Assembly & Installation Lead - Machine Builder

Assembly & Installation Lead – Machine Builder

Automated Machine Systems, Inc. (AMS) Jenison, Michigan Full-Time

Join a Growing Team at AMS

Automated Machine Systems, Inc. (AMS) is a growing automation and equipment manufacturer headquartered in Jenison, Michigan. Since 1997, AMS has become a leading provider of automation, material handling systems, and software solutions for the pallet manufacturing, recycling, and timber processing industries.

We design, build, integrate, install, and support custom industrial equipment and complete automated systems for customers throughout North America.

We are looking for an experienced Assembly & Installation Lead – Machine Builder to join our team. This is a senior, hands-on position for someone who has extensive machine-building experience and is comfortable taking the lead both on our shop floor and at customer installation sites.

The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of machine-building experience, including 5+ years of experience installing industrial machinery, automation equipment, or complete systems in the field.

This is not a desk-based supervisory role. We are looking for someone who wants to remain hands-on while also providing leadership, direction, and technical expertise to other members of the assembly and installation team.

What You'll Do

Machine Building & Assembly

Build and assemble custom industrial machinery, automation equipment, conveyors, and material handling systems from mechanical drawings and assembly prints.

Perform mechanical assembly, equipment layout, alignment, leveling, and adjustment of machinery. Fit, assemble, and install mechanical components, guarding, conveyors, motors, gearboxes, bearings, pneumatic components, and related equipment.

Read and interpret mechanical drawings, layouts, schematics, bills of materials, and technical documentation.

Identify assembly issues, drawing discrepancies, missing components, and potential design or manufacturing concerns.

Work closely with Engineering, Electrical, Programming, Project Management, and other departments to resolve issues during machine build and testing.

Assist with machine startup, testing, troubleshooting, and preparation for Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).

Ensure equipment is built to AMS quality and safety standards before shipment.

Installation & Field Leadership

Serve as a lead installer on customer job sites, providing hands-on leadership to AMS employees and other installation resources.

Review installation plans, layouts, schedules, and project requirements prior to arriving onsite. Coordinate daily installation activities and help assign work to the installation crew.

Lead the mechanical installation, placement, leveling, alignment, and assembly of individual machines and complete equipment systems.

Coordinate with customer personnel, contractors, electricians, riggers, and other trades as needed during installation.

Identify and troubleshoot mechanical and installation-related issues in the field and work with the appropriate AMS team members to develop solutions.

Communicate installation progress, concerns, delays, material needs, and other job-site issues back to the AMS project team.

Help ensure installations remain organized, efficient, safe, and on schedule.

Support equipment startup, commissioning, testing, and customer handoff as required. Represent AMS professionally while working at customer facilities.

Team Leadership

Provide day-to-day technical guidance and direction to machine builders and installers.

Serve as a resource for less-experienced team members and help develop their machine-building and installation skills.

Help establish efficient assembly and installation methods and identify opportunities to improve processes.

Promote strong workmanship, accountability, organization, and attention to detail.

Lead by example when it comes to safety, quality, productivity, and professionalism. Communicate effectively with Assembly leadership, Engineering, Project Management, and other departments regarding project status and concerns.

What We're Looking For

10+ years of machine-building, industrial equipment assembly, or closely related experience required.

5+ years of experience installing industrial machinery, automation equipment, or complete equipment systems at customer facilities required.

Demonstrated experience leading machine builds and/or field installation crews. Strong mechanical aptitude and advanced troubleshooting skills.

Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings, equipment layouts, and assembly prints. Experience assembling and installing conveyors, automation equipment, material handling systems, or similar industrial machinery.

Strong understanding of mechanical components including bearings, shafts, motors, gearboxes, pneumatics, conveyors, and related equipment.

Ability to independently identify problems and determine practical solutions in both shop and field environments.

Strong communication and leadership skills.

Ability to coordinate effectively with multiple departments and trades. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship. Ability to work independently while also functioning as part of a team. Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer locations.

Travel Requirements

This position requires regular travel to customer facilities for equipment installations, startups, and service support. Travel may include overnight and multi-day trips throughout the United States and occasionally other locations depending on project needs.

Candidates should be comfortable working extended hours during installations when required to meet project schedules.

Physical Requirements

This is a hands-on industrial position. Candidates must be able to:

Work on their feet for extended periods.

Bend, kneel, climb, reach, and work around industrial equipment.

Safely use hand tools, power tools, and other machine-building equipment.

Lift and move components and materials associated with industrial machinery assembly. Work in active manufacturing and customer production environments.

Why Join AMS?

At AMS, you won't be building the same machine every day. Our team designs and builds custom equipment and complete automation systems, giving experienced machine builders the opportunity to work on challenging projects from initial assembly through final installation.

This position is an opportunity for an experienced machine builder to take the next step into a lead role while remaining hands-on. You'll have the opportunity to influence how equipment is built and installed, mentor other team members, solve complex problems, and see projects through from our shop floor to successful operation at the customer's facility.

If you're an experienced machine builder who takes pride in quality workmanship, enjoys solving problems, and knows how to lead a crew through a successful equipment installation, we'd like to hear from you.

Automated Machine Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 45.0 – 55.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• machine building: 5 years (Required)
• installation : 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person