ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Prototype Build Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Rigaku

Mechanical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Support prototype build, optical alignment, integration, and verification test * Troubleshoot ... Document designs, analyses, test results, engineering changes, and design iterations Reasonable ...

Rigaku

Mechanical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

Support prototype build, optical alignment, integration, and verification test * Troubleshoot ... Document designs, analyses, test results, engineering changes, and design iterations Reasonable ...

ITW Avery Weigh-Tronix

Embedded Software Engineer

MI

$118K - $156K/yr

... Prototype build and evaluation o Engineering documentation o Production transition • Work closely with electrical engineering during schematic review, component selection and prototype bring-up to ...

HL Mando

Prototype Buyer

Auburn, MI · On-site

... build kits. * Expedite activities and purchase items at various vendors to meet project timelines. This includes ordering parts for prototype builds, as well as miscellaneous MRO items for engineers ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrototype Build Engineer JobsPrototype Build Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Prototype Build Engineer information

What is the difference between Prototype Build Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectPrototype Build EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusAssembling, testing, and refining prototypesDesigning and developing mechanical components and systems
Skills & CertificationsHands-on manufacturing, CAD, prototyping toolsCAD, mechanical engineering principles, certifications like PE
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, prototyping facilitiesDesign offices, R&D labs
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, consumer electronicsMechanical product development, industrial design

The Prototype Build Engineer primarily focuses on assembling and testing prototypes to validate designs, while the Mechanical Design Engineer concentrates on creating detailed mechanical designs. Both roles require CAD skills, but the Prototype Build Engineer emphasizes hands-on manufacturing and testing, often working closely with production teams. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within engineering fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prototype Build Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Build Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, hands-on fabrication skills, and experience with prototype assembly, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools (like 3D printers and CNC machines), and knowledge of product lifecycle management systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective problem-solving, and strong collaboration skills set outstanding prototype engineers apart. These competencies are critical for efficiently turning concepts into functional prototypes, ensuring product feasibility, and facilitating innovation within cross-functional teams.

How does a Prototype Build Engineer collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development process?

Prototype Build Engineers work closely with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure that prototypes meet both technical specifications and project timelines. They often serve as a communication bridge, interpreting design requirements and providing feedback on feasibility or potential improvements. Collaboration is essential, as Prototype Build Engineers must coordinate material sourcing, troubleshoot issues that arise during assembly, and relay insights from prototype testing to help refine the final product. This role is highly interactive and requires strong teamwork and problem-solving skills.

What are Prototype Build Engineers?

Prototype Build Engineers are professionals who design, assemble, and test early versions of products, often before they go into mass production. They work closely with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to turn conceptual ideas or design drawings into functional prototypes. Their role involves troubleshooting, modifying, and refining prototypes to ensure they meet design specifications and performance standards. Prototype Build Engineers play a crucial part in identifying and resolving potential issues early in the development process, which helps companies save time and resources during product launches.
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Build Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Prototype Build Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Prototype Build Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Prototype Build Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Build Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Build Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Prototype Build Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Prototype Build Engineer job openings:
Prototype Build Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Build Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Mechanical Engineer

Rigaku

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Join Rigaku in shaping a better world through new perspectives!
Essential Functions:
  • Design and develop precision opto-mechanical systems for X-ray optics, including mirrors, monochromators, x-ray sources, and other elements.
  • Collaborate with X-ray optical scientists and engineers to translate optical and experimental requirements into mechanical designs
  • Perform tolerance, thermal, and structural analyses to ensure optical performance and mechanical stability
  • Design ultra-stable mounts, stages, vacuum-compatible structures, housings and alignment mechanisms
  • Create detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings with appropriate GD&T
  • Support laboratory experiments including assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of X-ray optical systems
  • Participate in system characterization, and performance optimization
  • Troubleshoot mechanical and opto-mechanical issues during experimental operation
  • Support prototype build, optical alignment, integration, and verification test
  • Troubleshoot mechanical and opto-mechanical issues during development and production
  • Work with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are manufacturable, testable, and cost-effective
  • Document designs, analyses, test results, engineering changes, and design iterations

Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field

Experience:
  • Experience with precision motion systems, nanopositioning devices, and interferometric alignment
  • Familiarity with vacuum systems, vacuum compatible materials, and clean assembly practices
  • Background in supporting experiments at synchrotron or laboratory X-ray sources
  • Experience collaborating with scientists on exploratory or R&D projects
  • Research experience in X-ray optics, synchrotron instrumentation, or related fields
  • Hands-on capability and experience with X-ray optical components (mirrors, monochromators, multilayers, zone plates, etc.)

Competencies:
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks)
  • Understanding of opto-mechanical principles: alignment sensitivity, thermal effects, vibration, and stability
  • Strong analytical and experimental problem-solving skills
  • High attention to detail and precision
  • Ability to work independently in a research setting while collaborating across disciplines
  • Comfortable with iterative design and experimental uncertainty
  • Good technical communication skills (written and verbal)
  • The following are not required but highly appreciated:
    • Hands-on capability and experience with X-ray optical components (mirrors, monochromators, multilayers, zone plates, etc.)
    • Familiarity with vacuum systems, vacuum compatible materials, and clean assembly practices
    • Experience with precision motion systems, nano positioning stages, and interferometric alignment

Apply