Netherlands • Mechanical assembly • CV required Last updated:

Mechanical Fitter / Assembler in the Netherlands

This page describes a typical Mechanical Fitter / Assembler role in the Netherlands. Assignments are project-based and can vary between machine building, workshop assembly, and industrial maintenance support.

Gross hourly pay: €16.75–€24.50 Common areas: Rotterdam, Dordrecht (examples) Typical extras: shift allowance / overtime (project-based)
CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not considered.
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Hiring story: where you fit on the project

Dutch manufacturing and industrial sites often run on tight tolerances and repeatable processes. Mechanical fitters and assemblers are the hands-on layer between engineering intent and a working machine: you align parts, follow instructions, verify measurements, and leave a clean handover for testing or commissioning.


Typical assignment types

  • Machine assembly in a workshop (sub-assemblies, frames, guarding, conveyors)
  • Industrial fitting support (shutdowns, replacements, alignment, bolting)
  • Production-line mechanical assembly (repeatable stations, quality checkpoints)

Why CV detail matters

  • Tools you used (torque wrench, measuring instruments, alignment tools)
  • Proof of experience (roles, projects, industries)
  • Ability to follow instructions safely and consistently

Candidate snapshot

A quick self-check before you apply.

You are a good fit if you…

  • can work from instructions, drawings, or assembly sheets without constant supervision
  • use measuring tools (caliper, micrometer, gauge) and record results when needed
  • understand torque / fastening basics and respect tightening sequences
  • keep a tidy workstation and follow a consistent build order
  • can communicate basic issues in English (safety, defects, missing parts)
  • treat PPE and site rules as non-negotiable
  • have realistic expectations about shifts, pace and quality checks

 

This role is often rejected for avoidable reasons.

This role is not for you if you…

  • expect “light tasks only” and avoid repetitive work or standing for long periods
  • do not measure or verify and rely on “it looks fine”
  • ignore torque specs, safety locks, or basic housekeeping
  • cannot follow written steps or you frequently skip checkpoints
  • do not have a CV or cannot describe your hands-on experience clearly

What you’ll do day-to-day

Mechanical fitting & assembly tasks

  • Prepare parts, tools, and fixtures; verify part numbers and kits
  • Assemble mechanical components to instructions (frames, modules, guarding, conveyors)
  • Fit bearings, bushings, couplings; align where required
  • Perform controlled tightening using torque tools and sequences
  • Basic hand/power tool work (drilling, deburring, fasteners, mounting)

Quality checks, measurements & reporting

  • Measure critical dimensions (gap, concentricity, clearance) with suitable gauges
  • Inspect threads/fasteners and surface condition; report defects early
  • Complete simple checklists or build records where required
  • Support test/commissioning teams by addressing punch-list items
Common mindset: “build it right the first time”

Skills & requirements

Must-have

  • Hands-on mechanical assembly/fitting experience (workshop or industrial)
  • Basic ability to read drawings, exploded views, or work instructions
  • Good measurement discipline (caliper/micrometer or similar)
  • CV in English is required for review and selection

Nice-to-have

  • Hydraulic/pneumatic assembly exposure (hoses, fittings, leak awareness)
  • Experience with alignment, couplings, or rotating equipment
  • Workshop 5S / Lean routines and structured quality checks
  • Safety certificate for industrial sites (project-dependent)

Physical & practical

  • Standing, lifting, repetitive tasks depending on station
  • Comfortable using hand tools for long periods
  • Basic English for safety, instructions, and reporting

Tools, standards & safety (typical NL sites)

Tools & equipment you may use

Core hand tools

  • spanners, sockets, hex keys, screwdrivers
  • torque wrench / torque drivers
  • drills, grinders (where permitted), deburring tools

Measurement

  • calipers, micrometers, feeler gauges
  • basic alignment aids depending on assignment
  • simple go/no-go gauges in production settings

Exact tools depend on the client site. You must use approved tools and follow calibration rules where applicable.

Safety & standards (general)

  • PPE required: safety shoes, eye protection, gloves as needed
  • Follow site rules for lifting, hot work, and controlled areas
  • Lockout/tagout principles may apply in maintenance/shutdown settings
  • Safety certifications can be requested per client/site (confirmed during screening)
Practical tip: If you can describe how you prevent rework (measurement, torque, checkpoints), your application usually screens faster.

Work conditions (shifts, overtime, travel, housing)

Conditions vary by project, province and client policy. Below is a typical, neutral overview used in NL industrial and workshop assignments.

Schedule

  • Most common: day shift (Mon–Fri)
  • Some sites: 2-shift or early/late rotations
  • Start times and breaks are site-specific

Overtime

  • Depends on workload and deadlines
  • Weekend work can occur in peak periods
  • Paid per project rules (rates/percentages vary)

Travel / housing

  • Some projects offer accommodation or help arranging it
  • Transport to site can be provided or compensated (project-dependent)
  • Any cost/deduction must be specified in writing

Documents & process (non-EU candidates) — overview

What you typically need

  • Valid passport / identity document
  • CV (English preferred) and relevant certificates (if any)
  • Proof of experience (references, photos of work, or documented projects — if available)
  • Background checks may apply for certain clients/sites

Your exact checklist is confirmed after CV screening and depends on client requirements and the legal route for the assignment.

Work authorization (high-level)

  • Eligibility and permits can be employer-sponsored (assignment-specific), or based on another legal basis depending on your status
  • Authorization is always tied to the employer/project and your profile
  • Expect a screening step: role match, skills proof, and document verification
  • Basic English for safety and instructions is expected on most sites
Important: Applying is allowed, but the ability to work in NL is confirmed case-by-case.
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FAQ (Mechanical Fitter / Assembler — NL)

Short answers to common questions.

Is the pay shown gross (brutto) or net?

All rates on this page are shown as gross (brutto). Net pay depends on taxes and social contributions. If housing/transport is provided, any costs/deductions must be listed in writing.

Do I need to read drawings to qualify?

You should be comfortable following work instructions and basic technical documentation (drawings, exploded views, assembly steps). You do not need office/design skills, but you must build accurately and measure when required.

Do I need VCA?

Some industrial sites request a safety certificate (often VCA Basic). If a specific project requires it, this is confirmed during screening and before start.

What kind of projects are most common?

Most assignments are workshop assembly or industrial support roles. Tasks range from repeatable station work to fitter duties where alignment, measurement and controlled tightening are important.

Can non-EU candidates apply?

Yes. Work authorization depends on the employer, assignment and your profile. The exact route is confirmed after CV screening and document review.

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