Machine Builder

1st Shift Machine BuilderThe 1st Shift Machine Builder assembles simple and complex custom machinery by reading and interpreting high-level machine building blueprints and technical drawings. This role works with precision equipment, tools, and calibration instruments to build, measure, and test components and assemblies to extremely tight tolerances. You will operate mills, lathes, grinders, welders, and other shop equipment, run wire CAT tracks, assist with wire pulling, and contribute to high-quality, custom machine builds for a diverse range of customers.Responsibilities:Read and interpret high-level machine building blueprints, symbols, and mechanical and electrical drawings to assemble custom machines.Build simple and complex custom machinery by following directions from Engineering and Shop leadership.Assemble, measure, and test precision components and assemblies related to custom machines, maintaining tolerances of approximately +/-.0005.Operate shop equipment such as mills, lathes, grinders, welders, and various hand, power, and pneumatic tools.Run wire CAT tracks and assist with pulling wire for custom machine installations.Understand and follow procedures for storage and retrieval of work-in-process parts and inventory supplies.Use precision measurement and calibration equipment to verify dimensions and ensure accuracy of parts and assemblies.Implement and adhere to established quality standards throughout the build process.Apply a creative, problem-solving mindset to overcome technical mechanical challenges during machine assembly.Demonstrate a passion for excellence and high-quality craftsmanship in all work performed.Work collaboratively in a team environment, communicating effectively with Engineering and shop personnel.Meet or exceed project deadlines through an ambitious and self-driven approach to workload.Travel as needed, primarily domestically, for machine installations at customer facilities (approximately 20% of the year).Perform physical tasks such as bending, lifting, climbing, and crawling as required by the build and installation process.Essential Skills:3–5+ years of custom machine building experience with tolerances of approximately +/-.0005.Proven ability to read and interpret high-level machine building blueprints, symbols, and detailed mechanical and electrical drawings.Hands-on machining experience and knowledge, including operating mills, lathes, grinders, and welding equipment.Demonstrated ability to assemble, measure, and test precision components and assemblies for custom machines.Solid understanding of mechanical and electrical drawings and the ability to follow them for custom parts and assemblies.Ownership of and proficiency with hand, power, and pneumatic tools such as sockets, wrenches, hammers, drills, and similar equipment.Comfort working with precision measurement and calibration equipment.Ability to run wire CAT tracks and assist with wire pulling for machine builds.Capability to perform physical activities including bending, lifting, climbing, and crawling.Willingness and ability to travel as needed, approximately 20% of the year, primarily for domestic installations at customer facilities.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Experience with hydraulic tube bending and the ability to bring this capability in-house.Exposure to lasering parts together in a fabrication or machine-building environment.CAD skills, including the ability to use SolidWorks or similar CAD software to read and understand dimensions, bills of materials, and tolerances.Computer skills with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, for documentation and basic data tracking.Ability to use precision measuring instruments such as dial indicators and calipers.Strong understanding of the principles of custom machine building and assembly best practices.Knowledge and experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems used in custom machinery.Creative, solutions-focused mindset with strong mechanical problem-solving abilities.Inner drive and ambition to meet or beat project deadlines while maintaining quality.Team-oriented attitude and ability to collaborate effectively in a shop environment.Why Work Here?You will join a small, close-knit shop that offers a welcoming, family-style atmosphere while working on highly unique and technically challenging machines for high-profile customers. The environment supports growth and skill development, with opportunities to expand your expertise in precision machine building and related technologies. Compensation is based on your skills, certifications, and experience, recognizing and rewarding advanced capabilities. An HRA program is available to help with reimbursements from marketplace insurance plans, supporting your overall well-being as you build a long-term career.Work Environment:The work environment has a small, mom-and-pop shop feel, with a focus on unique, custom machine builds for organizations such as space-related programs, research institutions, and international facilities. You will work on-site in a shop setting that uses mills, lathes, grinders, welding machines, precision measurement equipment, hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, and calibration instruments. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m., averaging 40–45 hours per week, with occasional Saturday overtime as needed. The setting is hands-on, mechanically focused, and collaborative, where you can expect to be on your feet, performing physical tasks and working directly with machinery and tools.Job Type & Location:This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elkhart, IN.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $33.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace Type:This is a fully onsite position in Elkhart,IN.Application Deadline:This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.