Prototype Development Engineer Jobs in Canton, MI

Job Description

Peninsula Plastics is looking for a hardworking and experienced individual to join our team as a Thermoforming Prototype Technician. This position is primarily responsible for operating vacuum-forming/thermoforming prototype equipment to produce prototype sample parts that meet customer specifications and internal quality requirements.

The Thermoforming Prototype Technician will set up and operate prototype equipment, make adjustments to heating, cooling, pressure, timing, and plug assists, troubleshoot forming issues, and document settings and process changes throughout the prototyping process. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, critical-thinking skills, woodworking abilities, and hands-on experience with vacuum-forming or thermoforming equipment.

While the majority of this position will focus on producing and developing prototype parts, the Thermoforming Prototype Technician will also occasionally work in the Pattern Shop to assist with prototype tooling and fixtures. This provides opportunities for continued growth and cross-training within the organization.

Previous vacuum-forming or thermoforming experience is required for this position.

Locations:
Primary: 2800 Auburn Ct, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Secondary: 1200 Auburn Ave, Pontiac, MI 48342

Shift: 1st Shift – 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with some weekend availability required.

Pay: $25.00–$28.00 per hour

• Machine Setup & Operation: Set up and operate vacuum-forming/thermoforming prototype equipment, including tooling and fixtures. Adjust machine settings such as heat, pressure, timing, cooling, and other process parameters to achieve required results.
• Prototype Development: Produce, trim, finish, and evaluate prototype parts according to engineering specifications, customer requirements, and internal standard operating procedures.
• Process Adjustments: Complete heating, cooling, vacuum, pressure, timing, and plug-assist adjustments as necessary to successfully form prototype parts.
• Quality Inspection: Inspect prototype parts to verify that they meet dimensional, visual, and quality standards. Identify defects and make appropriate process adjustments or corrective actions.
• Troubleshooting: Identify and troubleshoot issues within the forming process, equipment, tooling, or materials to ensure prototype parts meet customer and internal requirements.
• Documentation: Accurately document relevant information throughout the prototyping process, including machine settings, heating and cooling approaches, tooling configurations, process changes, adjustments, and results.
• Tooling Development: Assist with the development, modification, and preparation of prototype tooling, plug assists, cooling fixtures, and other components needed for sampling and production.
• Pattern Shop Support: Work within the Pattern Shop as needed to assist with tooling and pattern-related projects while developing additional skills through cross-training.
• Woodworking & Fabrication: Use hand and power tools to build, modify, and finish plug assists, cooling fixtures, patterns, and other prototype components.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and follow all company safety procedures and established work practices.
• Collaborate with engineering, tooling, production, quality, and other team members throughout the prototype development process.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support prototype development and Pattern Shop operations.

• Required Experience: Previous hands-on experience operating vacuum-forming or thermoforming equipment is required.
• Previous experience working in a manufacturing, prototyping, tooling, or similar production environment.
• Working knowledge of vacuum-forming/thermoforming processes, including heat, vacuum, pressure, cooling, timing, and tooling adjustments.
• Woodworking skills, including experience building or modifying plug assists, cooling fixtures, patterns, or similar components.
• Experience safely operating hand and power tools, including table saws, band saws, die grinders, and similar shop equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret machine settings, engineering specifications, quality standards, work instructions, and CAD drawings.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve equipment and forming-process issues.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly when developing new prototype parts or processes.
• Ability to accurately document machine settings, process changes, troubleshooting steps, and prototype results.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing parts that meet customer and internal quality requirements.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with engineering, production, quality, and Pattern Shop personnel.
• Willingness and ability to cross-train and perform work within the Pattern Shop as needed.

• Ability to stand and work on your feet for 8–10 hour shifts.
• Ability to regularly bend, reach, pull, push, carry, and perform other physical movements required in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate manufacturing, woodworking, and prototype equipment and tools.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing and shop environment that may involve noise, machinery, dust, heat, and other typical industrial conditions.

Candidates must have previous vacuum-forming or thermoforming experience to be considered for this position. This role is primarily focused on producing prototype parts using vacuum-forming/thermoforming equipment and requires an individual who can bring practical forming-process knowledge to the position.