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Prototype Build Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... to engineering for confirmation. * Prototype Program Support * Enable on-time prototype to build by aligning PO placement with agreed technical decisions (drawings, specifications, materials)

... to engineering for confirmation. * Prototype Program Support * Enable on-time prototype to build by aligning PO placement with agreed technical decisions (drawings, specifications, materials)

... to engineering for confirmation. * Prototype Program Support * Enable on-time prototype to build by aligning PO placement with agreed technical decisions (drawings, specifications, materials)

Provide (from OEM) necessary information required to develop quote responses, engineering change orders, quality support, timing requirements, prototype build schedules, preproduction build, etc.

Product Engineer

Wixom, MI · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Coordinates projects, with guidance from supervisor and Lead engineers, from design through production start-up, including prototype build, testing and establishment to specifications to achieve ...

Coordinate prototype build plans to evaluate design concepts through physical lab testing. * Work with cross-functional team members (Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Marketing, Service, etc.

Coordinate prototype build plans to evaluate design concepts through physical lab testing. * Work with cross-functional team members (Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Marketing, Service, etc.

... engineer to chase a faint aberration. In the afternoon, a quick stand-up with mechanical and electrical teammates helps prioritize a prototype build destined for field testing. You wrap by ...

Resident Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

... Prototype build support as needed on-site with customer build support or problem resolution ... Experience in engineering project management Strong verbal and written communication skills and ...

Resident Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

... Prototype build support as needed on-site with customer build support or problem resolution ... Experience in engineering project management Strong verbal and written communication skills and ...

Resident Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

Lead Engineering PMS Work Packages and Customer Engineering Milestones * Core team member of APQP ... Prototype build support as needed on-site with customer build support or problem resolution

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$108K - $131K/yr

Support product validation testing, prototype build and test, and other engineering deliverables in the development phase of product life cycle. * Lead and/or support post SORP VEC activities to ...

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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 cities in Michigan are hiring for Prototype Build Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Prototype Build Engineer job openings:
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.
Prototype Buyer

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languagesbased on your language selection.

What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
Transforming mobility. Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That's what we're passionate about at Magna Electronics, and we do it by creating world-class Electronic systems. We are a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in design, development, testing and manufacturing of complex Electronic systems. Our name stands for quality, environmental consciousness, and safety. Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Electronics.

Job Responsibilities:

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States.

The prototype buyer is responsible for supporting prototype and development procurement activities for the Core /Application projects within an assigned region. The role acts as a key interface between internal engineering teams, project stakeholders, and external suppliers to ensure timely placement of purchase orders, technical alignment, and smooth prototype execution.

Your Responsibilities

  • Procurement & PO Management
    • Track, create, and update Purchase Order (PO) status for prototype and development parts upon project and engineering confirmation.
    • Coordinate internally with finance, and project teams to ensure PO release aligns with project timelines.
  • Supplier Coordination
    • Act as a primary procurement contact for suppliers during RFQ and prototype phases.
    • Follow up with suppliers on pricing, lead times, delivery commitments, and production start readiness.
  • Technical & Commercial Alignment
    • Support engineering discussions by relaying procurement-relevant feedback related to materials, standard components and supplier feasibility.
    • Ensure supplier proposals (material changes, standard part deviations) are commercially reviewed, if applicable negotiated and routed to engineering for confirmation.
  • Prototype Program Support
    • Enable on-time prototype to build by aligning PO placement with agreed technical decisions (drawings, specifications, materials).
    • Monitor prototype quantities, supplier readiness, and agreed delivery dates to avoid schedule impacts.
  • Cross Functional Communication
    • Work closely with Engineering, Project Management, and other Buyers to close open action items related to RFQs, DFM feedback, and prototype execution.
    • Provide clear status updates to internal stakeholders when requested.
    • Daily interaction with Logistics , Operations , Controlling teams.

Who we are looking for

Education/Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business or equivalent.
  • 1-3 years of purchasing or materials management experience.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate with internal and external contacts at all levels.
  • Knowledge of ERP systems (SAP) and Purchase to Pay Process and Tools (Coupa)
  • Knowledge of product development practices in the automotive field including knowledge of the application and delivery of advanced electronic systems into the automotive industry.
  • Skills in problem-solving, keen analytical abilities in a teamwork setting and knowledge of risk management.
  • Willingness to perform "hands-on" work.
  • Advanced knowledge of MS Office.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of English (verbal and written).
  • Able to work effectively in a global environment.
  • Able to represent technical topics internally and externally.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality.
  • Negotiation skills.
  • Ability to multitask by handling diverse assignments concurrently.
  • Self-starter who can work in a fast-paced and multifaceted environment.
  • Strong and effective decision-making skills.
Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type:

Regular / Permanent

Group:

Magna Electronics