Contract Machine Builder / Controls Technician

Contract Machine Builder / Controls Technician

Location: Oxford, MI

Travel: Approximately 25-40% (U.S., Canada, and Mexico)

Duration: Contract Assignment

Our client is seeking a hands-on Contract Machine Builder / Controls Technician to support machine assembly, electrical build, machine startup, debugging, commissioning, and customer installations. This individual will work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure custom automation equipment is built, tested, and functioning properly prior to customer acceptance.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, wire, assemble, and troubleshoot custom automation equipment and special-purpose machinery.
• Install and connect electrical controls, panels, sensors, motors, drives, and pneumatic components.
• Assist with PLC, HMI, servo, and VFD troubleshooting during machine startup and commissioning.
• Support machine debugging, testing, validation, and customer acceptance activities.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly drawings.
• Perform machine checkout and verify functionality against project requirements.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and controls-related issues.
• Support equipment installation, startup, and service activities at customer facilities.
• Work closely with controls engineers, mechanical engineers, and machine assembly personnel to resolve technical issues.
• Assist with machine modifications, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation of troubleshooting activities, wiring changes, and machine updates.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, quality requirements, and customer specifications.

Technical Requirements

• Experience building, wiring, troubleshooting, or commissioning industrial automation equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control drawings.
• Experience working with Allen-Bradley or Mitsubishi control systems preferred.
• Familiarity with:
• PLC troubleshooting
• HMI interfaces
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Servo systems
• Industrial sensors and instrumentation
• Pneumatic systems
• Industrial networking
• Machine vision experience (Cognex or Keyence) is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of industrial machinery.
• Ability to use common electrical test equipment and troubleshooting tools.

Qualifications

• Technical degree, apprenticeship, military training, or equivalent hands-on experience preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with a machine builder, automation integrator, maintenance department, or industrial equipment manufacturer.
• Experience supporting custom machinery, automation systems, or capital equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel as required for machine installation and startup activities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with customers and internal teams.