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Prototype Model Maker Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Model Maker I

Ada, MI

$30.42 - $37.58/hr

Model Maker I Department / Division ... Rapid Prototyping / Research & Development (4001) Salary Range: $30.42/hr - $37.58/hr plus bonus ...

Tool Maker

Romeo, MI · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Read and understand specifications such as blueprints, sketches, models or descriptions, and ... Company Description Supplier/manufacturer of automotive prototype, service, short-run production ...

You will be expected to work independently from prints and models, plan your build, machine and fit ... Modify prototype tooling to create parts. What will make you successful: * High school diploma.

You will be expected to work independently from prints and models, plan your build, machine and fit ... Modify prototype tooling to create parts. What will make you successful: * High school diploma.

Tool Maker

Auburn Hills, MI

$25 - $32.50/hr

Build tooling (and related prototypes) according to specifications for application in Android ... Examine specifications such as blueprints, MBD models, etc., for which tooling is to be built.

Be Seen First

Build tooling (and related prototypes) according to specifications for application in Android ... Examine specifications such as blueprints, MBD models, etc., for which tooling is to be built.

Be Seen First

Build tooling (and related prototypes) according to specifications for application in Android ... Examine specifications such as blueprints, MBD models, etc., for which tooling is to be built.

Build tooling (and related prototypes) according to specifications for application in assembly ... Examine specifications such as blueprints, MBD models, etc., for which tooling is to be built.

Tool Maker

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$25 - $32.50/hr

Build tooling (and related prototypes) according to specifications for application in Android ... Examine specifications such as blueprints, MBD models, etc., for which tooling is to be built.

Must have a strong work ethic Read and interpret drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models. Compute dimensions and tolerances, and set up machine tools. Position, secure ...

Tool & Die Maker

Schoolcraft, MI · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Studies blueprints of die and product, die models, templates, and prototype parts and visualizes shape, mechanical structure, and operation of die. * Computes dimensions, plans machining, layout, and ...

Tool & Die Maker

Schoolcraft, MI · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Studies blueprints of die and product, die models, templates, and prototype parts and visualizes shape, mechanical structure, and operation of die. * Computes dimensions, plans machining, layout, and ...

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Prototype Model Maker information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$27

$58

How much do prototype model maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype model maker in Michigan is $27.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Prototype Model Maker?

A typical day for a Prototype Model Maker involves reviewing design plans or CAD drawings, selecting materials, and using a range of hand and power tools or machines to build physical models of new products or parts. You might spend part of your day operating 3D printers or CNC machines, assembling components, and collaborating closely with engineers and designers to resolve technical challenges. Attention to detail and adaptability are crucial, as you may need to create iterations or make adjustments based on feedback. The role can be both creative and technical, and often includes problem-solving in a hands-on workshop or lab environment.

What does a Prototype Model Maker do?

A Prototype Model Maker creates physical models and prototypes of products to help designers, engineers, and manufacturers test form, fit, and function. They use various materials, tools, and techniques, including CNC machining, 3D printing, and handcrafting, to build accurate representations of product concepts. Their work helps refine designs before mass production, reducing costs and identifying potential design flaws early in the process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Prototype Model Maker position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Model Maker, you need a solid background in fabrication, technical drawing interpretation, and hands-on skills with materials such as plastics, metals, and wood, often supported by relevant technical training or apprenticeship. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printers, CNC machines, and other model-making tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial because they allow for precise, innovative, and collaborative creation of functional prototypes that meet design and engineering specifications.

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Model Maker jobs in Michigan? For Prototype Model Maker jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Model Maker jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Model Maker jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Prototype Model Maker jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Prototype Model Maker job openings:
Infographic showing various Prototype Model Maker job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,868 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Model Maker I

$30.42 - $37.58/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job title: Model Maker I  

Department / Division: Rapid Prototyping / Research & Development (4001) 

Salary Range: $30.42/hr - $37.58/hr plus bonus  

Location:  Ada, MI (Onsite) 

 

What we're looking for: 

Are you ready to get your hands dirty (in the best way possible) and bring groundbreaking designs to life?  Our rapid prototyping team is on the lookout for an exceptional model maker to join our passionate group of innovators.  If you’re a wizard with materials, a perfectionist with precision and excited by seeing ideas come to life, then this is your chance to make a real impact and help us build the next generation of products one meticulously crafted model at a time.

This is a highly collaborative role where your work will change daily. You will manage our state-of-the-art 3D printing equipment, ensuring it's ready from both a material and mechanical perspective. You’ll partner with engineers and designers, using your free-hand sketching skills to visualize solutions and develop plans to rapidly deliver finely crafted prototypes.

A typical day may include:

  • Mixing a blend of SLS powder to prepare for future print jobs.
  • Removing a completed 3D print and setting up the equipment for the next request.
  • Finishing a prototype, including surface preparation and painting to a high-quality class “A” finish.
  • Performing preventative maintenance on a printer or scheduling a vendor for service.
  • Using our well-stocked model studio to machine parts for a functional test.

This is a full-time, on-site role at our Ada, Michigan campus. Travel is minimal, estimated at less than 10%.

Required Qualifications:

  • Associate's degree in Prototype and Design (or a related field) with 0-2 years of experience; OR a relevant technical certification with 2-4 years of professional model-making experience.
  • Expertise with 3D printing, either professionally or as a hobby.
  • Ability to read and understand technical drawings and plans.
  • Experience using a wide range of hand tools, power tools, and machine tools to build prototypes.
  • Proven ability to produce parts with high precision, including to tolerances of .001 of an inch.
  • Experience building prototypes using a variety of materials (e.g., metals, wood, plastics, clay, resin, fiberglass, silicone, urethanes).

Skills to Be Successful in the Role:

  • A collaborative spirit with strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Excellent 3D visualization ability and mechanical aptitude.
  • Strong problem-solving skills to help visualize and build new prototypes.
  • A meticulous approach with high attention to detail.
  • Adaptability to changing project requirements and timelines.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate safely in a machine tool environment.
  • (Preferred) Skill in painting to a "Class A" automotive-quality finish.

What's Special About this Team: 

If you chased a career, to invent, improve, and drive product innovation, this team of creative engineers lives and breathes this every day.  We are a work hard, play hard team, that bridges the gap between vision and reality by transforming ideas into tangible solutions with speed, precision and purpose.  We partner with our Nutrition, Beauty and Healthy Home counterparts to deliver prototypes to enable them to test ideas, drive alignment and build go to market assets.