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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The prototype buyer is responsible for supporting prototype and development procurement activities ... The role acts as a key interface between internal engineering teams, project stakeholders, and ...

The prototype buyer is responsible for supporting prototype and development procurement activities ... The role acts as a key interface between internal engineering teams, project stakeholders, and ...

The prototype buyer is responsible for supporting prototype and development procurement activities ... The role acts as a key interface between internal engineering teams, project stakeholders, and ...

Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Finance, Cost Modeling, and Operations to support prototype programs * Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical and operational issues Production ...

* Drive the concept design, prototyping, engineering, testing, release and enhancements of a cutting edge compute platform for Autonomous Driving * Work closely with other teams to ensure a seamless ...

Job Posting Title Prototype Quality Analyst Summary Ensures that products being built, and the ... Issue Engineering Incident Reports (EIRs) and CARs as required to drive corrective actions and ...

We fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a diverse range of industries. Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype, and ...

Role Summary The Prototype Manufacturing Engineer role will be responsible for design optimization and manufacturability of all Prototype Requests at Rivian. They will collaborate daily with ...

Role Summary The Prototype Manufacturing Engineer role will be responsible for design optimization and manufacturability of all Prototype Requests at Rivian. They will collaborate daily with ...

We fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a diverse range of industries. Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype, and ...

We fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a diverse range of industries. Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype, and ...

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Prototype Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$25

$31

$33

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Michigan is $31.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.95 and $33.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Prototype Engineers face when transitioning designs from concept to functional prototypes?

Prototype Engineers often encounter challenges such as interpreting incomplete or evolving design specifications, sourcing unconventional materials, and working within tight deadlines. Close collaboration with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams is essential to resolve technical issues quickly and ensure the prototype aligns with the intended functionality. Flexibility and creative problem-solving are key, as unexpected obstacles frequently arise during the rapid iteration and testing phases.

What is a Prototype Engineer?

A Prototype Engineer is a professional who designs, builds, and tests early versions of products or components to evaluate their functionality and performance before mass production. They collaborate with designers, engineers, and product managers to turn concepts into tangible prototypes, using a variety of fabrication techniques and materials. Their work helps identify potential design improvements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that the final product meets technical and user requirements.

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

To thrive as a Prototype Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical or electrical engineering, rapid prototyping techniques, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printing technologies, and hands-on fabrication tools is typically required, along with knowledge of prototyping standards. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills to excel in cross-functional teams and adapt to evolving project requirements. These abilities enable successful design iteration, effective collaboration, and efficient transition from concept to functional prototype.

What Does a Prototype Engineer Do?

A prototype engineer is part of a product development team that designs prototypes for new kinds of industrial products. Many companies employ design engineers to perform numerous technical duties, such as drawing up schematics and blueprints, overseeing the production of prototypes, and testing those prototypes to decide whether they should enter mass production. The career requires significant educational qualifications and a variety of skills and experience. You should have an engineering degree in the field you wish to enter, strong analytical problem-solving, and the ability to work as part of a large team.

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Prototype Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Prototype Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Prototype Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,126 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Prototype Buyer

Prototype Buyer

Magna

Southfield, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 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