Custom Automation Machine Fabricator & Assembler

Picture your morning at 6:00 a.m., first shift. You open the latest engineering prints, highlight critical tolerances, and map out the day with the Job Lead. You set up manual mills and lathes, cut steel, aluminum, and stainless, and shape tubing and sheet metal. By mid-morning, you’re laying precise MIG and TIG welds on frames and end‑of‑arm tooling, then grinding, dressing, and finishing to meet the spec—visually and dimensionally.

After lunch, you’re assembling custom machinery, fixtures, and automation systems, coordinating machined details with the CNC department and confirming materials against BOMs while tracking availability and delivery. You partner with electricians and outside contractors to integrate wiring and controls, support machine run‑off, and prep for on‑site installation. Some days wrap with a customer start‑up or troubleshooting visit—occasional travel keeps the work fresh. Throughout, you record accurate hours in Epicor, help the project stay on budget, and mentor Shop Assistants and Apprentices. You end the day with an organized, safe workspace in line with Alto policies and standards, and you keep shop equipment and common inventory in top shape for tomorrow.

• Interpret engineering drawings, prints, and specifications to fabricate, machine, weld, assemble, test, and install complex equipment.
• Fabricate parts from steel, aluminum, stainless, tubing, and sheet; operate manual mills, lathes, band saws, and related tools.
• Perform MIG and TIG welding on frames, weldments, and tooling to maintain dimensional accuracy and print tolerances.
• Grind, dress, and finish welds to meet visual, dimensional, and coating‑prep requirements.
• Assemble, test, and support run‑off of custom machinery, tooling, fixtures, and automation systems.
• Identify and requisition materials and components per BOMs and prints; coordinate with CNC and track material status/deliveries.
• Collaborate with electricians and outside contractors on wiring, controls assembly, and machine integration.
• Support on‑site installation, testing, and troubleshooting with occasional travel to customer locations.
• Train and develop Shop Assistants and Apprentices; provide backup to the Job Lead and communicate with customers, suppliers, and teammates.
• Record job hours in Epicor; work with the Job Lead/Project Manager to meet budgets and deadlines.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized work area per Alto policies and standards; maintain shop equipment and commonly used inventory.
• Participate in continuous improvement and best‑practice training to enhance quality, workflow, and cost effectiveness.

• Journeyman card or 3–5+ years in machine building, fabrication, welding, machining, or a blend of these trades.
• Fluent in reading prints, GD&T/tolerances, and specs; working knowledge of SolidWorks for model review.
• Hands‑on skill with manual machining, welding (MIG/TIG), and precision assembly to tight tolerances.
• Experience building complex machinery, tooling, fixtures, and automation equipment.
• Working knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic components.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting mindset, and a quality‑first approach with attention to detail.
• Clear communication with teams, customers, suppliers, and project leadership—both written and verbal.
• Comfort with software tools: Epicor ERP, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams for communication and time tracking.
• Organized, self‑directed, and deadline‑driven; able to prioritize and execute.
• Commitment to safety, orderliness, and continuous improvement.

• Electrical Schematics
• Machine Building/Assembling
• Pneumatics Experience
• Electrical / Electronic Systems
• Welding Setups for Production
• Equipment Installation & Wiring
• Blueprint Reading
• Fabrication

Schedule: 1st shift, 6 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

Pay: $24–$30 BOE

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Position Type: Direct Hire, Full Time

• Quick Apply Here
• Send us your resume: antonio.garza@ExpressPros.com
• Alternate email: Sara.Diodato@ExpressPros.com
• Call us: 616-608-9686 (direct) or 616-281-0611 (main)
• Stop by: 1760 44th
  Street SW, Suite 10, Wyoming, MI 49519, Inside the Chateau Centre.