Prototype Tester Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Are you a Mechanical Engineer who enjoys designing real products, building prototypes, and seeing your work come to life? Do you like taking ownership of designs from concept through full production launch, building, testing, and improving your designs along the way? Do you thrive in a collaborative, true design-build-test environment where engineers are directly involved in building real products?

This role requires true end-to-end ownership of the product development lifecycle. If this sounds like you, we’d love to talk. Apply to join our team as a Senior Mechanical Engineer!

The Pond Guy / Airmax, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of pond, lake, and water garden products.

In this role, you will own mechanical designs from concept through production, in a fast‑paced environment where ideas quickly become prototypes and real‑world products. Collaboration with cross‑functional teams is key to ensure designs are functional, manufacturable, cost‑effective, and ready for production.

Don’t know about ponds? That’s ok! You’ll be trained to be proficient in your job. We utilize an interactive combination of hands‑on and visual training to ensure everyone has a complete understanding of The Pond Guy’s approach to pond management.

• Own multiple product development projects, leading designs from concept through prototype, testing, and production launch
• Serve as technical lead for assigned projects, ensuring strong design execution, manufacturability (DFMA), and production readiness
• Design mechanical components and assemblies in SolidWorks, ensuring performance, quality, manufacturability, and cost targets are met
• Lead and facilitate design reviews, ensuring design alignment with performance, quality, and product requirements
• Build and iterate prototypes using in‑house equipment, including a full machine shop and multiple 3D printing machines, performing testing and validation through structured plans and real‑world evaluation
• Drive continuous improvement by solving design‑related issues, using structured problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis to optimize product performance
• Provide engineering and technical support across multiple business entities and intercompany operations as needed
• Demonstrate ownership, curiosity, and persistence while benchmarking competitive products and identifying opportunities for product or process innovation

• Proven experience applying mechanical engineering principles, knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes, and tools in product engineering
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in product design/development within an engineering discipline
• Experience creating and defining performance requirements on engineering drawings
• Solid understanding of GD&T
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and/or similar 3D modeling software
• Inquisitive mindset with a passion for exploring new ideas and approaches
• Demonstrated ability to build strong connections by seeking input and fostering open dialogue
• Creative thinking and persistence in finding solutions to complex problems
• Experience with various manufacturing processes such as machining, casting, metal forming, injection molding, welding/joining, extrusion, etc.

Because this position involves a variety of tasks, the physical requirements for both in‑office and in‑the‑field environments are necessary. This position requires manual dexterity for typing, sitting at a desk, and looking at a computer screen for long periods. In the field, expect adverse weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, etc.

Our Senior Mechanical Engineer will require extensive use of a computer system. This position involves a high degree of interaction with engineers, technicians, managers, leads, and other departments.

This is a full‑time, salaried position. Candidates must be available to work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, with the occasional Saturday work as needed.

This is a full‑time salaried position with benefits, including:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Insurance
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Vision Insurance
• Short‑term Disability Insurance
• Long‑term Disability Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday pay effective immediately (8 holidays recognized)
• 401k with employer 4% match and revenue sharing
• Employee referral program
• Additional Training Programs: Career Development and Department Shadows

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.