Lead Machine Builder

Why Join Mission?
At Mission Design & Automation, we build custom automation systems that solve real manufacturing challenges. Every project is different, every solution is engineered from the ground up, and every team member has a direct impact on the final result. Because we partner with customers across a diverse range of industries, you'll contribute to a wide variety of engineering challenges while being part of a business built on long-term stability.

At Mission, you'll find:

• Challenging, custom automation projects—no repetitive production work.
• The opportunity to lead projects from concept through completion.
• A collaborative team where knowledge sharing and mentorship are part of the culture.
• Meaningful work that solves complex manufacturing challenges.
• Opportunities to grow professionally while helping develop the next generation of talented engineers, designers, and builders.
• The satisfaction of seeing your designs become real machines that customers rely on every day.
• The opportunity to work across diverse industries, helping to provide job stability and exposure to a wide variety of applications

Learn more about life at Mission on our Careers Page: 

Position Summary:
We're looking for a Lead Machine Bulder who wants to make an impact.

In this role, you'll lead the assembly of custom automation systems, coordinate project execution, mentor Machine Builders, and collaborate with engineers and project managers to deliver high-quality solutions. You'll have the opportunity to influence how projects are planned, built, installed, and continuously improved while helping develop the next generation of skilled builders.

Location: Full-time, hourly position onsite in Holland, MI. Standard shop hours are 7am-3:30pm

Compensation & Benefits:
Pay: $25-$30/hr, based on experience.

We also offer:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid company holidays
• Overtime pay for eligible positions (time and a half over 40 hours)
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Company-sponsored lunches, events, and team activities
• Access to employee resources and exclusive partner discounts
• Premium pay for travel
• Profit-sharing bonuses

What You’ll Do:
As a Lead Machine Builder at Mission Design & Automation, you will:

• Lead the assembly and commissioning of custom automation equipment from build through shipment and installation
• Plan and coordinate machine builds by assigning work, tracking progress, and adjusting priorities to meet project milestones
• Help manage project schedules, labor, and resources to support project budgets and timelines
• Hold yourself and your team accountable to the project plan
• Collaborate and communicate project status with mechanical, electrical, controls, and project management teams to ensure proper assembly of custom automation equipment
• Be able to answer job-related questions and help solve technical and production challenges
• Partner with engineering and project management teams during project planning to improve manufacturability, estimate labor, and prepare for successful builds and installations
• Lead machine teardown, shipment, installation, and startup to ensure a smooth transition from the shop to the customer site
• Mentor, coach, and develop Machine Builders by sharing knowledge, providing feedback, and fostering continuous improvement
• Promote a culture of quality, safety, accountability, and teamwork throughout the shop
• Ensure quality standards, build documentation, and QMS requirements are completed accurately throughout each project
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while promoting a culture of quality and accountability

What You Bring:
Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 5+ years of machine building or related manufacturing experience
• Strong mechanical aptitude with a commitment to quality and safety
• Ability to read mechanical part and assembly drawings
• Experience leading, mentoring, or coaching team members
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work in industrial environments (lift 50lbs as required, bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, climbing beneath machines, etc.)
• Ability to obtain Hi-Lo, Aerial Platform, and Overhead Crane certifications
• Ability to provide your own hand tools and toolbox (tool purchase program available)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Vocational or technical education
• Experience building industrial equipment, machinery, or automation systems
• Experience operating common fabrication and machine shop equipment
• Experience coordinating project schedules or shop workflows
• Customer installation or field service experience

Don’t Meet Every Qualification?
We understand that no candidate checks every box. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe you have the skills to succeed, we encourage you to apply.

Travel:
Travel of up to 20% may be required for customer installations and support, including domestic and occasional international travel. Premium pay is provided for travel.

What It’s Like to Work Here:
At Mission, we believe great engineering starts with great people.

You'll work alongside experienced professionals who enjoy solving difficult problems, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another. We value accountability, trust, continuous improvement, and taking pride in building quality equipment.

Whether you're commissioning a machine, helping a teammate overcome a technical challenge, or celebrating a successful customer startup, your work has a visible impact on our customers and our team.

Why West Michigan?
West Michigan is more than a great place to work. It is a great place to build your life.
West Michigan offers:

• A strong manufacturing and engineering economy
• An affordable cost of living compared to many major metropolitan areas
• A variety of communities, from urban cities to small towns or rural areas, all within a reasonable commute
• Welcoming communities, quality schools, and short commute times that support a healthy work-life balance
• Easy access to both the lakeshore and the city with Holland located just 10 miles from Lake Michigan and 25 miles from downtown Grand Rapids
• Year-round recreation, including beaches, parks, hiking and biking trails, skiing, festivals, local restaurants and breweries, arts and culture, and professional sports

Whether you're looking to advance your engineering career, enjoy an active lifestyle, or put down roots in a growing community, West Michigan offers the opportunity to do all.