Lead Machine Builder

Hitachi•Holland, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Machine Builder is responsible for leading the assembly, build, and installation of automated machinery while ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to quality standards. This role supervises build teams throughout the project lifecycle, coordinating resources, materials, schedules, and communication across engineering, manufacturing, and project management functions. The Lead Machine Builder provides hands-on leadership, mentoring, training, and performance coaching to team members while driving continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives. Success in this role requires strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to read technical drawings, and proven experience leading automated machine builds. The position also supports equipment installation at customer sites and requires occasional domestic and international travel.

Requirements

Proficient with Microsoft Office tools and the ability to navigate Excel.
Proficient in reading part and assembly drawings.
Strong mechanical aptitude with a focus on safety and quality.
Proven ability to lead the build of automated machinery.
Proven ability to accept and give direction, set expectations, and hold team members accountable to meet timing, budget, and customer expectations.
Ability to train and mentor.
Ability to maintain a steady pace while bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and climbing onto and beneath machines.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as required.
Ability to obtain a Hi-Lo (Fork Lift), Aerial Platform and Overhead Crane license, along with Lock Out Tag Out training, while employed at JR.
Ability to provide own hand tools and tool box suitable for the job (a list of those recommended will be provided).
Travel at least 20% of the time may be required. This may include domestic and international travel depending on the project.

Responsibilities

Assist Engineering in the development phase.
Direct supervision of project teams assigned during the build phase.
Plan, organize, and control the build process and related costs.
Work cross functionally with all departments during all phases of the project including de-bug and runoff.
Verify arrival of materials to ensure they are available when needed.
Keep the project team up to date on key project detail, and keep the team informed on workload, and hours required.
Drive best practice and cost savings opportunities with the build team.
Assign and track tasks for the build team so that all resources are used to their full potential during the build phase.
Strive to achieve the highest level of performance from each team member as it relates to their individual ability.
Set employee expectations, provide feedback, coaching, and accountability to insure employees meet company expectations as needed and during formal performance reviews.
Promote and execute build team training through the use of the 3 build development modules.
Support, promote, and execute company initiatives.
Ensure that changes and problems get documented and communicated.
Provide timely customer service to both internal and external customers.
Communicate to the Build Manager and Project Manager on open issues, milestones, release status, timing, hours, and budget concerns.
Responsible to assist the build manager in developing the build team through leadership, experience, positive attitude, encouragement, and training.
Support the quoting team by giving input on concepts, hours, and material costs.
Maintain a clean and organized work area.
Demonstrate a commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety, on-time delivery, and quality of our products.
Responsible for holding team accountable to company policy and procedure.
Release prints according to timeline schedule – sequencing purchased and in house fabricated parts to arrive when needed.
Coordinate tear down and installation schedules including trucking requirements.
Lead installation of equipment at customer site which may include coordinating equipment and resources needed on site.