Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

Join Gabriel North America, a market leader in suspension systems products, established in 1907. We design, manufacture, and distribute top-notch suspension products for automotive aftermarket and other specialty vehicles. With a robust team of over 1,100 employees across multiple locations in the US and Mexico, we offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment. If you're passionate about the automotive industry and are eager to be part of a century-old innovating company, apply now and accelerate your career with us!

Gabriel Ride Control LLC is a proud member of MAT Holdings Inc. We’re a family of companies and products providing employment opportunities with more than 14,000 employees in 12 countries. Founded in 1984, MAT Holdings, Inc. is a privately held $2.2 billion multi-national company with manufacturing operations, distribution centers, and sourcing offices worldwide in the automotive, fencing, hardware, and power equipment sectors. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space.

We’re more than manufacturing, we’re MAT

This position is a leading / supporting role in the prototyping of Ride Control, LLC suspension products.  The individual will assist with all prototyping aspects of design and engineering of the product, including construction, valving development, technical specifications, and design standards. 

Will fabricate and modify prototype samples and industrial/machine tools, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures. In addition this role will operate and troubleshoot all standard and specialized equipment to produce superior parts. 

This position will provide engineering and technical support to customers and internal departments, application engineering activities and documentation to support all activities. 

• Complete Prototype Requests
  • Coordinate and perform prototype builds from requests to reports
  • Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blue prints, geometric tolerances, and finishes during the application of machining and/or fabricating, and manufacturing parts.
  • Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools in order to perform precision prototyping operations. Machine parts to specifications using machine shop tools such as lathes, milling machines, band saws, drill presses, hydraulic presses, and grinders.
  • Welding, assembly, and disassembly, of prototype units from provided design documentation and valve codes
  • Measure, examine, and test completed units in order to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and height gauges.
  • Set and maintain standard prototype build times
• Prototype Organization
  • Keeps the workplace in compliance with all safety rules and regulations, both company and federal, in order to establish a clean and hazard free environment.
  • Insures the satisfactory functioning of all equipment through regular maintenance, checks, and services; to include cleaning, inspection and replacement of consumables.
  • Maintain valve component stock, establish component safety stock, and performing incoming and component usage inspections.
  • Capturing statistical data to analyze, review, and use for recommended improvement updates.
  • Place prototype orders as needed
    • Machine shop materials
    • Consumables
    • Prototype components

• A thorough knowledge of machining principles, ability to read and understand engineering drawings and blueprints. Proficient in the use of practice of precision measuring tools and instruments.
• Strong fabrication skills utilizing machine shop equipment; MIG/TIG welding, seam welders, lathes, milling machines, band saws, drill presses, hydraulic presses, grinders, painting operations
• A demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment, to take initiative, to work independently of day-to-day supervision, and to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strong commitment to providing world-class customer service, anticipating customer needs and designing, promoting or supporting the delivery of products and services that exceed their expectations.
• Makes sound decisions in a timely and confident manner. Highly motivated, well-organized
• Strong focus on safety.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required – Associates degree or Certificate preferred
• Welding certification preferred (AWS)
• Hands on vehicle development and/or testing experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge or background of chassis systems/suspensions and components

Desired Experience

• 5-10 years automotive fabrication with prototyping & development work
• Experience in a ‘shop’ environment (drill press, band saw, sander, chop saw, arbor press, etc.)
• Ability to interpret prints and GD&T training
• Experience working in an IAFT 16949 certified organization
• Automotive enthusiast

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.