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Automotive Prototype Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Stefanini

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$33.75 - $37.75/hr

Formula SAE experience or relevant automotive internship experience preferred for entry-level ... in prototype vehicle builds. Candidates with internships, Formula SAE participation, capstone ...

R&E Automated Systems

Be Seen First

Lead Laser Programmer (5-Axis CO2 Laser)

Shelby Township, MI · On-site

$32 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Experience: 10+ years of laser programming and multi-axis laser cutting experience preferred (automotive prototype or low-volume background is a plus). * Software: Hands-on experience with offline ...

fng

Quality Team Leader

Warren, MI

Extensive working knowledge of Automotive Prototype Sheet Metal Stampings, GD&T, and blue print reading. * Must possess intermediate math skills. * Must be able to operate the following pieces of ...

fng

Foundry

Warren, MI

$16.25 - $21/hr

Extensive knowledge of Foundry operations and Automotive Prototype Die Development * Must be able to operate the following pieces of machinery: * 90*, 5", & 7" Grinders * Air Sand Rammer * Band Saw

D&N Bending

Tool Maker

Romeo, MI · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Company Description Supplier/manufacturer of automotive prototype, service, short-run production and production parts located in Romeo, Michigan. We have been in business since 1962.

fng

Foundry

Warren, MI

$16.25 - $21/hr

Extensive knowledge of Foundry operations and Automotive Prototype Die Development * Must be able to operate the following pieces of machinery: * 90*, 5", & 7" Grinders * Air Sand Rammer * Band Saw

Flex-N-Gate

Quality Team Leader

Warren, MI · On-site

Extensive working knowledge of Automotive Prototype Sheet Metal Stampings, GD&T, and blue print reading. * Must possess intermediate math skills. * Must be able to operate the following pieces of ...

fng

Foundry

Warren, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Extensive knowledge of Foundry operations and Automotive Prototype Die Development * Must be able to operate the following pieces of machinery: * 90*, 5", & 7" Grinders * Air Sand Rammer * Band Saw

fng

Quality Team Leader

Warren, MI

Extensive working knowledge of Automotive Prototype Sheet Metal Stampings, GD&T, and blue print reading. * Must possess intermediate math skills. * Must be able to operate the following pieces of ...

fng

Quality Team Leader

Warren, MI

Extensive working knowledge of Automotive Prototype Sheet Metal Stampings, GD&T, and blue print reading. * Must possess intermediate math skills. * Must be able to operate the following pieces of ...

Technique Inc

Prototype Stamping Technician

Jackson, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... automotive, motorsports, medical, and food processing industries. We specialize in high-speed ... prototypes, ultra-low volume stampings, tubing, and assemblies for production and emergency-based ...

Flex-N-Gate

Foundry

Warren, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Extensive knowledge of Foundry operations and Automotive Prototype Die Development * Must be able to operate the following pieces of machinery: * 90*, 5", & 7" Grinders * Air Sand Rammer * Band Saw

Technique, Inc.

Prototype Stamping Technician

Jackson, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... automotive, motorsports, medical, and food processing industries. We specialize in high-speed ... prototypes, ultra-low volume stampings, tubing, and assemblies for production and emergency-based ...

MSR Technology Group

Prototype Tech

Saline, MI · On-site

Standardize internal processes, conduct reflection and propose continuous improvement activities. * 5 years automotive assembly hands on experience or a combination of automotive assembly experience ...

Belcan

Technologist

Allen Park, MI

$24.14 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum of 8 years of automotive, prototype or testing experience. * Experience performing electrical splicing, crimping, soldering and mechanical layout and packaging of components and systems.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomotive Prototype JobsAutomotive Prototype Jobs in Michigan

Automotive Prototype information

What is an automotive prototype?

Automotive prototype jobs involve working on the design, development, building, and testing of prototype vehicles or vehicle components before they go into mass production. Professionals in these roles may work with engineers to create and assemble early models, test functionality and safety, and provide feedback for improvements. These jobs are crucial in the automotive industry to ensure that new designs meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards before reaching the market.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an automotive prototype engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Prototype Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or automotive engineering, hands-on fabrication skills, and experience with prototype development, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and automotive diagnostic systems is typically required, along with certifications like Six Sigma or specialized safety training. Creativity, problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities enable engineers to efficiently turn concepts into functional prototypes, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to innovative vehicle development.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working on automotive prototypes, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working on automotive prototypes often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, rapidly changing design specifications, and the need to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. Managing these challenges typically involves strong communication skills, adaptability, and meticulous attention to detail. Collaboration with engineers, designers, and manufacturing teams is essential to quickly resolve issues and ensure the prototype meets required standards. Staying organized and proactive in problem-solving can help streamline the process and lead to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Automotive Prototype vs Automotive Design Engineer?

AspectAutomotive PrototypeAutomotive Design Engineer
Primary FocusBuilding and testing physical vehicle prototypesDesigning vehicle components and systems
Required SkillsHands-on engineering, CAD, prototyping techniquesCAD, vehicle design, engineering principles
Work EnvironmentPrototyping labs, manufacturing facilitiesDesign studios, engineering offices
CertificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certifications

Automotive Prototype specialists focus on creating and testing physical vehicle models to evaluate design and functionality, while Automotive Design Engineers concentrate on developing vehicle concepts and detailed designs. Both roles require engineering knowledge and CAD skills, but prototypes are more hands-on with physical testing, whereas design engineers work primarily in design and planning stages.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Prototype jobs in Michigan?

For Automotive Prototype jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Prototype jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Prototype jobs in Michigan are:

Automotive Prototype jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Prototype job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 90% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Prototype Engineering Design Manager

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$115K - $218K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description


We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Join us in shaping the future of Ford Motor Company, as part of a global organization with exceptional colleagues in world-class facilities. As part of Ford Design, you'll be at the cutting edge of Ford's most strategically critical work, designing people and society's needs into the heart of our next generation of products, services, and experiences.
In this position...
As a Prototype Engineering Design Manager you will lead a team of product engineering designers tp bring concepts to life in the form of functional high-fidelity prototypes. Leveraging your expertise in automotive design and/or engineering you will have the opportunity to see the future of Ford firsthand and play a pivotal role in the early-stage development of the next generation of Ford vehicle content and experiences. This role requires a deep understanding of automotive systems and subsystems, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
  • Lead a team to engineer / design prototypes which include:
    • Show / Concept / Pre-Production vehicles
    • Interior and exterior systems (Ex: Lighting, Closures, Instruments Panels, Consoles, Seats)
    • Interior and exterior components (Ex: Buttons, nobs and switches)
    • Interior and exterior clay model armatures
  • Support the development of prototype build plans, lead the team through delivering data on time and with quality
  • Work collaboratively with design, engineering, marketing and program teams to align on scope of work, build timing and budget - managing those throughout the prototype build cycle
  • Leverage background in automotive systems and subsystems to identify and document design and engineering feasibility concerns and support the identification of robust solutions.
  • Identify areas of opportunity and process efficiencies and action those as appropriate
  • Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continuously improve prototypes.

Qualifications
You'll have...
  • Bachelors degree in engineering, design, or equivalent
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
  • 5+ years of experience working in automotive engineering and/or design with a strong understanding of vehicle level systems and subsystems
  • 5+ years of experience leading complex projects and project teams - leveraging program management tools as appropriate
  • 5+ years of experience leveraging prototype manufacturing techniques to build high fidelity prototypes such as additive manufacturing (3D Printing), milling, fiberglass layups, clay modeling, etc.
  • 5+ years of experience with design / PLM software such as Catia, 3DX, Teamcenter, Alias etc.
  • 5+ years of experience working collaboratively with design, engineering, product marketing and program management
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Even better, you may have...
  • Masters degree in design, engineering or equivalent
  • 5+ years of experience in prototype software design and development, with a focus on prototyping and rapid iteration.
  • Fluent in various CAD software such as Catia, Rhino, Alias, etc.
  • Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other advanced technologies.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
  • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
  • Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
  • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
  • Tuition assistance
  • Established and active employee resource groups
  • Paid time off for individual and team community service
  • A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
  • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $115,500-$218,100.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid #DesignTeam #LI-DP1
Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982

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