Machine Builder Level 3

Axis Automation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Axis Automation in Grand Rapids, MI, is seeking a Machine Builder Level 3 to own larger subsystems and complete machines with limited oversight. You will contribute to mechanical debugging, support FAT/SAT activities, and engage with engineering and project management to resolve build issues.

This mid-level builder mentors junior teammates, travels to customer sites for installation support, and ensures timely, safe builds while maintaining detailed documentation and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; vocational or technical training valued.
• 3–5 years building custom industrial equipment or machines; exposure to multiple project life cycles.
• Proficient with mechanical and pneumatic prints; uses GD&T effectively; redlines prints accurately.
• Solid experience with mechanical assembly, pneumatics, debugging, FAT/SAT, and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Builds larger sub-systems and complete machines from prints with modest oversight.
• Leads mechanical debug and performs root cause analysis on assembly issues.
• Supports FAT/SAT: tests procedures, documents results, resolves punch-list items.
• Collaborates with design, controls, and project teams to resolve build issues.
• Travels to customer sites for installation support (domestic and international).
• Mentors Machine Builder I and II; shares techniques and knowledge.
• Identifies design issues and redlines prints accurately.
• Maintains build documentation: change notes, discrepancy reports, as-built records.
• Operates standard shop equipment safely and effectively.
• Follows LOTO and shop safety procedures; reinforces safety culture.
• Lifts objects up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Drives ownership of build quality and customer trust.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Pneumatics

Print Reading

GD&T

Shop tools

Mechanical debugging

FAT/SAT

Robotics integration

Safety

Mentoring

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Vocational or technical training valued

Job description

Position Overview: The Machine Builder Level 3 is a mid-level individual contributor who owns larger sub-systems and complete machines with modest oversight. This builder actively contributes to mechanical debug, supports FAT/SAT activities, mentors newer builders informally, and engages directly with engineering and project management to resolve build issues and protect schedules. This builder is trusted on customer sites for installation support. This position reports directly to the Build Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Builds larger sub-systems and complete machines from prints and BOMs with modest oversight
• Leads mechanical debug on assigned scope; performs root cause analysis on assembly and mechanical issues
• Supports FAT/SAT activities: participates in test procedures, documents results, and helps resolve punch-list items
• Engages directly with mechanical design engineers, controls engineers, Controls Technicians, and project management to resolve build issues
• Travels to customer sites for installation support, including domestic and international destinations
• Mentors Machine Builder I and II informally; demonstrates techniques and shares tribal knowledge
• Identifies and escalates design issues that complicate builds; redlines prints accurately
• Maintains build documentation: change notes, discrepancy reports, and as-built records
• Operates all standard shop equipment safely and effectively
• Follows LOTO and shop safety procedures; reinforces safety culture across the team
• Regular lifting of objects 50 lbs or more
• Champions the Operating Principles: applies principles across multiple projects; takes accountability for build quality and customer trust

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Vocational or technical training valued.
• Experience: 3-5 years building custom industrial equipment or machines, with exposure to multiple project life cycles.
• Technical Skills:
  • Mechanical Assembly: Builds complete machines from prints with minimal oversight.
  • Pneumatics: Installs, routes, and troubleshoots pneumatic systems independently.
  • Print Reading & GD&T: Fluent in mechanical and pneumatic prints; uses GD&T effectively; redlines accurately.
  • Shop Tools: Proficient with all standard shop equipment.
  • Mechanical Debug: Leads debug on assigned scope; performs root cause analysis on mechanical issues.
  • FAT/SAT: Active participant in factory and site acceptance testing; resolves punch-list items.
  • Robotics Integration: Familiar with installation and integration of robotics build integration.
  • Safety: Strong LOTO practice; thorough understanding of robotic cell safety standards.
• Leadership: Provides informal mentoring to junior builders; may lead a small team.
• Communication: Excellent communicator with project teams, cross-functional stakeholders, and customers during site visits; provides clear status updates and risk calls.
• Problem-Solving: Uses troubleshooting methods across mechanical assemblies and pneumatics; documents fixes.
• Teamwork: Collaborative, accepts feedback, shares knowledge, and supports peers during critical phases.
• Reliability: Meets deadlines for assigned scope, maintains disciplined documentation, and adheres to quality and safety standards without close supervision.
• 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

Wage: $25.00 - $30.00/hour

Benefits: Axis offers a comprehensive benefits package with no waiting period.