---
title: 'Expert Machine Builder at Axis Automation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/expert-machine-builder-axis-automation-walker-michigan-h78vbap1smqr'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# Expert Machine Builder at Axis Automation

- **Company:** Axis Automation
- **Location:** Walker Michigan, United States
- **Posted:** 2026-09-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/axiscompany/jobs/8777044002

## Job description

Expert Machine Builder

- Position Description -

Position Overview: 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.

Key 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: You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.

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.

Benefits: Axis offers a comprehensive benefits package with no waiting period.

Wage Range: $29.00 - $34.00/hour with the opportunity for overtime and travel pay.

## About Axis Automation

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Axis Automation engineers and builds advanced factory automation solutions, including robotics integration, project management, and service support, for manufacturers across multiple industries.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Funding not publicly disclosed)
- **Headquarters**: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
- **Founded**: 2016
- **Founders**: Boyd Vor Broker (Founder & President)

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Automation machinery manufacturing, factory automation, robotics integration
- **Markets served**: Automotive, Packaging, Semiconductor, Aerospace, Food & Beverage, Transportation, Health & Medical, Consumer
- **Target customers**: Manufacturers (B2B, primarily mid-market to enterprise)
- **Mission/purpose**: “To be the leading automation solutions provider for the manufacturing community” – supporting the adoption of automation solutions that empower people and enhance productivity

## Products & Services
- **Factory Automation Solutions**: Full lifecycle services including conceptualization, design, engineering, robotics integration, machine build, welding, and deployment – not a packaged SaaS product but a custom engineering and integration service.
- **Project Management & Support**: Dedicated project management, service, and after-deployment support to ensure long-term reliability.
- **Skilled Trades & Co-op Programs**: Internships and co-op positions (partnered with Grand Valley State University) in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Headcount ~51 employees (as of 2025/2026; slight YoY decline of 1.3%). Revenue is not publicly disclosed.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: No external investors identified. Partnered with Grand Valley State University for talent pipeline.
- **Growth Signals**: Monthly headcount growth of +1.4% (LinkedIn estimate); LinkedIn follower growth of +17.1% yearly. Active job postings (10 open positions). However, yearly headcount declined slightly (-1.3%) and job postings decreased 37.5% YoY.

## Competitive Advantages
- Extensive cross-industry experience (automotive, semiconductor, aerospace, etc.)
- Collaborative culture with deep in-house expertise in robotics integration and project management
- Strong local talent partnerships (e.g., Grand Valley State University co-op program) and a reputation for promoting from within
- Full-service offering from concept through deployment and support, reducing handoff friction for customers

## Strategic Focus
- Continued expansion of automation solutions for evolving manufacturing needs
- Emphasis on teamwork and employee development to retain expertise and drive quality
- Supporting adoption of automation to “empower people and enhance productivity” – likely investing in new technologies (e.g., advanced robotics, Industry 4.0 integration)

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Described as “powerhouse team with exceptional project execution” and a “collaborative culture”; employee reviews on LinkedIn rate culture 5.0/5.0 and career opportunities 4.4/5.0.
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive benefits package with immediate eligibility upon hire.
- **Career Development**: Strong promotion-from-within philosophy; co-op/internship pipeline to full-time roles.
- **Work Environment**: Offices in Grand Rapids, MI; no explicit remote/hybrid policy mentioned, likely on-site given the hands-on nature of automation engineering.
- **Team**: Small but tight-knit (51 employees) with experienced leadership across engineering, project management, and applications.

## Sources
1. [Axis Automation Official Website](https://www.axisco.com/)
2. [Axis Automation Careers Page](https://www.axisco.com/careers)
3. [Axis Automation LinkedIn Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiscoautomation)
4. [Axis Automation About Us](https://www.axisco.com/about-us)
5. [Axis Automation Contact](https://www.axisco.com/contact)

## Other roles at Axis Automation

- [Project Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/project-manager-axis-automation-walker-michigan-073fce1wan2b) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Team Lead Applications Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/team-lead-applications-engineer-axis-automation-walker-michigan-0fmq2k3saeap) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Applications Engineer Level 4](https://feeny.ai/job/applications-engineer-level-4-axis-automation-walker-michigan-c4bvvydj6hef) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Machine Builder Level 1-3](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-builder-level-1-3-axis-automation-walker-michigan-9yrqfjbbcdmx) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Project Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/project-coordinator-axis-automation-walker-michigan-s8stwhm7tn3q) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automation](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-design-engineer-automation-axis-automation-walker-michigan-hmnjbcpj0jw4) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Senior Automation Controls Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-automation-controls-engineer-axis-automation-walker-michigan-kmhhv5gcthwa) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Applications Engineer Level 2](https://feeny.ai/job/applications-engineer-level-2-axis-automation-walker-michigan-3gy75z81mad2) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Mechanical Engineer Level 3](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-level-3-axis-automation-walker-michigan-bjgb5wn7hb7n) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Controls Engineer Levels 2/3](https://feeny.ai/job/controls-engineer-levels-2-3-axis-automation-walker-michigan-m18j0nnpzk52) — Walker Michigan, United States