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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Burton's Prototype Shop Technicians are key team members of our Advanced Concept and Development ... Complete a job request from start to finish, building to an engineering design request to meet the ...

Ford Vehicle Prototype Technician Address: 800 Republic Dr, Allen Park, MI 48101 Duration: 6-Month ... This role sits between a traditional technician and an engineer, making it a great fit for someone ...

Senior Prototype Fabricator

Holland, MI

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

You'll work from sketches, engineering drawings, and 3D CAD models to fabricate high-quality prototype components and assemblies while meeting project schedules and development objectives. Serve as a ...

Senior Prototype Fabricator

Holland, MI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

You'll work from sketches, engineering drawings, and 3D CAD models to fabricate high-quality prototype components and assemblies while meeting project schedules and development objectives. Serve as a ...

* 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 ...

Provide "first piece" inspection data for prototype machinist and technicians * Perform inspections ... Understand the basics of engineering theory and principles of design. * Working knowledge in ...

Provide "first piece" inspection data for prototype machinist and technicians * Perform inspections ... Understand the basics of engineering theory and principles of design. * Working knowledge in ...

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 ...

New

Specifications makers, Full-stack engineering capabilities, Strong multidisciplinary expertise, Cross functional project management, Rapid prototyping & technical integration and Agile, decision ...

Showing results 21-40

Prototype Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$25

$31

$33

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 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 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,126 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Prototype Machine Shop Technician

MAT Holdings, Inc

Farmington Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


MAT Holdings rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

373rd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Company Description
Join Gabriel North America, a market leader in suspension systems products, established in 1907. We design, manufacture, and distribute top-notch suspension products for automotive aftermarket and other specialty vehicles. With a robust team of over 1,100 employees across multiple locations in the US and Mexico, we offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment. If you're passionate about the automotive industry and are eager to be part of a century-old innovating company, apply now and accelerate your career with us!
Gabriel Ride Control LLC is a proud member of MAT Holdings Inc. We're a family of companies and products providing employment opportunities with more than 14,000 employees in 12 countries. Founded in 1984, MAT Holdings, Inc. is a privately held $2.2 billion multi-national company with manufacturing operations, distribution centers, and sourcing offices worldwide in the automotive, fencing, hardware, and power equipment sectors. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space.
We're more than manufacturing, we're MAT
Job Description
This position is a leading / supporting role in the prototyping of Ride Control, LLC suspension products. The individual will assist with all prototyping aspects of design and engineering of the product, including construction, valving development, technical specifications, and design standards.
Will fabricate and modify prototype samples and industrial/machine tools, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures. In addition this role will operate and troubleshoot all standard and specialized equipment to produce superior parts.
This position will provide engineering and technical support to customers and internal departments, application engineering activities and documentation to support all activities.
  • Complete Prototype Requests
    • Coordinate and perform prototype builds from requests to reports
    • Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blue prints, geometric tolerances, and finishes during the application of machining and/or fabricating, and manufacturing parts.
    • Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools in order to perform precision prototyping operations. Machine parts to specifications using machine shop tools such as lathes, milling machines, band saws, drill presses, hydraulic presses, and grinders.
    • Welding, assembly, and disassembly, of prototype units from provided design documentation and valve codes
    • Measure, examine, and test completed units in order to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and height gauges.
    • Set and maintain standard prototype build times
  • Prototype Organization
    • Keeps the workplace in compliance with all safety rules and regulations, both company and federal, in order to establish a clean and hazard free environment.
    • Insures the satisfactory functioning of all equipment through regular maintenance, checks, and services; to include cleaning, inspection and replacement of consumables.
    • Maintain valve component stock, establish component safety stock, and performing incoming and component usage inspections.
    • Capturing statistical data to analyze, review, and use for recommended improvement updates.
    • Place prototype orders as needed
      • Machine shop materials
      • Consumables
      • Prototype components

Qualifications
  • A thorough knowledge of machining principles, ability to read and understand engineering drawings and blueprints. Proficient in the use of practice of precision measuring tools and instruments.
  • Strong fabrication skills utilizing machine shop equipment; MIG/TIG welding, seam welders, lathes, milling machines, band saws, drill presses, hydraulic presses, grinders, painting operations
  • A demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment, to take initiative, to work independently of day-to-day supervision, and to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
  • Strong commitment to providing world-class customer service, anticipating customer needs and designing, promoting or supporting the delivery of products and services that exceed their expectations.
  • Makes sound decisions in a timely and confident manner. Highly motivated, well-organized
  • Strong focus on safety.

Education/Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required - Associates degree or Certificate preferred
  • Welding certification preferred (AWS)
  • Hands on vehicle development and/or testing experience
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Knowledge or background of chassis systems/suspensions and components

Desired Experience
  • 5-10 years automotive fabrication with prototyping & development work
  • Experience in a 'shop' environment (drill press, band saw, sander, chop saw, arbor press, etc.)
  • Ability to interpret prints and GD&T training
  • Experience working in an IAFT 16949 certified organization
  • Automotive enthusiast

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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