Machine Repair Leader Travel Required

Axis Engineering; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 49,593 - 57,859; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks paid vacation

15 paid holidays

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Leadership development opportunities

Job summary

Axis Engineering, a division of AUTOKINITON, seeks an experienced Machine Repair Technician Lead with stamping press repair expertise. The role requires travel to multiple plant locations to keep equipment maintained and to mentor maintenance staff.

You will lead repair projects, troubleshoot complex machinery, and coordinate priorities to minimize downtime while ensuring safety and OSHA compliance. This is a traveling, hands-on leadership role in Grand Rapids, MI.

Qualifications

• Mechanical repair experience required, press repair preferred.
• Willingness to travel regularly to multiple plant sites.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules and maintenance manuals.
• Strong troubleshooting and safety awareness.
• Leadership experience in maintenance projects or lead roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead machine repair projects and equipment rebuilds across multiple plant locations.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for stamping press troubleshooting.
• Coordinate repair priorities with maintenance teams to minimize downtime.
• Mentor and guide Machine Repair Technicians and maintenance staff.
• Provide training on troubleshooting techniques, safety procedures, and best practices.
• Identify opportunities for equipment reliability improvements and preventive maintenance.

Skills

Technical leadership

Troubleshooting

Travel readiness

Project coordination

English communication

Education

High school diploma/GED

5–7 years relevant experience

Journeyman's card preferred

Job description

Machine Repair Technician Lead (Traveling)- Grand Rapids, MI

Location: Grand Rapids, MI (with travel to OH, MI, SC, IL, and other sites)

Pay: $36 to $42/hr + Overtime (after 40 hrs/week) Daily Per Diem

Axis Engineering, a division of AUTOKINITON, is a leading North American supplier of structural automotive components. We deliver advanced engineering, manufacturing, and logistics solutions to the world's top automotive manufacturers.

We are seeking an experienced Machine Repair Technician Lead with Stamping Press Repair experience to join our team. This role requires travel to multiple plant locations to ensure equipment is maintained, repaired, and operating at peak performance while providing technical leadership, mentoring, and coordination of machine repair activities across facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead machine repair projects and equipment rebuilds at multiple plant locations.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for complex machine and stamping press troubleshooting.
• Coordinate repair priorities and support maintenance teams to minimize downtime.
• Provide hands-on guidance and mentorship to Machine Repair Technicians and maintenance personnel.
• Assist with training and development of maintenance team members on troubleshooting techniques, safety procedures, and best practices.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify opportunities for equipment reliability improvements and preventive maintenance enhancements.

Equipment Repair & Maintenance

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical issues in press machines and related production equipment.
• Dismantle, replace, and install machine components as needed.
• Perform welding, torch cutting, lubrication, and preventive maintenance.
• Conduct equipment inspections and ensure compliance with OSHA and BMES safety standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and complete training through the General Repair II Program.
• Assist in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for recurring equipment failures.
• Document repairs, equipment conditions, and maintenance recommendations.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and enforce safe work practices at all locations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, and customer requirements.
• Conduct job safety assessments and support incident prevention initiatives.
• Lead by example in maintaining a safe and organized work environment.

Requirements

• Mechanical repair experience (press machine repair strongly preferred).
• High school diploma/GED or 5–7 years of relevant experience (or a combination of both).
• Journeyman's card preferred.
• Previous experience leading maintenance projects, mentoring technicians, or serving in a lead role preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and safety awareness.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, maintenance instructions, and technical manuals.
• Basic math skills (algebra and geometry).
• Willingness to travel regularly to multiple plant sites.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English (written and verbal).
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and coordinate repair activities across facilities.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with overtime opportunities.
• 3 weeks paid vacation + 15 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement & career growth opportunities.
• Leadership development opportunities.