Lead Machine Builder

JRAutomation; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits starting day 1

Paid parental leave

Job summary

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is seeking a Lead Machine Builder to join our Holland, MI team. You will lead the assembly, build, and installation of automated machinery, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to quality standards.

You will supervise build teams, coordinate cross‑functional activities, and drive continuous improvement on site. The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, ability to read drawings, and travel up to 20% domestically/internationally.

Qualifications

• Proficient with MS Office and Excel.
• Able to read part and assembly drawings.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with focus on safety and quality.
• Experience leading automated machinery builds.
• Willing to travel up to 20% domestically/internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead assembly, build, and installation of automated machinery.
• Supervise build teams across the project lifecycle.
• Plan, organize, and control the build process and related costs.
• Coordinate cross-functional work with engineering, manufacturing, and PM teams.
• Mentor and coach team members; drive cost savings and efficiency.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading drawings

Team leadership

Travel 20%

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Location:

Holland, Michigan, United States

Job ID:

R0137429

Date Posted:

2026-08-03

Company Name:

J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Profession (Job Category):

Production & Skilled Trades

Job Schedule:

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

The Opportunity:

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we're always looking to get stronger across North America, Europe, and Asia. Join us as a Lead Machine Builder in Holland, MI as we work together to bring innovative automation solutions to life.

Location Type

This is a full-time hourly position based onsite in Holland, MI

What We Offer:

• Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave
• Opportunity to work on customized, 1-of-1 automation projects
• A collaborative, engineering-driven environment
• Career growth and skill development opportunities
• A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter
• Work with cutting edge and innovative technologies

Role Overview

The Lead Machine Builder is responsible for leading the assembly, build, and installation of automated machinery while ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to quality standards. This role supervises build teams throughout the project lifecycle, coordinating resources, materials, schedules, and communication across engineering, manufacturing, and project management functions. The Lead Machine Builder provides hands‑on leadership, mentoring, training, and performance coaching to team members while driving continuous improvement and cost‑saving initiatives. Success in this role requires strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to read technical drawings, and proven experience leading automated machine builds. The position also supports equipment installation at customer sites and requires occasional domestic and international travel.

How You'll Make an Impact:

• Assist Engineering in the development phase.
• Direct supervision of project teams assigned during the build phase.
• Plan, organize, and control the build process and related costs.
• Work cross functionally with all departments during all phases of the project including de‑bug and runoff.
• Verify arrival of materials to ensure they are available when needed.
• Keep the project team up to date on key project detail, and keep the team informed on workload, and hours required.
• Drive best practice and cost savings opportunities with the build team.
• Assign and track tasks for the build team so that all resources are used to their full potential during the build phase.
• Strive to achieve the highest level of performance from each team member as it relates to their individual ability.
• Set employee expectations, provide feedback, coaching, and accountability to insure employees meet company expectations as needed and during formal performance reviews.
• Promote and execute build team training through the use of the 3 build development modules.
• Support, promote, and execute company initiatives.
• Ensure that changes and problems get documented and communicated.
• Provide timely customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Communicate to the Build Manager and Project Manager on open issues, milestones, release status, timing, hours, and budget concerns.
• Responsible to assist the build manager in developing the build team through leadership, experience, positive attitude, encouragement, and training.
• Support the quoting team by giving input on concepts, hours, and material costs.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Demonstrate a commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety, on‑time delivery, and quality of our products.
• Responsible for holding team accountable to company policy and procedure.
• Release prints according to timeline schedule - sequencing purchased and in house fabricated parts to arrive when needed.
• Coordinate tear down and installation schedules including trucking requirements.
• Lead installation of equipment at customer site which may include coordinating equipment and resources needed on site.

Note: This list of responsibilities is by no means inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You'll Bring:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools and the ability to navigate Excel.
• Proficient in reading part and assembly drawings.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with a focus on safety and quality.
• Proven ability to lead the build of automated machinery.
• Proven ability to accept and give direction, set expectations, and hold team members accountable to meet timing, budget, and customer expectations.
• Ability to train and mentor.
• Ability to maintain a steady pace while bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and climbing onto and beneath machines.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as required.
• Ability to obtain a Hi-Lo (Fork Lift), Aerial Platform and Overhead Crane license, along with Lock Out Tag Out training, while employed at JR.
• Ability to provide own hand tools and tool box suitable for the job (a list of those recommended will be provided).
• Travel at least 20% of the time may be required. This may include domestic and international travel depending on the project.

Disclaimer:

JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview:

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution.

Together, we push what's possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to [e-mail]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.