Machine Repair Technician Lead

Autokiniton; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth

Job summary

Autokiniton's Axis Engineering division seeks a Traveling Machine Repair Technician Lead in Grand Rapids, MI, with stamping press repair experience. You will lead repair projects across multiple plant locations and mentor technicians, ensuring equipment operates at peak performance.

This role requires frequent travel to OH, MI, SC, IL and other sites; strong troubleshooting, safety awareness, and ability to interpret manuals are essential; join a team focused on reliability improvements and

Qualifications

• Mechanical repair experience is required, with stamping press repair experience preferred.
• Journeyman's card is preferred.
• Willingness to travel regularly to multiple plant sites.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead machine repair projects and equipment rebuilds at multiple plant locations.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for 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 on troubleshooting techniques and safety procedures.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify reliability improvements and preventive maintenance opportunities.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical issues in press machines and related equipment.
• Dismantle, replace, and install machine components as needed.
• Perform welding, torch cutting, lubrication, and preventive maintenance.

Skills

Mechanical repair

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Safety awareness

Reading manuals

Education

High school diploma/GED

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)

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.
• 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.
• Competitive pay with overtime opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement & career growth opportunities.