Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Position Summary

The Plant & Build Operations Manager owns the full path from raw material to fielded product: plant and warehouse operations, build management across Mettle Ops and its subcontractors, and hands-on build engineering for prototype and first-article units. This is a combined role spanning three disciplines — plant/warehouse operations management, build/program management (BOM tracking, subcontractor and OEM coordination, delivery rate-and-flow planning), and prototype build engineering (build plan development, build readiness, and vehicle/kit delivery). The person in this role ensures product moves through manufacture, kitting, quality inspection, and delivery on schedule, on cost, and in full compliance with contract and safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Plant & Warehouse Operations

• Manage daily plant and warehouse operations to ensure production and distribution goals are achieved.

• Develop and implement operational plans that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.

• Ensure optimal utilization of labor, equipment, and warehouse space.

• Coordinate production schedules with sales, procurement, and logistics teams.

• Oversee receiving, storage, inventory control, order fulfillment, and shipping activities.

• Maintain accurate inventory records through regular cycle counts and physical inventories.

• Ensure proper inventory rotation and storage practices, and minimize discrepancies, waste, and product damage.

• Optimize warehouse layout and material flow for maximum efficiency.

Build & Program Management

• Progress, track, and report status of product Bills of Materials (BOM).

• Track and progress open issues to closure across the company, OEM/customer, and suppliers.

• Create and update build processes as needed and maintain precise documentation.

• Work closely with engineering and hardware teams on order and delivery commitments; develop rate-and-flow plans as required.

• Progress, track, and report status of product builds against the master build/delivery schedule.

• Communicate build and delivery status to the customer, suppliers, and internal teams.

Prototype & First-Article Build Engineering

• Own all prototype and first-article build activities from build creation and design through delivery.

• Develop feasible build plans based on work scope, product specifications, test plans, and program timing.

• Lead build-team readiness activities, ensuring all program deliverables are met.

• Resolve issues affecting build quality, engineering design, build-shop readiness, part delivery, and timing.

• Support development of documentation for product/vehicle commissioning and first article test (FAT) readiness.

• Support cross-functional teams including engineering, quality, hardware, and program management.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop warehouse, plant, and build personnel.

• Establish performance expectations and conduct regular performance evaluations.

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Schedule staffing to meet operational demands while controlling labor costs.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and enforce a safe working environment.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company safety regulations.

• Conduct regular safety meetings, audits, and inspections.

• Investigate workplace incidents and implement corrective actions.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure products meet company quality standards and customer/contract expectations.

• Partner with Quality teams to investigate and resolve quality issues.

• Implement preventive measures to reduce defects and operational errors.

Equipment & Facility Management

• Oversee preventive maintenance programs for plant and warehouse equipment.

• Coordinate repairs and vendor services as necessary.

• Ensure the facility is clean, organized, and operating efficiently.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve operational and build processes and reduce costs.

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement initiatives.

• Utilize data to drive decision-making and improve operational and build performance.