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Prototype Department Manager Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Develop departmental goals aligned with safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. * Manage ... Support prototype builds and production launches to ensure smooth transition into manufacturing.

Ensure rigorous research, prototyping, and validation processes across models and synthetic ... Represent the department in cross-functional meetings and present technical information clearly to ...

Product Development Manager

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$107K - $133K/yr

Facilitates and directs prototype plan walks and follows up with documenting and distributing ... Proactively coordinates with, and provides updates to, the marketing department to assure the ...

Product Development Manager

Morrisville, NC

$107K - $133K/yr

Facilitates and directs prototype plan walks and follows up with documenting and distributing ... Proactively coordinates with, and provides updates to, the marketing department to assure the ...

Product Development Manager

Morrisville, NC

$107K - $133K/yr

Facilitates and directs prototype plan walks and follows up with documenting and distributing ... Proactively coordinates with, and provides updates to, the marketing department to assure the ...

Product Development Manager

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$107K - $133K/yr

Facilitates and directs prototype plan walks and follows up with documenting and distributing ... Proactively coordinates with, and provides updates to, the marketing department to assure the ...

Our company is serving various State, Local and County Departments for over 10 years. USITSOL has ... users to prototype, refine, test, and debug solution to meet Change Management needs Provide ...

Own the end-to-end lifecycle of physical samples (Prototypes through TOP); develop a streamlined ... all departments. * Data & Line Sheet Integrity: Manage internal Master Data systems and update ...

Own the end-to-end lifecycle of physical samples (Prototypes through TOP); develop a streamlined ... all departments. * Data & Line Sheet Integrity: Manage internal Master Data systems and update ...

From prototype development through full-scale production, we take pride in our quality, technical ... Familiar with ISO 9001, and 13485 Quality Management Standards; knowledge of FDA Regulations

Contracts & Integration Lead

Morrisville, NC · Remote

$83K - $111K/yr

... prototyping, manufacturing, assembly and packaging. We deliver industry-changing innovations and ... This position requires a solid leader to manage the entire contract negotiation process, which ...

From prototype development through full-scale production, we take pride in our quality, technical ... Familiar with ISO 9001, and 13485 Quality Management Standards; knowledge of FDA Regulations

Contracts & Integration Lead

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

... prototyping, manufacturing, assembly and packaging. We deliver industry-changing innovations and ... This position requires a solid leader to manage the entire contract negotiation process, which ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Oxford, NC · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

Director of Engineering Department: Engineering Job Summary: The Project Engineer leads the design ... This role is responsible for managing projects from initial concept through full product lifecycle ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Oxford, NC · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

Director of Engineering Department: Engineering Job Summary: The Project Engineer leads the design ... This role is responsible for managing projects from initial concept through full product lifecycle ...

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) is seeking a Senior ... Develop UI mockups and prototypes that clearly illustrate how sites function and look like. Prepare ...

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Prototype Department Manager information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$25

$52

How much do prototype department manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype department manager in Raleigh, NC is $25.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Prototype Department Manager vs Prototype Engineer?

AspectPrototype Department ManagerPrototype Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; management experienceBachelor's or higher in engineering or design
Work EnvironmentOversees teams in manufacturing or R&D settingsDesign and develop prototypes in labs or workshops
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automotive, aerospace companiesProduct design, R&D departments in similar industries
Search & Comparison IntentManagement roles overseeing prototype processesTechnical roles focused on prototype creation

The Prototype Department Manager primarily oversees the entire prototype process, managing teams and ensuring project timelines. In contrast, the Prototype Engineer focuses on designing and developing prototypes. While both roles require engineering knowledge, the manager's role is more leadership-oriented, whereas the engineer's role is technical and hands-on.

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

To thrive as a Prototype Department Manager, you need expertise in prototyping processes, project management, and a relevant technical degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and manufacturing systems like ERP or PLM platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage cross-functional teams and drive project success. These competencies ensure efficient prototype development, timely project delivery, and effective collaboration across departments.

How does a Prototype Department Manager typically collaborate with engineering and design teams during new product development?

A Prototype Department Manager plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between engineering and design by coordinating prototype builds, facilitating feedback, and aligning project timelines. They often lead cross-functional meetings to ensure that prototypes meet technical requirements and design intent, while also managing resources to quickly address any issues that arise. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential, as the manager must balance multiple priorities and ensure all teams are working cohesively toward shared goals.

What does a Prototype Department Manager do?

A Prototype Department Manager oversees the development and creation of prototypes for new products or components within a company. They lead a team of engineers, designers, and technicians to ensure prototypes are built according to specifications, timelines, and budget. The manager coordinates between design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to troubleshoot issues and improve processes. They also maintain documentation, manage resources, and ensure compliance with industry standards throughout the prototyping phase.

Engineering Manager

General Metals

Pine Level, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

The Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all engineering functions within a sheet metal fabrication and assembly contract manufacturing plant. The company builds products to customer-provided designs and specifications, while actively identifying opportunities to improve manufacturability, reduce cost, and enhance production efficiency.
This role oversees manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, process development, tooling, documentation control, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Engineering Manager works cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Materials, and Sales to support new product launches, resolve production challenges, and deliver cost-saving solutions to customers.
Key Responsibilities: 
Engineering Leadership & Department Management:
  • Lead and develop the engineering team, including manufacturing engineers, programmers, and CAD/CAM personnel.
  • Establish engineering standards, documentation controls, and process consistency across the plant.
  • Develop departmental goals aligned with safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
  • Manage engineering project priorities, workload balancing, and resource allocation.
  • Mentor team members and build technical depth within the department.

Manufacturing & Process Engineering:
  • Oversee development, validation, and optimization of fabrication and assembly processes including laser cutting, turret punching, press brakes, welding (MIG/TIG), hardware insertion (PEM), finishing, and mechanical assembly.
  • Develop efficient manufacturing methods based on customer-supplied drawings and specifications.
  • Improve setup reduction, cycle times, material utilization, and workflow.
  • Support troubleshooting of complex production issues and implement root cause corrective actions.
  • Evaluate and recommend capital equipment, tooling, and automation to improve throughput and reduce cost.

Customer Design Support & Cost Improvement:
  • Review customer drawings and specifications for manufacturability and efficiency.
  • Provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback focused on cost reduction, material optimization, tolerance alignment, and process simplification.
  • Identify opportunities for value engineering without altering customer product intent or function.
  • Collaborate with Sales and customers to present engineering-driven cost savings and process improvements.
  • Support prototype builds and production launches to ensure smooth transition into manufacturing.

New Product Introduction (NPI):
  • Lead engineering activities for new customer programs from quotation through production release.
  • Ensure accurate creation of flat patterns, CNC programs, bend sequences, weld fixtures, assembly documentation, and work instructions.
  • Establish accurate BOMs, routings, and labor standards within the ERP system.
  • Manage engineering change orders (ECOs) and revision control based on customer updates.
  • Ensure readiness of tooling, fixtures, and documentation prior to production start.

Costing & Quoting Support:
  • Partner with Sales and Estimating to support accurate and competitive quotations.
  • Validate material usage, labor standards, and process times.
  • Drive continuous cost reduction initiatives through process improvements and waste elimination.
  • Support margin improvement e orts through engineering optimization.

Quality & Compliance:
  • Collaborate with Quality to ensure processes meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
  • Support corrective actions related to manufacturing processes or documentation.
  • Ensure process documentation and revision control systems remain accurate and audit-ready.

Systems & Continuous Improvement:
  • Oversee CAD/CAM systems, nesting software, and CNC programming platforms.
  • Ensure integration between engineering systems and ERP/MRP software.
  • Lead lean manufacturing initiatives, workflow improvements, and capacity optimization efforts.
  • Develop and track KPIs related to engineering throughput, cost savings, ECO cycle time, and process improvements.

Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field required.
  • 7–10 years of experience in sheet metal fabrication and assembly manufacturing.
  • Experience in a contract manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
  • 3–5 years of engineering leadership or management experience.

Technical Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes, tolerances, and material properties (steel, stainless steel, aluminum).
  • Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, nesting software, or similar).
  • Experience developing routings, labor standards, and process documentation.
  • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.  Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

Leadership Competencies:
  • Strong project management and prioritization skills.
  • Ability to lead in a fast-paced, high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing environment.
  • Excellent communication skills for customer and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Analytical mindset focused on cost reduction and operational efficiency.
  • Results-driven leadership style with strong accountability.

Work Environment:
  • Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment.
  • Frequent interaction with fabrication equipment and production teams.
  • Occasional customer or supplier visits as needed.

Reporting Structure:
  • Reports to: General Manager.