Machine Builder & Precision Assembler – 1st Shift

Software Placement Group, SPG; City of Pewaukee (WI); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime available

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Software Placement Group (SPG) is seeking a skilled Machine Builder & Precision Assembler in Pewaukee, WI. The role focuses on end-to-end construction of custom automated machinery, requiring reading complex drawings and direct collaboration with mechanical engineers on-site.

Ideal candidates have a background in precision toolmaking or Journeyman credentials, plus experience with high-speed material handling systems. Onsite, with standard 1st shift, pay up to $40/hour plus overtime.

Qualifications

• 5+ years building ground-up mechanical machinery or 2+ years with precision toolmaking background.
• Experience with high-speed material handling systems or custom packaging machinery.
• Ability to read complex multi-view assembly prints and hydraulic/pneumatic schematics.
• Proficient with hand/power tools and precision measuring instruments.
• Residence within a 45-minute drive of Pewaukee, WI; US Citizen or Green Card holder.

Responsibilities

• Build, fit, align, and assemble custom automated machinery from ground up.
• Read detailed drawings and schematics to establish build sequencing.
• Verify tolerances using CAD models and inspection tools on the floor.
• Layout pneumatics manifolds and hydraulics circuits on machine frames.
• Troubleshoot bottlenecks with design engineers and assist with packing and transport.

Skills

Ground-up mechanical builds

Precision toolmaking

Reading mechanical prints

Pneumatics & hydraulics

Mills & lathes & grinders

Education

Formal apprenticeship in Tool & Die / Precision Machining

Journeyman credentials in Tool & Die

Tools

3D CAD models

CNC mills

Lathes

Surface grinders

Job description

Location: Pewaukee, WI | Schedule: Full-time, 1st Shift, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, 100% Onsite | Compensation: Up to $40.00/hour + overtime

Overview

An established, premier custom automation builder in the Pewaukee, WI area is seeking a skilled Machine Builder & Precision Assembler to join its team on 1st Shift. This long-standing custom machinery leader designs and builds complex, one-of-a-kind automation assets for global manufacturers, and this opening was created due to an upcoming long-term employee retirement. The shop features a modern facility with on-floor 3D modeling workstations and a collaborative, non-siloed culture where builders work directly with mechanical engineers and wiremen.

What you'll do

• Build, fit, align, and assemble diverse, high-value custom automated machinery, robotic cells, assembly presses, and packaging lines from the ground up
• Read and build from highly detailed multi-view mechanical drawings, assembly blueprints, and pneumatics and hydraulics fluid power schematics to establish proper build sequencing
• Access 3D CAD digital models directly at shop-floor workstations to verify spatial relationships, check mechanical clearances, and inspect complex sub-assemblies in real time
• Layout, bend, route, and mount complex pneumatics manifolds, valve blocks, and high-pressure hydraulics circuits neatly onto machine frames
• Shim, scrape, adjust, and tune precision components to exact tolerances, utilizing toolmaking-level techniques to guarantee flawless mechanical motion and cycling
• Partner directly with mechanical design engineers on-site to troubleshoot assembly bottlenecks, verify tolerances, and resolve design deviations on the fly
• Oversee the tactical breakdown, match-marking, packing, and crating of completed custom machines to prepare them for customer transport and field installation

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience executing ground-up mechanical machine builds, OR 2+ years of experience backed by a formal background in precision toolmaking, die building, or custom fixture assembly
• Demonstrated background building high-speed material handling systems, precision automated lines, or custom packaging machinery (not component-level bench assembly)
• Expert ability to read, interpret, and assemble complex machinery directly from multi-page mechanical assembly prints and fluid power schematics covering pneumatics and hydraulics
• Expert, safe operation of hand and power tools, shop equipment (mills, lathes, surface grinders), and precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators)
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team-first work ethic to partner effectively with wiremen, controls engineers, and plant leadership
• Residence established within a comfortable daily 45-minute driving radius of Pewaukee, WI, and status as a US Citizen or Green Card holder

Preferred qualifications

• Formal apprenticeship completion or Journeyman credentials in Tool & Die or Precision Machining
• Ability to mount, align, and wire basic 24V proximity sensors, photoeyes, and limit switches during mechanical assembly
• Hands-on experience mounting and mechanically squaring end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) or camera mounting frames

Compensation and benefits

• Up to $40.00/hour starting base rate, commensurate with trade experience and toolmaking depth
• Overtime availability
• Comprehensive benefits package

Why this role

This role offers end-to-end ownership of complex custom builds, a collaborative on-floor culture with engineers and wiremen, modern CAD-equipped workstations, and excellent job security from an opening created by a long-term employee's retirement.