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Prototype Buyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PO for prototypes, samples, serial and spare parts . * Responsible for optimized product cost in ... Project Buyer automotive industry (min 1 year). * Purchasing assistant in spare parts purchasing ...

Buyer

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

... prototypes all the way to volume manufacturing of our products at a rate of several thousands per ... The Buyer serves a special role focusing on the procurement challenges for both Engineering ...

Buyer

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

... prototypes all the way to volume manufacturing of our products at a rate of several thousands per ... The Buyer serves a special role focusing on the procurement challenges for both Engineering ...

Buyer

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

... prototypes all the way to volume manufacturing of our products at a rate of several thousands per ... The Buyer serves a special role focusing on the procurement challenges for both Engineering ...

PO for prototypes, samples, serial and spare parts. * Responsible for optimized product cost in ... Project Buyer automotive industry (min 1 year). * Purchasing assistant in spare parts purchasing ...

Buyer

Garland, TX ยท On-site

Work closely with engineering on prototypes and Research and Development projects. * Write information and respond to questions from managers, clients, and suppliers. * Assist other buyers in ...

PO for prototypes, samples, serial and spare parts . * Responsible for optimized product cost in ... Project Buyer automotive industry (min 1 year). * Purchasing assistant in spare parts purchasing ...

Buyer II

Olathe, KS ยท On-site

Buyer II Location: Olathe, KS Department: Manufacturing Reports To: Director of Manufacturing ... and prototype ordering. **This is not a remote opportunity. This position is based Olathe, KS.

PO for prototypes, samples, serial and spare parts. * Responsible for optimized product cost in ... Project Buyer automotive industry (min 1 year). * Purchasing assistant in spare parts purchasing ...

Buyer

Garland, TX ยท On-site

Work closely with engineering on prototypes and Research and Development projects. * Write information and respond to questions from managers, clients, and suppliers. * Assist other buyers in ...

Work closely with engineering on prototypes and Research and Development projects. * Write information and respond to questions from managers, clients, and suppliers. * Assist other buyers in ...

NPI Project Buyer

Palmer, MA ยท On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

The Project Buyer acts as the primary procurement interface with Engineering, Quality, Project ... Prototypes, pre-series & industrialisation: Manage procurement of prototypes and preseries parts on ...

NPI Project Buyer

Palmer, MA ยท On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

The Project Buyer acts as the primary procurement interface with Engineering, Quality, Project ... Prototypes, pre-series & industrialisationManage procurement of prototypes and pre-series parts on ...

NPI Project Buyer

Palmer, MA ยท On-site +1

$95K - $115K/yr

The Project Buyer acts as the primary procurement interface with Engineering, Quality, Project ... Prototypes, pre-series & industrialisation: Manage procurement of prototypes and pre-series parts ...

Buyer

Fremont, CA ยท Hybrid

About the Role As a Buyer, you will support the day-to-day execution of procurement activities ... Coordinate with Planning and Engineering teams to support prototype and production builds.

As a Buyer, you'll be responsible for purchasing the materials, supplies, machinery, and services ... Process RFQ for new prototype materials for supplier competitive bidding, analyzes quotes ...

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Prototype Buyer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$72.1K

$105K

How much do prototype buyer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for prototype buyer in the United States is $72,133.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Prototype Buyer faces when sourcing materials for new product development?

Prototype Buyers often encounter challenges such as tight timelines, rapidly changing specifications, and limited availability of specialized materials. Since prototypes are usually the first iteration of a new product, suppliers may not always have the required quantities or may need to custom-produce components, which can complicate procurement. Effective communication with engineers and suppliers, as well as strong negotiation skills, are crucial to successfully navigating these hurdles and ensuring timely delivery for project milestones.

Do buyers make good money?

Prototype buyers typically earn a median salary that varies based on experience, industry, and location, with many earning between $50,000 and $80,000 annually. Advanced skills in sourcing, negotiation, and familiarity with prototyping tools can lead to higher compensation. Salary potential increases with experience and responsibility in procurement or product development roles.

What does a Prototype Buyer do?

A Prototype Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and coordinating the procurement of materials, parts, and components needed for prototype development in industries like automotive or manufacturing. They work closely with engineering and design teams to ensure that required materials are delivered on time and meet quality standards. Their role often involves negotiating with suppliers, managing purchase orders, and tracking deliveries to support rapid product development cycles.

Is procurement a dead-end job?

A procurement or prototype buyer role is typically a stepping stone within supply chain or product development careers. It involves skills like negotiation, supplier management, and market research, which can lead to advancement into senior purchasing, supply chain management, or product management positions.

What is a prototype job?

A prototype job involves designing, developing, or testing prototypes of products or systems, often in fields like engineering, design, or manufacturing. It requires skills in CAD, 3D modeling, or rapid prototyping tools, and may involve collaboration with engineers or designers to refine concepts before mass production.

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

To thrive as a Prototype Buyer, you need strong procurement knowledge, negotiation skills, and expertise in supply chain management, often supported by a degree in business or engineering. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, sourcing tools, and relevant certifications like CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) is common. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help build strong vendor relationships and manage rapid changes in requirements. These skills are vital for ensuring timely, cost-effective procurement of prototype materials and components in fast-paced, innovation-driven industries.

How do I get hired as a buyer?

To get hired as a prototype buyer, candidates typically need relevant purchasing or procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and familiarity with product development processes. A bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field is often preferred, along with knowledge of industry-specific tools and software. Building a network within the industry and demonstrating attention to detail can also improve job prospects.
More about Prototype Buyer jobs
What cities are hiring for Prototype Buyer jobs? Cities with the most Prototype Buyer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Buyer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Buyer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Prototype Buyer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,133 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Program Buyer

Freudenberg Group

Farmington Hills, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!
Responsibilities:
  • Analysis and evaluation of supplier quotations.
  • Cost estimates.
  • Selection of series suppliers together with Purchasing Manager / Commodity Manager based on Supplier Portfolio.
  • Define single PO, Tool PO, Scheduling Agreements in ERP System
  • PO for prototypes, samples, serial and spare parts .
  • Responsible for optimized product cost in close cooperation with development
  • Cost evaluation, value analysis, evaluation of alternative materials or production processes on product level.
  • Evaluation of technical and commercial feasibility of products.
  • Price negotiation on product level.
  • Manage Key Saving Projects to achieve BU material cost saving targets.

Qualifications:
  • University degree in technical/commercial or comparable field.
  • Project Buyer automotive industry (min 1 year).
  • Purchasing assistant in spare parts purchasing (min 3 years).
  • Technical know-how in main commodities such as (e.g. Compounds, stampings, aluminum die casting, tubes, extrusions ...).
  • Project Management skills in automotive industry.
  • Quality management in automotive industry.
  • Negotiation skills.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Vibracoustic USA Inc.