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Prototype Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prototype Engineer - PLY

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$34 - $38/hr

The Prototype Manufacturing Engineer will help lead and perform all activities for building ... This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Working ...

This role ensures that prototypes are made accurately, efficiently and timely to aid in data ... Provide accurate time estimates to supervisor and collaborate with Engineering, exchanging ...

This role ensures that prototypes are made accurately, efficiently and timely to aid in data ... Provide accurate time estimates to supervisor and collaborate with Engineering, exchanging ...

$26.25 - $29.50/hr

The Prototype Manufacturing Engineer will help lead and perform all activities for building ... This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Working ...

New

GENERAL SUMMARY The Rapid Prototype Production Supervisor manages the schedules and day-to-day operations of a team of artists and reporting production staff in the Rapid Prototype (RP) Department.

This role ensures that prototypes are made accurately, efficiently and timely to aid in data ... Provide accurate time estimates to supervisor and collaborate with Engineering, exchanging ...

Description Supervisory Responsibilities: None Purpose: To build and machine Prototype components to the specifications required, while working in close collaboration with the Engineering Department ...

Description Supervisory Responsibilities: None Purpose: To build and machine Prototype components to the specifications required, while working in close collaboration with the Engineering Department ...

Rapid Prototype Production Supervisor

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

GENERAL SUMMARY The Rapid Prototype Production Supervisor manages the schedules and day-to-day operations of a team of artists and reporting production staff in the Rapid Prototype (RP) Department.

R&D Technician 1st Shift

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$19.71 - $25.63/hr

This position executes manufacturing operations on prototype and research samples, as directed by the Prototype Supervisor. The technician is also responsible for documenting equipment parameters ...

R&D Technician 1st Shift

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$19.50 - $27/hr

This position executes manufacturing operations on prototype and research samples, as directed by the Prototype Supervisor. The technician is also responsible for documenting equipment parameters ...

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Prototype Supervisor information

See salary details

$24.5K

$59.5K

$116K

How much do prototype supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for prototype supervisor in the United States is $59,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prototype supervisor do?

A Prototype Supervisor oversees the development, assembly, and testing of prototypes during the product development process. They coordinate teams of engineers and technicians to ensure prototypes meet design specifications and quality standards. Their responsibilities include scheduling work, managing resources, troubleshooting issues, and reporting progress to project managers. Prototype Supervisors play a key role in translating design concepts into functional models for further evaluation and refinement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototype supervisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Supervisor, you need expertise in prototype fabrication, project management, and quality control, typically supported by an engineering degree or equivalent technical experience. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and manufacturing systems is commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top candidates apart in managing teams and cross-functional projects. These capabilities ensure prototypes meet specifications, deadlines, and foster innovation in product development.

What are some common challenges prototype supervisors face when coordinating cross-functional teams during product development?

Prototype Supervisors often coordinate between engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to ensure prototypes meet specifications and timelines. A common challenge is balancing competing priorities and resolving communication gaps that can arise between departments with different objectives. Effective supervisors use strong project management skills and proactive communication to align teams, address technical issues early, and manage changes in design or resources. This collaborative environment requires adaptability and problem-solving to keep projects on track and ensure high-quality prototypes.

What is the difference between Prototype Supervisor vs Prototype Technician?

AspectPrototype SupervisorPrototype Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentSupervises teams in manufacturing or R&D labs, overseeing prototype developmentHands-on work in labs or workshops building and testing prototypes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and product development companiesCommon in similar industries, focusing on technical execution of prototypes
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding supervisory roles in prototype developmentTechnical responsibilities and hands-on tasks in prototyping

The Prototype Supervisor oversees teams and manages prototype projects, ensuring quality and efficiency, while the Prototype Technician focuses on the technical execution, building, and testing prototypes. Both roles are essential in product development, but the supervisor has a leadership role, whereas the technician is more hands-on.

More about Prototype Supervisor jobs

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Supervisor jobs?

For Prototype Supervisor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Prototype Supervisor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,525 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Prototype Engineer - PLY

Plymouth, MI • On-site

jtekt
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing

$34 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


JTEKT rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Summary/Purpose: 

The Prototype Manufacturing Engineer will help lead and perform all activities for building prototypesystems in North America with a specific focus on Electric Power Steering products. This includes internal test parts and customer deliveredprototypesintended for vehicle and bench testing.This position will also have some responsibilities for tracking time, materials, and costs associated with the builds. 

Essential Duties and Accountabilities: 

  • Coordinateprototypebuilds and related activities between the N.A. Technical Center, Sales and Program Management. 
  • Manage overallprototypebuild schedule and required resources. 
  • Guarantee integrity ofprototypebuilds, using incoming inspection data, control plans/ Process Flow Charts, final inspection methods, and end of line (EOL) performance test results. 
  • Lead or support Prototype Quality Assurance activities (Incoming component QA reviews & outgoing assembly QA reviews). 
  • Manage/archive all relevant build/inspection data as needed for records. 
  • Work with Purchasing to order all parts as needed for customer and internal builds. 
  • Develop and maintain allprototypebuild processes and work instructions. 
  • Assist in managing prototypeshop growth. 
  • Work with Advanced Purchasing & Manufacturing to develop localprototypesuppliers. 
  • Provide technical support to Sales and Engineering forprototypequotes to customers. 
  • Promote collaboration between US and Japan prototypebuild departments. 
  • Make technical presentations and reports. 
  • Work daily overtime and Saturdays and/or Sundays when directed by immediate supervisor or, as necessary, to complete essential job duties 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

  • This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

  • Working knowledge, understanding, and experience with product design, evaluation, and inspection of complex assemblies. 
  • Experience with building automotiveprototypeassemblies, preferably for safety related components. 
  • Experience working withprototypeand production suppliers for low volume batch runs of parts. 
  • Solid local network of contacts within component suppliers andprototypeshops. 
  • Requires good business acumen to capture and recover all costs associated withprototypebuilds. 
  • Ability to work independently on large and moderately complex projects, with minimal supervision. 
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining on-time customer delivery. 
  • Ability to lead and communicate effectively with customers, vendors, and other team members. 
  • Ability to perform hands-on testing and data collection. 
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 
  • Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook. 
  • Must be proficient in reading 2D component drawings and assembly drawings along with GD&T. 
  • Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills required. 

Education and Experience: 

  • BS in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical or Materials Engineering - Required. 
  • 2+ years of related automotive experience - Preferred 
  • Mechatronics experience – Desirable 
  • CATIA/CAD experience – Desirable 
  • LabVIEW/ Visual Basic experience – Desirable 
  • Vector CANalyzer/ CANoe/ CANape experience – Desirable 

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Optical
  • Supplementary Insurance
  • Optional Benefits (pet insurance, legal consultation, cyber security, retirement support, mental health services, etc.)
  • 401K (With match)
  • HSA contribution
  • Success Sharing
  • Paid Time-Off
  • Educational Reimbursement

Work Environment/Physical Demands: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  • Work is performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment. 
  • This job also requires significant time working in aprototypelab and/or test lab, overseeingprototypeparts builds. 
  • Ability to routinely climb up steps to reach machine levels and storage areas. 
  • Ability to stand for 2 hours at a time. 
  • Ability to use hand tools for machine setups, sample builds and sample teardown. 
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. 
  • Ability to pull, push, squat, twist, reach, grab and bend. 
  • The performance of this position will require exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and safety shoes 
  • Travel by automobile and plane required approximately 5-10% of time. 

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