Expert Machine Builder Walker, Michigan, United States

Axis Company LLC; Walker, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Axis Automation in Michigan is seeking an Expert Machine Builder, a hands-on specialist who tackles the most demanding, tight-tolerance mechanical builds, prototype work, and robotic integration. You’ll work mostly solo or with one junior builder to deliver complex projects.

You will mentor peers, lead root-cause analysis, contribute to build standards, and interface with engineers. Travel to domestic and international sites is required, and safety and quality are stressed as core company

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training valued.
• 8+ years building custom industrial equipment with complex mechanical assemblies.
• Mastery of mechanical assemblies, pneumatics, FAT/SAT, and robotic integration.
• Ability to read prints and GD&T; redlines drive design improvements.
• Willingness to travel ~20%, passport and driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Own the most demanding, tight-tolerance builds at Axis.
• Work solo or with one junior builder to complete projects.
• Lead root cause analysis and propose systemic fixes.
• Document techniques and contribute to build standards.
• Mentor others through hands-on coaching.
• Interface with engineers and influence design decisions.
• Represent Axis at customer sites, FAT/SAT, and runoffs.
• Operate shop equipment with mastery and suggest tooling improvements.
• Follow LOTO and shop safety; travel to sites.
• Lift objects up to 50 lbs.
• Travel domestically and internationally; valid passport.

Skills

Mechanical Assembly

Pneumatics

Print Reading & GD&T

Robotics Integration

FAT/SAT

Safety

Shop Tools

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational/technical training valued

Tools

Own tools

Job description

Position Overview

The Expert Machine Builder is the department’s pinnacle technical individual contributor. This builder takes on the most demanding builds — tight tolerances, novel mechanisms, prototype and R&D work, and the cells that require the deepest technical experience — typically working solo or with one junior builder for support. The Expert Machine Builder contributes to build standards, and serves as the go‑to technical resource for difficult mechanical problems. Approximately three‑quarters of all time is spent in hands‑on build, debug, and complex problem‑solving. This position reports directly to the Build Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Owns the most demanding builds at Axis: tight-tolerance assemblies, novel mechanisms, and cells with technical complexity
• Works solo or with one junior builder for support; capable of executing complete projects independently
• Serves as the go‑to technical resource for difficult mechanical problems anywhere on the build floor
• Leads root cause analysis on the most complex mechanical issues and proposes systemic fixes
• Contributes to build standards, fixturing approaches, and tribal knowledge; documents techniques for team‑wide adoption
• Mentors machine builders on advanced techniques through hands‑on coaching and demonstration
• Interfaces directly with mechanical and controls engineers and influences design decisions
• Represents Axis professionally on the most technically demanding customer site visits, FAT/SAT events, and runoffs
• Operates all shop equipment with mastery; proposes shop tooling improvements
• Follows LOTO and shop safety procedures; serves as a safety standard‑bearer
• Regular lifting of objects 50 lbs or more
• Travels to customer sites for installation support, including domestic and international destinations
• Sets the bar for quality and craftsmanship; makes high‑leverage, frugal decisions
• Champion our Operating Principles: You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Vocational or technical training valued.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years building custom industrial equipment or machines, with proven mastery of complex mechanical assemblies, pneumatics, debug, FAT/SAT, and robotic integration.
• Technical Skills:
• Mechanical Assembly: Highest-level mastery of complex mechanical builds across all project types; can take on builds nobody else can crack.
• Pneumatics: Install, routing, troubleshooting, and design contribution.
• Print Reading & GD&T: Highest-level fluency; redlines drive systemic design improvements.
• Shop Tools: Mastery of all standard shop equipment; proposes new tooling and methods.
• Mechanical Debug: Recognized expert; “go-to” for the most difficult mechanical and integration problems at Axis.
• FAT/SAT: Leads on the most complex acceptance tests; ensures right‑the‑first‑time quality.
• Robotics Integration: Deep familiarity with multiple robotic platforms; contributes to integration best practices.
• Safety: Master‑level LOTO and robotic cell safety practice; safety standard‑bearer for the team.
• Leadership: Documented track record of mentoring, internal coaching, and elevating departmental craftsmanship through continuous improvement initiatives. Does not own people management.
• Communication: Communicates clearly with project teams, peers, cross‑functional groups, customers, and suppliers; regarded as an all‑around resource for anyone interacting with Axis Automation on build matters.
• Problem‑Solving: Go‑to expert for troubleshooting across mechanical assemblies, pneumatics, robotic integration.
• Teamwork: Models collaborative behavior by proactively sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues during crunch periods.
• Reliability: Demonstrates reliability through hand‑offs, on‑time delivery, and adherence to the highest standards.
• Travel: Willingness to travel approximately 20% (roughly 10 weeks per year, in waves), including domestic and international destinations such as Mexico. Valid passport required (or willingness to obtain). Valid driver’s license required.
• Tools: Builders are expected to use their own tools and box; hand tools, specialty and shop equipment provided by Axis.

Benefits

Axis offers a comprehensive benefits package with no waiting period.

Wage Range

$29.00 - $34.00/hour with the opportunity for overtime and travel pay.