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Prototype Engineering 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Technical Lead

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

  • Medical

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  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Prototype Engineering information

See Michigan salary details

$25

$31

$33

How much do prototype engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Prototype Engineering job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% 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

Posted 29 days ago


MAT Holdings rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

363rd of 489 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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