The role in one line: the primary resource on our Hackett, AR assembly floor — a working lead who builds conveyor systems, robotic cells, and custom machinery hands-on while coordinating assembly personnel, schedules, and quality. Requires 5+ years of mechanical assembly or machine-building experience, with 2+ years of leadership preferred. Shop-based with only occasional travel for installations and customer support.
Position Overview
J+H Automation Solutions is seeking a Lead Equipment Assembler to join our growing team. This role is responsible for assembling industrial automation equipment, conveyor systems, robotic cells, material handling systems, and custom machinery from engineering drawings, bills of material, and work instructions — combining hands-on assembly with leadership duties including coordinating assembly personnel, monitoring schedules, ensuring quality standards, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The position reports to the Production Manager.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Coordination
- Lead and coordinate daily activities of mechanical assembly personnel
- Assign work based on project priorities, skill levels, and production schedules
- Monitor project progress and communicate status updates to management
- Train, mentor, and develop assemblers and new team members
- Promote a positive culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and teamwork
- Assist with workforce planning and manpower allocation
- Participate in project kickoff meetings and production planning activities
- Identify opportunities to improve assembly processes, productivity, and quality
Assembly Responsibilities
- Assemble custom machinery, automation equipment, conveyor systems, and fabricated components based on engineering drawings and specifications
- Interpret assembly drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and work instructions
- Verify components and hardware before assembly
- Perform mechanical fitting, alignment, adjustment, and final assembly
- Use hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments, and shop equipment safely and effectively
- Lead trailer loading/unloading
- Develop, lead, and execute equipment rigging and relocation plans
- Conduct quality inspections throughout the assembly process
- Coordinate with engineering to resolve assembly or design issues
- Assist with machine testing, troubleshooting, and startup activities
- Support equipment testing, debugging, and customer acceptance activities
- Assist with equipment installation and startup at customer facilities when required
- Maintain a clean and organized work area, following company safety procedures and quality standards
Components You'll Install & Align
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum 5 years of mechanical assembly, manufacturing, maintenance, fabrication, machine building, or related experience
- Minimum 2 years of leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience preferred
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and assembly prints
- Ability to accurately measure using tape measures, calipers, squares, and other measuring devices
- Experience using common hand and power tools (drills, saws, dremel, screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, etc.)
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
- Forklift operation experience
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Clean driving record and valid US driver's license
- Able to pass a background check
Preferred
- Experience building/installing industrial machinery, automation equipment, robotic systems, conveyor systems, or material handling equipment
- Experience working closely with engineering and project management teams
- Familiarity with pneumatic systems
- Basic welding (Arc/TIG), machining, or fabrication experience
- Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices
- Ability to travel occasionally for equipment installation and customer support
- Welding Certificate
Desired Characteristics
- Strong leadership presence and ability to motivate others
- Excellent organizational and planning skills
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
- Self-starter who takes ownership of projects and drives results
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement
- Ability to lead by example and maintain high standards of safety and workmanship
Physical Requirements
- Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach for extended periods
- Work safely around and operate machinery, power tools, forklifts, and overhead lifting equipment
- Ability to climb ladders and work from elevated platforms when required
Compensation & Benefits
Equal Opportunity Employment
J+H Automation Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Employment is on an at-will basis. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of background checks and verification of eligibility to work in the United States.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (479) 638-8398. Personal information submitted through our application process is used solely for recruitment purposes and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Run the Floor. Build the Machines.
Lead the assembly team behind conveyor systems, robotic cells, and custom machinery shipped nationwide.
Our StoryAs a representative of several major conveyor manufacturing companies, J+H has completed installations in 23 states. With nearly 150 years of combined experience, our personnel are poised to deliver our customers the service they deserve. J+H Automation Solutions will continue a 40-year tradition of high standards and a superior commitment to the products we produce and companies we represent.
Our Automation engineering experts are unique with specialized skills and work as a team to accomplish complete customer satisfaction with every project. Our professional engineering business carries over $5,000,000.00 in contractors liability insurance so that we can provide turnkey installations for our clients whenever necessary.
J+H Automation Solution’s conveyor and control manufacturing staff is also pleased to offer custom fabrication and installation services through our material handling division.