Step into a hands-on contract role where your mechanical assembly expertise and automation skills directly shape high-performance machinery for diverse industrial clients across South Carolina. You’ll work on end-to-end machine builds, installations, and commissioning, ensuring each system runs safely, reliably, and to exact specifications.

About the Role:
As a Contract Machine Builder, you will take responsibility for building, installing, and commissioning custom machinery, working from mechanical drawings and control schematics. You will collaborate closely with engineering and project teams to translate designs into fully operational equipment, ensuring alignment, performance, and safety standards are consistently met. Your work will have a direct impact on project timelines, customer satisfaction, and overall plant efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assemble mechanical components, sub-assemblies, and complete machines from drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Fabricate parts using appropriate tools and equipment, including cutting, drilling, and basic machining operations.
• Install, align, and level machinery on-site, ensuring proper mechanical fit, clearances, and structural integrity.
• Wire and integrate PLCs and basic automation controls into machine builds, following electrical and control schematics.
• Configure, test, and debug PLC programs and control logic to achieve required machine functionality and performance.
• Perform machine start-up, commissioning, and functional testing, documenting results and resolving issues as needed.
• Use precision measuring tools (e.g., micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, laser alignment tools) to verify tolerances and alignment.
• Adhere to OSHA and local safety regulations during all build, installation, and commissioning activities, maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in mechanical assembly and fabrication of industrial machinery or equipment.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and basic automation controls in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, assembly prints, and control schematics.
• Demonstrated skill in machine installation, alignment, and commissioning in customer or plant environments.
• Proficient use of precision measuring tools and instruments for alignment and quality verification.
• Solid understanding of OSHA and relevant local safety standards, with a track record of safe work practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and control issues during build, installation, and start-up.
• Willingness to travel within South Carolina for on-site installations and commissioning as required.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with multiple PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider).
• Familiarity with HMIs, VFDs, and other industrial automation components.
• Basic welding skills for structural and bracket fabrication.
• Exposure to robotics, motion control, or advanced automation systems.
• Experience working in a contract or project-based environment with tight deadlines.
• Ability to contribute feedback to design and engineering teams for continuous improvement of machine builds.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical certificate or associate degree in Mechanical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, or a related field preferred.
• Formal training or coursework in PLC programming and industrial controls strongly preferred.
• OSHA safety training or certification advantageous.
• Relevant manufacturer or industry certifications in automation or mechanical systems considered an asset.

If you’re a skilled machine builder who enjoys seeing complex equipment come to life and perform in the field, this contract role offers the variety and responsibility you’re looking for—apply now to be considered.