Expert Machine Builder

About the role

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. This position reports directly to the Build Manager.

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: actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Vocational or technical training valued.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years building custom industrial equipment or machines, with proven mastery of complex mechanical assemblies, pneumatics, debug, FAT/SAT, and robotic integration.

Technical Skills

• 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.

Pay

$29.00 – $34.00/hour with the opportunity for overtime and travel pay.