

real hands-on root cause problem solving experience versus just knowing the buzzwords

What's your experience with SAP or a similar ERP system, and what kinds of transactions or information have you pulled from one on the floor?

concrete comfort level with ERP tasks like material lookups, not just familiarity with the concept

How do you read a schematic or visual diagram when the written instructions are unclear or incomplete?

practical skill interpreting technical drawings, a stated requirement for the role

Situational

Walk me through how you'd train a new hire on a work instruction for a station you know well.

ability to break down standard work and teach it clearly, since frequent training of others is core to this role

If you're working within tolerance on a complex build and you notice the parts don't seem to match the work instruction, what do you do before you keep going?

judgment around quality checks and whether they'd stop the line or push through to keep pace

If your supervisor is out and the team hits a problem mid-shift that's outside your usual authority to fix, what do you do?

understanding of their decision boundaries and whether they escalate appropriately versus overstepping

This job involves standing most of the shift, lifting up to 50 pounds alone and 100 with help, and repetitive motion. How have you handled that kind of physical demand in past jobs?

realistic self-assessment of physical readiness and honesty about past experience with similar conditions

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Generac from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? Assembler III is responsible for performing assembly work to manufacture products in a cost effective and timely manner while fulfilling quality standards. The Assembler III will validate material prior to beginning assembly, review work instructions, build product per specifications and within tolerances, complete all clean-up and housekeeping procedures, comply with all quality, safety and work rules and regulations including wearing all appropriate PPE. Responsibilities • Uses work instructions drawings, schematics, electronic assembly equipment to perform assembly while complying with safe and effective operation standards of all equipment and tools. • Cross trains in multiple assembly areas and flex to other similar departments based on business needs.   • Develop and maintain an understanding of the products they assemble and how they impact the business.   • Continuous learning of the principles, practices, and processes of their job as changes require and similar jobs.   • Participate in team meetings to exchange job related information. • Resolve problems with assistance from peers or supervisors depending on the level and complexity. • Provide basic training to employees on work instructions/standard work as needed. • Flex to multiple workstations based on business needs. • Perform complex assembly work within tolerance and quality standards at the defined rate. • Suggest and implement improvements to existing equipment, designs, and/or processes to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. • Retrieve information as needed within ERP system. • Provide training to employees on work instructions/standard work. • Contributes to identifying problems and implementing appropriate countermeasures. • Uses initiative and judgment to lead problem solving and implementing appropriate countermeasures. • Proficiently access information and perform transactions as needed within ERP system. • Lead team meetings and exchange job related information.      • Solve problems independently within designated authority level. • Frequently train employees on different aspects of the department including work instructions/standard work • Participate in continuous improvement programs along with problem solving production related concerns. • Consistently follows through on team commitments, communicates, and demonstrates accountability.  • May perform lead responsibilities as needed. Requirements Education • High School diploma or equivalent Experience • Ability to perform highly repetitive assembly tasks in a manufacturing environment • 2 years of complex assembly or related experience Knowledge, Skills, Abilities • Detail oriented and organized. • Ability to effectively communicate in a team environment. • Accepts responsibility for own actions, follows through on commitments. • Ability to understand and execute advanced standard assembly procedures, interpret basic visual diagrams, and use advanced hand tools. • Ability to perform basic reading, writing, and math functions. • Ability to perform highly repetitive assembly tasks in a manufacturing environment. • Ability to act safely while following establish procedures, processes and policies • Ability to perform more complex assembly skills. • Intermediate computer knowledge (such as using electronic work instructions) • Understands principles of basic machine operations assembled. Preferred Job Requirements Experience • Manufacturing or mechanical experience, including knowledge of manufacturing processes • Experience using SAP or equivalent ERP system (Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics) • Experience in root cause problem solving (5 Why, 8D, PDCA, etc.) • Experience effectively training other employees to work instructions/standard work. ​ Physical Requirements and Working Conditions While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls; and to talk and hear.  The employee is regularly required to walk, stoop, crouch, bend and reach above shoulders.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100 pounds with assistance, waist high, walking up to 10 feet away. This job's specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be working in the typical conditions of a manufacturing environment, including seasonal variations in temperatures and occasional exposure to manufacturing fumes or by-products. The employee must comply with the assigned location PPE requirements, including but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, appropriate gloves, clothing, and shields for required tasks, and closed-toed or safety shoes as required by facility safety policies.   “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

Apply at Generac

Related jobs

Assembly Lead - 2nd Shift

Generac · Oshkosh, WI

Posted May 18 · Verified Sep 20

New Product Sourcing Specialist - Purchasing

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Intern Engineering - Advanced Manufacturing

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Mechanical Engineer II

Generac · Sussex, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Material Handler - Weekend Shift

Generac · Whitewater, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Inside Sales Representative Residential

Generac · Pewaukee, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20