Expert Machine Builder

Axis Automation•Walker, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Expert Machine Builder is the department’s pinnacle technical individual contributor. This builder takes on the most demanding builds — tight tolerances, novel mechanisms, prototype and R&D work, and the cells that require the deepest technical experience — typically working solo or with one junior builder for support. The Expert Machine Builder contributes to build standards, and serves as the go-to technical resource for difficult mechanical problems. Approximately three-quarters of all time is spent in hands-on build, debug, and complex problem-solving.

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years building custom industrial equipment or machines, with proven mastery of complex mechanical assemblies, pneumatics, debug, FAT/SAT, and robotic integration.
Mechanical Assembly: Highest-level mastery of complex mechanical builds across all project types; can take on builds nobody else can crack.
Pneumatics: Install, routing, troubleshooting, and design contribution.
Print Reading & GD&T: Highest-level fluency; redlines drive systemic design improvements.
Shop Tools: Mastery of all standard shop equipment; proposes new tooling and methods.
Mechanical Debug: Recognized expert; “go-to” for the most difficult mechanical and integration problems at Axis.
FAT/SAT: Leads on the most complex acceptance tests; ensures right-the-first-time quality.
Robotics Integration: Deep familiarity with multiple robotic platforms; contributes to integration best practices.
Safety: Master-level LOTO and robotic cell safety practice; safety standard-bearer for the team.
Leadership: Documented track record of mentoring, internal coaching, and elevating departmental craftsmanship through continuous improvement initiatives. Does not own people management.
Communication: Communicates clearly with project teams, peers, cross-functional groups, customers, and suppliers; regarded as an all-around resource for anyone interacting with Axis Automation on build matters.
Problem-Solving: Go-to expert for troubleshooting across mechanical assemblies, pneumatics, robotic integration.
Teamwork: Models collaborative behavior by proactively sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues during crunch periods.
Reliability: Demonstrates reliability through hand-offs, on-time delivery, and adherence to the highest standards.
Travel: Willingness to travel approximately 20% (roughly 10 weeks per year, in waves), including domestic and international destinations such as Mexico. Valid passport required (or willingness to obtain). Valid driver’s license required.
Tools: Builders are expected to use their own tools and box; hand tools, specialty and shop equipment provided by Axis.

Nice To Haves

Vocational or technical training valued.

Responsibilities

Owns the most demanding builds at Axis: tight-tolerance assemblies, novel mechanisms, and cells with technical complexity
Works solo or with one junior builder for support; capable of executing complete projects independently
Serves as the go-to technical resource for difficult mechanical problems anywhere on the build floor
Leads root cause analysis on the most complex mechanical issues and proposes systemic fixes
Contributes to build standards, fixturing approaches, and tribal knowledge; documents techniques for team-wide adoption
Mentors machine builders on advanced techniques through hands-on coaching and demonstration
Interfaces directly with mechanical and controls engineers and influences design decisions
Represents Axis professionally on the most technically demanding customer site visits, FAT/SAT events, and runoffs
Operates all shop equipment with mastery; proposes shop tooling improvements
Follows LOTO and shop safety procedures; serves as a safety standard-bearer
Regular lifting of objects 50 lbs or more
Travels to customer sites for installation support, including domestic and international destinations
Sets the bar for quality and craftsmanship; makes high-leverage, frugal decisions
Champion our Operating Principles: You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.