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Prototype Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

asrcfh

Technical Lead

Sterling Heights, MI

Army prototype, engineering, or modernization programs. * Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Secret Clearance. * Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, certificate from a 2-year ...

HL Mando

Prototype Buyer

Auburn, MI · On-site

The primary responsibility for this role is to assist Engineering and the Prototype Lab to achieve 100% delivery of prototype assemblies or components to all customers on time. Procurement of the ...

Magna

Prototype Buyer

Holly, MI · On-site

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 ...

Magna

Prototype Buyer

Southfield, MI · On-site

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 ...

Solid Steel Manufacturing

Be Seen First

Experienced Fixture/Prototype Builder

Roseville, MI · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Build prototype and production-intent fixtures, racks, and material handling equipment ... Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and weld symbols. * Measure, layout, cut, fit ...

New

Solid Steel Manufacturing

Be Seen First

Experienced Fixture/Prototype Builder

Roseville, MI · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Build prototype and production-intent fixtures, racks, and material handling equipment ... Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and weld symbols. * Measure, layout, cut, fit ...

New

Pae

Web Application Developer

Detroit, MI

Technical/engineering training or experience, especially in a test laboratory or prototype engineering environment is a plus. * Familiar with Augular (Google based framework) * Understanding of cloud ...

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Prototype Engineering information

See Michigan salary details

$25

$31

$33

How much do prototype engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineering 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 faced by prototype engineers during the product development process?

Prototype engineers often encounter challenges such as tight development timelines, limited resources, and evolving design requirements. They must frequently adapt to changes based on feedback from testing and cross-functional teams, which requires flexibility and strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, balancing functionality, manufacturability, and cost during rapid prototyping can be demanding, but it provides valuable experience in innovative thinking and collaboration.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

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 a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and hands-on experience with prototyping methods. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools like 3D printers, and knowledge of manufacturing processes are typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication help Prototype Engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams and iterate designs efficiently. These skills are crucial for transforming innovative ideas into functional prototypes that support product development and innovation.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Leadership roles like engineering managers and principal engineers also frequently reach or exceed this salary level, often requiring advanced certifications and management experience.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires advanced degrees and extensive industry experience.

What is the difference between Prototype Engineering vs Mechanical Design?

AspectPrototype EngineeringMechanical Design
Primary FocusDeveloping, building, and testing prototypes to validate conceptsCreating detailed mechanical parts and assemblies for products
Required SkillsHands-on fabrication, rapid prototyping, testing methodsCAD modeling, technical drawings, design analysis
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, workshops, manufacturing settingsDesign offices, CAD labs, engineering departments
Common CertificationsNone specific, often practical experienceProfessional engineering licenses, CAD certifications

Prototype Engineering and Mechanical Design are closely related roles in product development. Prototype engineers focus on building and testing physical models to validate concepts, while mechanical designers create detailed plans and models for manufacturing. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of the product development process.

What is prototype engineering?

Prototype engineering is the process of designing, building, and testing early models of products or components to evaluate their functionality, performance, and feasibility. Prototype engineers work closely with designers and product developers to turn ideas into tangible models, which can be used for testing and refinement before mass production. This helps identify design flaws, improve product quality, and reduce development costs. Prototype engineering plays a crucial role in industries such as automotive, electronics, and consumer products, where rapid innovation and iteration are essential.

What does a prototype engineer do?

A prototype engineer designs, develops, and tests early models of products to evaluate their functionality, feasibility, and design. They work with CAD software, build physical prototypes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine product concepts before mass production.
What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineering jobs in Michigan? For Prototype Engineering jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineering jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineering jobs in Michigan are:
Prototype Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineering job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,126 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Technical Lead

asrcfh

Sterling Heights, MI

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

ASRC Federal Advanced Research is currently seeking a Technical Lead to support autonomy vehicle integrations in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Considering the state of the world today, military technical innovation is critical to defending our territories and those of our allies. The US Army is currently exploring advancements to equip ground combat forces with autonomous vehicle platforms. This effort presents a unique opportunity for civilians to participate in the research and development efforts that will shape future battlefield combat platforms. 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate all activities associated with the build, integration, and delivery of prototype autonomous military vehicles.
  • Provide day-to-day direction to prototype technicians, assemblers, integration personnel, and support staff.
  • Develop and maintain detailed build schedules, production plans, and milestone tracking tools.
  • Serve as the primary day-to-day interface between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality assurance, and test teams.
  • Monitor material availability, long-lead procurements, and production readiness to support build schedules.
  • Lead daily production meetings and communicate build status, risks, and corrective actions to program leadership.
  • Coordinate implementation of engineering change requests (ECRs), design updates, and configuration modifications throughout the build cycle.
  • Track labor utilization, manufacturing progress, and completion status of vehicle assemblies and subsystems.
  • Identify production bottlenecks and facilitate resolution of technical, material, or schedule-related issues.
  • Support prototype vehicle integration activities, system checkout, testing, demonstrations, and customer evaluations.
  • Maintain configuration control and ensure vehicles are assembled to approved engineering documentation and technical baselines.
  • Coordinate subcontractor and supplier activities supporting prototype builds.
  • Assist the Program Manager with schedule forecasting, risk management, and customer reporting.
  • Ensure compliance with safety requirements, quality standards, and contractual deliverables.

Required Qualifications

  • Capable of standing all day and lifting 45 lbs.
  • Experience with autonomous systems, robotic vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), or advanced combat vehicle platforms.
  • Experience supporting U.S. Army prototype, engineering, or modernization programs.  
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Secret Clearance.
  • Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, certificate from a 2-year technical school or completion of an apprenticeship program leading to a Journeyman status with certification in the areas of vehicle repair/diagnostics and minimum 7-10 years’ experience.
  • Possess or willing to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL-B). 
  • Ability to travel 25-50%

ASRC Federal and its Subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, religion, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.

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