Fabrication Apprentice

Why Join Mission?
At Mission Design & Automation, we build custom automation systems that solve real manufacturing challenges. Every project is different, every solution is engineered from the ground up, and every team member has a direct impact on the final result. Because we partner with customers across a diverse range of industries, you'll contribute to a wide variety of engineering challenges while being part of a business built on long-term stability.

At Mission, you'll find:

• Challenging, custom automation projects—no repetitive production work.
• The opportunity to influence projects from concept through completion.
• A collaborative team where knowledge sharing and mentorship are part of the culture.
• Meaningful work that solves complex manufacturing challenges.
• Opportunities to grow professionally while working alongside talented engineers, designers, and builders.
• The satisfaction of seeing your designs become real machines that customers rely on every day.
• The opportunity to work across diverse industries, helping provide long-term stability and exposure to a wide variety of applications

Position Summary:
We're looking for a Fabrication Apprentice who wants to make an impact.

In this role, you'll work alongside mechanical designers, machinists, and machine builders to prepare materials and components for custom automation equipment. You'll gain hands-on experience operating saws and fabrication equipment, working with aluminum extrusion, reading prints, and supporting the assembly of custom machinery.

If you enjoy working with your hands, learning new skills, building things, and taking pride in quality craftsmanship, we'd like to meet you.

Location: This position is onsite in Holland, MI. Standard shop hours are 7am-3:30pm

Compensation & Benefits:
Pay: $20-$23 hourly, based on experience.

We also offer:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid company holidays
• Overtime pay for eligible positions (time and a half over 40 hours)
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Training on Hi-Lo, aerial platform, overhead crane, OSHA 10, and more
• Company-sponsored lunches, events, and team activities
• Access to employee resources and exclusive partner discounts
• Profit-sharing bonuses

What You’ll Do:
You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Operate and maintain sawcut and material-processing equipment, including band saws, chop saws, abrasive saws, and belt sanders
• Perform basic machining and fabrication operations while following prints, cut lists, and work instructions
• Measure, mark, and cut aluminum extrusion and other materials to specified dimensions and tolerances
• Cut, kit, and assemble aluminum extrusion components and assemblies to print
• Sort, organize, and stage materials for CNC machining and downstream operations
• Inspect completed work for accuracy and communicate material or drawing issues as needed
• Collaborate with mechanical designers, machinists, and machine builders to keep projects moving on schedule
• Take ownership of your portion of each project, making decisions and solving challenges independently while collaborating with an experienced team for support
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment where every team member can do their best work

What You Bring:
Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent certification
• Valid driver’s license
• Demonstrated competency in operating sawcut and related machinery
• Ability to work in industrial environments (lift 50lbs as required, bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, climbing beneath machines, etc.)
• Ability to obtain Hi-Lo, aerial platform, and overhead crane licenses
• Ability to provide your own hand tools (tool purchase program available)
• Work as part of a team or independently with direction from FAB/CNC team leads

Tools Required:

• Toolbox
• Tape measure 25’
• Assorted hand tools (hex keys, wrenches, socket set, screw drives, etc.)
• PPE (steel toe boots)

Don’t Meet Every Qualification?
We understand that no candidate checks every box. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe you have the skills to succeed, we encourage you to apply.

What It’s Like to Work Here:
At Mission, we believe great engineering starts with great people.

You'll work alongside experienced professionals who enjoy solving difficult problems, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another. We value accountability, trust, continuous improvement, and taking pride in building quality equipment.

Whether you're commissioning a machine, helping a teammate overcome a technical challenge, or celebrating a successful customer startup, your work has a visible impact on our customers and our team.

Why West Michigan?
West Michigan is more than a great place to work. It is a great place to build your life.

West Michigan offers:

• A strong manufacturing and engineering economy
• An affordable cost of living compared to many major metropolitan areas
• A variety of communities, from urban cities to small towns or rural areas, all within a reasonable commute
• Welcoming communities, quality schools, and short commute times that support a healthy work-life balance
• Easy access to both the lakeshore and the city with Holland located just 10 miles from Lake Michigan and 25 miles from downtown Grand Rapids
• Year-round recreation, including beaches, parks, hiking and biking trails, skiing, festivals, local restaurants and breweries, arts and culture, and professional sports

Whether you're looking to advance your engineering career, enjoy an active lifestyle, or put down roots in a growing community, West Michigan offers the opportunity to do all.