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Prototype Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Manager - Paint and Trim

Dearborn, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

As a manager in design fabrication, you will lead a strong, cross functional team of prototype ... Prototype Teams you will lead: * Paint * Trim * Lead a team of prototype technologists to deliver ...

Product Manager, Subscription Systems

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$115K - $130K/yr

  • Retirement

The Product Manager will shape the platforms, workflows, and decisioning systems that convert ... Experience creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, or product concepts using modern AI ...

Manager, Quality

Livonia, MI · On-site

  • Dental

  • Vision

Job Title: Quality Manager Summary: The QA Manager is responsible for directing the quality ... Ensure quality standards for McLaren are effectively communicated to Prototype Suppliers. * Assist ...

Manager, Quality

Livonia, MI · On-site

  • Dental

  • Vision

Job Title: Quality Manager Summary: The QA Manager is responsible for directing the quality ... Ensure quality standards for McLaren are effectively communicated to Prototype Suppliers. * Assist ...

Manager - Paint and Trim

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$115K - $218K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Leveraging your expertise in automotive design/engineering and prototyping techniques you will have the opportunity to see the future of Ford firsthand and play a pivotal role in the early-stage ...

Sr. Global Supply Manager

Southfield, MI

$87K - $117K/yr

Work with suppliers and Engineering to release parts into production and issue POs for Prototype ... Manage supplier development and tooling timelines, part availability for prototype builds/start of ...

Program Manager

Detroit, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Manager is a thinker who will facilitate all program deliverables, supporting OEM requirements from prototype through Automotive Retrofit Repair. The Program Manager leads cross ...

Mechanical Project Manager

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$84K - $114K/yr

Support and oversee prototype vehicle builds and mechanical subsystem integration activities ... Organize, manage, maintain, distribute and archive technical data associated with ongoing projects.

Mechanical Project Manager

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$84K - $114K/yr

Support and oversee prototype vehicle builds and mechanical subsystem integration activities ... Organize, manage, maintain, distribute and archive technical data associated with ongoing projects.

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Project Manager (Automotive)

Wixom, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prototype & Validation Support: Oversee prototype builds, design validation activities, and engineering changes to ensure robust product and process readiness. * Change & Configuration Management:

Showing results 41-60

Prototype Manager information

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a prototype manager?

A Prototype Manager typically oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of prototype development projects from concept to completion. This involves managing timelines, allocating resources, and collaborating closely with engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to translate ideas into physical models. They are responsible for troubleshooting design issues, ensuring quality standards are met, and communicating progress to stakeholders. In addition, they may supervise a team of technicians and evaluate new prototyping technologies or processes to improve efficiency. Each day brings a mix of hands-on problem solving, strategic planning, and cross-functional communication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the prototype manager position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Manager, you need strong project management skills, experience in product development, and often a background in engineering or industrial design. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools (such as 3D printers and CNC machines), and stage-gate or agile development processes is commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and leadership are critical for coordinating cross-functional teams and driving innovation. These capabilities enable a Prototype Manager to efficiently oversee the creation and refinement of prototypes, ensuring projects meet stakeholder expectations and timelines.

What does a prototype manager do?

A Prototype Manager oversees the development and testing of product prototypes before mass production. They coordinate with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure prototypes meet technical specifications and business requirements. Their role includes managing timelines, budgets, and quality control while addressing any design or functionality issues. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Manager jobs in Michigan?

For Prototype Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Prototype Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Prototype Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Prototype Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Manager - Paint and Trim

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description


We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Join us in shaping the future of Ford Motor Company, as part of a global organization with exceptional colleagues in world-class facilities. As part of Ford Design, you'll be at the cutting edge of Ford's most strategically critical work, designing people and society's needs into the heart of our next generation of products, services, and experiences.
As a manager in design fabrication, you will lead a strong, cross functional team of prototype technologists, trim developers and vehicle paint technologists to bring concepts to life in the form of high-fidelity physical prototypes. Leveraging your expertise in automotive design/engineering and prototyping techniques you will have the opportunity to see the future of Ford firsthand and play a pivotal role in the early-stage development of the next generation of Ford vehicles, content and experiences. This role requires a deep understanding of automotive systems and subsystems, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage a large, complex team to deliver physical prototypes on time and with quality.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
  • Prototype Teams you will lead:
    • Paint
    • Trim
  • Lead a team of prototype technologists to deliver high fidelity physical prototypes on time and with quality including
    • Show / Concept / Pre-Production vehicles
    • Interior and exterior systems (Ex: Lighting, Closures, Instruments Panels, Consoles, Seats)
    • Interior and exterior components (Ex: Buttons, nobs and switches)
    • Interior and exterior clay models
    • Color development for future model programs
    • Trim development for future model programs
    • Etc.
  • Support the development of prototype build plans, lead the team through delivering prototypes on time and with quality - Plan and organize the workload and job assignments of subordinate personnel accordingly
  • Recommend and implement training and development plans for subordinates. Assist leadership in the proper and effective implementation of personnel programs, including performance reviews, salary planning and employee counseling.
  • Be comfortable with complexity-finding opportunities and clear paths in ambiguous environments. You're comfortable facilitating senior stakeholder discussions
  • Have strong people management and leadership skills to hire, develop, and inspire the creative team.
  • Work collaboratively with design, engineering and marketing to align on scope of work, build timing and budget - managing your teams deliverables throughout the prototype build cycle
  • Leverage knowledge of prototype technologies and build workflows - identify and document opportunity areas and process efficiencies and action those as appropriate
  • Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continuously improve prototypes.
  • Cultivate employee engagement and improve morale. Embody our culture and steward others in the direction of our shared values and ways of working inside the shops and with Ford. You have patience to mentor and coach others through difficult challenges and can serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications
You'll have..
  • Bachelors degree in engineering, design, business or equivalent
  • Ability to lead a team in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
  • 5+ years of experience managing teams within design, engineering or manufacturing, experience with trim development, paint development and application highly preferred
  • 10+ years of experience working in automotive engineering and/or design with a strong understanding of vehicle level systems and subsystems
  • 10+ years of experience leading complex projects and project teams - leveraging program management tools as appropriate
  • 10+ years of experience leveraging prototype manufacturing techniques to build high fidelity prototypes such as additive manufacturing (3D Printing), milling, fiberglass layups, clay modeling, etc.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Even better, you may have...
  • Masters degree in engineering, design, business or equivalent
  • Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other advanced technologies.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $115,500-$218,100.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
#DesignTeam #LI-SC3

Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982