Machine Shop Leader 1st Shift

Axis Engineering; Britton (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Relocation assistance

Work-life balance

Growth opportunities

Training & development

Job summary

AUTOKINITON is seeking a skilled Fabrication Leader to oversee daily tool room and machine shop activities, ensuring on-time production and adherence to safety standards.

You will train and mentor Tool Maker Apprentices, read engineering drawings, manage fixtures and gauges, and make decisions on repairs based on CMM quality reports. Strong problem solving and proficiency with Microsoft Office are essential; relocation and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; or 3-5 years related experience or training.
• Journeyman’s card preferred.
• 5+ years fabrication, welding, or metal manufacturing experience.
• Strong knowledge of welding, cutting, forming, grinding, and assembly.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and fabrication blueprints.
• Experience using precision measuring tools and inspection equipment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out leader responsibilities in accordance with policies and laws.
• Train associates; plan, assign, direct work, appraise performance, mentor Apprentices.
• Support mission, values, safety and quality metrics; maintain fixtures and gauges.
• Study blueprints and models to determine materials and machines needed.
• Make decisions on repair and maintenance in tool room, machine shop and Fab Areas; evaluate CMM quality reports.
• Operate machinery and equipment per MIOSHA standards and company procedures.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Lead and supervise daily Fabrication operations.
• Verify completed work meets quality standards and customer specifications.

Skills

Leadership

Training associates

Project management

Microsoft Office

Analytical thinking

Education

Journeyman’s card preferred

Tools

CMM quality reports

Fabrication machinery operation

Job description

WE ARE ****AUTOKINITON

DRIVING SUCCESS FOR THE WORLD'S TOP AUTO MANUFACTURERS.

At AUTOKINITON, we are more than just an automotive supplier — we are the backbone of vehicle performance and safety. Specializing in high-strength structural components and precision stamping assemblies, our parts are trusted by the world’s leading automakers.

Our dedicated teams proudly deliver quality parts and assemblies that contribute to vehicle durability and safety. With decades of experience, a passion for continuous improvement, and a forward-thinking approach, we play a critical role in shaping the future of mobility.

CAREERS WITH AUTOKINITON

Building the Future—Together.
Autokiniton is a trusted partner to the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, known for our operational excellence and culture of continuous improvement.

Our core value, “We, not I,” reflects our commitment to collaboration, integrity, and shared success. We cultivate a workplace where independent thinking is encouraged, and every associate plays a vital role in our progress.

Join a high-performance team committed to shaping the future of mobility—with opportunity, purpose, and growth at every turn.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Carry out leader responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws
• Responsible for training associates; planning, assigning, directing work, appraising performance, mentoring Tool Maker Apprentices, and coordinating with managers
• Support the Company’s mission, vision, values, and goals in performance of daily activities including safety and quality metrics along with standard tool & die work Maintain and upgrade fixtures and gauges
• Study specifications such as blueprints, sketches, models, or descriptions and visualizes product to determine the materials required and the machines to be used to fabricate parts, weld parts and build tools accurately.
• Make decisions and judgments about proper course of action for repair and maintenance in tool room, machine shop and Fab Areas. Including evaluating and making decisions based on CMM quality reports.
• Perform duties and operate machinery & equipment according to MIOSHA standards and
• company procedures using required safety equipment (gloves, sleeves, earplugs, etc.)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Team
• Demonstrate good short- and long-term decision making in these areas:
• Tooling troubleshooting
• Diagnosis of the problem and courses of action
• Tool room repair and maintenance work
• Tool Room Machining Practices
• Program timing, meeting deadlines
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
• Ability to read and write in English and perform mathematical calculations
• Ability to adhere to all company policies and procedures in a professional and consistent manner
• Able to apply common sense understanding and use appropriate judgment in routine business situations with supervisors, co-workers, and customers
• Participating in continuous improvement activities
• Manages and prioritizes activities of Machine Shop, tool and fabrication personnel to meet customer, plant and management requirements
• Review design, cost, and timing to formulate a feasible plan to provide all “make” items efficiently and at the lowest cost
• Adheres to established project timelines and provides regular timing / project updates to Leadership utilizing Microsoft Project and / or Office.
• Gives direction and approval for revisions to project scope and timing.
• Monitor/improve quality of tool room, fab area and machine shop products.
• Monitor/improve machine shop capacity.
• Monitor/improve perishable tooling usage
• Implements and maintain preventive maintenance programs
• Reviews / inspects orderliness and housekeeping to maintain company standards
• Lead and supervise daily Fabrication operations.
• Verify completed work meets quality standards and customer specifications.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school Diploma or general education degree (GED); or three to five years related experience and /or training; or equivalent combination of education or experience
• Journeyman’s card preferred ****
• Five or more years of fabrication, welding, or metal manufacturing experience.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication processes, including welding, cutting, forming, grinding, and assembly
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and fabrication blueprints.
• Experience using precision measuring tools and inspection equipment.

This is a 1st shift position, and shift times may vary depending on facility needs.

WHY YOU WILL ENJOY WORKING HERE:

• Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and up to 15 paid holidays annually, thanks to our generous holiday and holiday bridge schedule. We also provide a tool allowance for our Skilled Trades Associates.
• Relocation Assistance: Our company offers comprehensive relocation assistance, including coverage for temporary housing and travel costs for our Skilled Trades and Salaried positions.
• Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.
• Growth Opportunities : Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.
• Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates – from entry-level to senior-level – with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.

AUTOKINITON is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. AUTOKINITON makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Required Skills

Required Experience