Machine Builder Technician

The Panther Group is seeking experienced Machine Builder Technicians for a temp-to-perm opportunity with a leading custom automation, robotics, packaging, and assembly equipment manufacturer in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

This is a hands‑on role for highly skilled machine builders who have experience building custom automated machinery from the ground up—not maintaining existing production equipment. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical assembly background and be capable of independently building, troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning complex automation systems.

This manufacturing company designs and builds custom automation, packaging, and robotic systems for a variety of manufacturing industries. This position plays a critical role in assembling complete automated machines from start to finish, performing machine startup and troubleshooting, and supporting the successful delivery of custom‑built equipment.

This is not a maintenance position. Candidates must have experience building machinery from scratch in a machine builder, automation, OEM, or custom manufacturing environment.

• Independently assemble custom automated machinery from start to finish.
• Build and install machine frames, stations, mechanical assemblies, and subassemblies.
• Assemble pneumatic, hydraulic, and motion control systems.
• Perform machine startup, testing, debugging, and validation activities.
• Ensure machines are built to engineering specifications and quality standards.

• Diagnose and resolve mechanical assembly and machine performance issues.
• Support machine debugging efforts during build and commissioning phases.
• Identify root causes of equipment issues and implement corrective actions.
• Perform functional testing and machine verification prior to customer delivery.

• Perform fabrication work as needed using manual machine shop equipment.
• Utilize drills, grinders, saws, and other fabrication tools.
• Support modifications and improvements during machine build activities.

• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, assembly prints, and schematics.
• Provide feedback to engineering teams regarding assembly methods and design improvements.
• Participate in project reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Serve as a technical resource for junior technicians and machine builders.
• Promote quality workmanship, safety, and best assembly practices.
• Support project timelines and team objectives.

• 5–10+ years of machine building experience in a custom automation, packaging equipment, robotics, OEM, or special machinery environment.
• Proven ability to independently build complex automated machines from the ground up.
• Strong mechanical assembly experience with machine frames, stations, and precision assemblies.
• Experience troubleshooting and testing automated machinery.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and assembly documentation.
• Strong understanding of hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments, and testing equipment.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Familiarity with servo motors, motion control systems, and VFDs.
• Basic knowledge of PLC‑controlled equipment and industrial automation systems.
• Manual machining, welding, or fabrication experience.
• Customer site installation, startup, or commissioning experience.
• Experience supporting robotics, packaging machinery, or automated production equipment.

$28-32 per hour depending on experience.