Machine Builder & Precision Assembler – 1st Shift

Tom Trese Networking LLC; City of Pewaukee, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Tom Trese Networking LLC in Pewaukee, WI is seeking a skilled Machine Builder & Precision Assembler for 1st shift to design, build, and align custom automated machinery from the ground up.

You will read multi-view blueprints, work with on-floor 3D CAD models, install pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and partner with engineers to ensure precise motion and timely delivery of complex assets.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of ground-up machine building or 2+ years with precision toolmaking background.
• Experience with high-speed material handling or custom packaging machinery.
• Ability to read multi-page assembly prints and fluid power schematics.
• Proficient with hand tools, power tools, and metrology instruments.
• Residence within 45-minute drive of Pewaukee, WI; US Citizenship or GC.

Responsibilities

• Build complex custom systems from the ground up, aligning and assembling machinery.
• Interpret detailed mechanical drawings and pneumatic/hydraulic schematics.
• Utilize on-floor 3D CAD models to verify spatial relations and clearances.
• Install pneumatic and hydraulic circuits on machine frames with accuracy.
• Tune components to tight tolerances using precision techniques.
• Collaborate with engineering to solve bottlenecks on the floor.
• Teardown, packing, and crating of completed machines for transport.

Skills

Machine building

Toolmaking

Blueprint literacy

Pneumatics

Hydraulics

Precision measurement

Shop equipment

CAD software

3D modeling

Tools

CAD software

3D modeling

EOAT mounting

Job description

Machine Builder & Precision Assembler – 1st Shift

Up to $40.00/Hour + Overtime • Pewaukee, WI Area • 100% Onsite • 1st Shift

• COMPENSATION: Up to $40.00/hour starting base rate (commensurate with trade experience and toolmaking depth) + overtime availability + comprehensive benefits package.
• WORK SCHEDULE: Fixed, predictable 1st Shift | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Monday through Friday | 100% Onsite shop environment.
• WORK ENVIRONMENT: Established, premier custom automation builder in the Pewaukee area; modern facility featuring on-floor 3D modeling workstations at every build station; collaborative, non-siloed team culture where builders work directly with mechanical engineers and wiremen.
• EXPERIENCE & TECH STACK: 5+ years of ground-up mechanical machine building OR 2+ years backed by a precision toolmaking/fixture-building background; advanced mechanical blueprint literacy; fluid power piping/routing (pneumatics and hydraulics); precision measurement tools and shop floor machinery.
• COMPANY STABILITY & CULTURE: Long-standing custom machinery leader building complex, one-off automation assets; casual, high-ownership workplace; opening created due to an upcoming long-term employee retirement.
• REQUIREMENTS / COMPLIANCE: US Citizen or Green Card holder; permanent residence within a daily 45-minute driving radius of Pewaukee, WI.

If you are a true mechanical craftsman who hates the repetitive monotony of high-volume line assembly and wants a technical home where genuine problem-solving skills are valued, this custom machine building role offers an ideal destination. Operating as an established, long-standing custom automation provider in the Pewaukee area, this industry pioneer has spent decades designing and building high-specification, one-of-a-kind machinery for global manufacturers.

Rejecting rigid corporate silos, this shop fosters a tight-knit environment where mechanical builders, electrical wiremen, and engineering staff work side-by-side on the floor from day one. Every system born on this production floor is a custom, complex automation asset integrating cutting-edge controls, robotics, vision systems, and fluid power loops. Once a project hits the floor, you have end-to-end ownership of the build, the creative freedom to finesse mechanical alignments, and a direct line to engineering. Backed by an opening created by an upcoming retirement, excellent job security, and modern CAD-equipped workstations, this environment provides an exceptional long-term home for a proud trades professional.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Build Complex Custom Systems: Build, fit, align, and assemble diverse, high-value custom automated machinery, robotic cells, assembly presses, and packaging lines from the ground up.
• Interpret Technical Schematics: Read and build from highly detailed multi-view mechanical drawings, assembly blueprints, and pneumatic/hydraulic fluid power schematics to establish proper build sequencing.
• Utilize On-Floor 3D Modeling: 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.
• Install Fluid Power Systems: Layout, bend, route, and mount complex pneumatic manifolds, valve blocks, and high-pressure hydraulic circuits neatly onto machine frames.
• Precision Mechanical Finessing: Shim, scrape, adjust, and tune precision components to exact tolerances, utilizing toolmaking-level techniques to guarantee flawless mechanical motion and cycling.
• Collaborate with Engineering: Partner directly with mechanical design engineers on-site to troubleshoot assembly bottlenecks, verify tolerances, and resolve design deviations on the fly.
• Teardown & Crating: Oversee the tactical breakdown, match-marking, packing, and crating of completed custom machines to prepare them for customer transport and field installation.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• Proven Machine Building Pedigree: 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.
• Complex System Craftsmanship: Demonstrated background building high-speed material handling systems, precision automated lines, or custom packaging machinery (not component-level bench assembly).
• Blueprint & Schematic Literacy: Expert ability to read, interpret, and assemble complex machinery directly from multi-page mechanical assembly prints and fluid power schematics.
• Precision Tool Mastery: Expert, safe operation of hand and power tools, shop equipment (mills, lathes, surface grinders), and precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators).
• Collaborative Mindset: Strong interpersonal skills and a team-first work ethic to partner effectively with wiremen, controls engineers, and plant leadership.
• Location & Legal Authorization: Residence established within a comfortable daily 45-minute commuting radius of Pewaukee, WI, and US Citizenship or Green Card holder status.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Toolmaking Journeyman Card: Formal apprenticeship completion or Journeyman credentials in Tool & Die or Precision Machining.
• Basic Electrical / Sensor Alignment: Ability to mount, align, and wire basic 24V proximity sensors, photoeyes, and limit switches during mechanical assembly.
• Robotics & Vision Cell Setup: Hands-on experience mounting and mechanically squaring end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) or camera mounting frames.