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Prototype Jobs in Troy, MI (NOW HIRING)

JTEKT North America

Prototype Engineer - PLY

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$34 - $38/hr

The Prototype Manufacturing Engineer will help lead and perform all activities for building prototype systems in North America with a specific focus on Electric Power Steering products. This includes ...

Brightwing

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$35 - $38/hr

The Prototype Build Engineer will be responsible for managing all prototype build activities including developing and communicating build plans based on vehicle specifications, coordinating ...

Stefanini

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$33.75 - $37.75/hr

Stefanini is looking for a Prototype Build Engineer, Auburn Hills, MI For quick apply, please reach out to Lovkesh Bharti at +1 / The Prototype Build Engineer will be responsible for managing all ...

jtekt

Prototype Engineer - PLY

Plymouth, MI

$34 - $38/hr

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 ...

jtekt

Prototype Engineer - PLY

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$34 - $38/hr

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 ...

Optimal Inc.

Prototype Build Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$32.50 - $36.50/hr

Manage the approval process for Product Development changes, ensuring these are integrated and proven out ahead of prototype builds. * Issue Resolution Leadership: Lead the build issues management ...

Magna

Prototype Inspection Student

Troy, MI · On-site

Provide "first piece" inspection data for prototype machinist and technicians * Perform inspections of components and/or assemblies to ISO / ANSI standards. * Assist / support additional Magna ...

Magna

Prototype Inspection Student

Troy, MI · On-site

Provide "first piece" inspection data for prototype machinist and technicians * Perform inspections of components and/or assemblies to ISO / ANSI standards. * Assist / support additional Magna ...

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All JobsPrototype JobsPrototype Jobs in Troy, MI

Prototype information

See Troy, MI salary details

$14

$24

$47

How much do prototype jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype in Troy, MI is $24.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $26.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prototype?

Prototypes are early models or samples of a product built to test a concept or process. They allow designers, engineers, and stakeholders to explore ideas, evaluate functionality, and identify potential issues before full-scale production begins. Prototypes can range from simple sketches or mockups to fully functional models, depending on the stage of development and the goals of the project. Creating a prototype helps teams gather feedback, refine designs, and make informed decisions for the final product.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in prototype development roles?

Professionals in prototype development often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, evolving design requirements, and the need to rapidly iterate based on stakeholder feedback. Collaboration between engineers, designers, and product managers is crucial, as prototypes frequently require interdisciplinary input and quick problem-solving. Additionally, balancing innovation with practicality—ensuring the prototype is both creative and feasible for further development—can be demanding but is highly rewarding for those who enjoy dynamic, hands-on work environments.

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 strong skills in mechanical design, fabrication techniques, and a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printing, CNC machinery, and rapid prototyping tools is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this position. These skills are crucial for efficiently turning design concepts into functional prototypes that drive product innovation.

What is the difference between Prototype vs Product Designer?

AspectPrototype
RoleCreates interactive models to test concepts and functionality
SkillsUI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping tools, user testing
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, product development, user experience departments
CertificationsDesign certifications, UX certifications, proficiency in prototyping tools

While a Prototype focuses on building interactive models to test ideas, a Product Designer oversees the entire product development process, including user experience, visual design, and functionality. Prototypes are tools used within the product design process, making the roles complementary but distinct.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype jobs in Troy, MI?

The most popular types of Prototype jobs in Troy, MI are:

What job categories do people searching Prototype jobs in Troy, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype jobs in Troy, MI are:

What cities near Troy, MI are hiring for Prototype jobs?

Cities near Troy, MI with the most Prototype job openings:

Prototype jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype job openings in Troy, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,476 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Prototype Engineer - PLY

JTEKT North America

Plymouth, MI • On-site

$34 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

JTEKT rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

359th of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Summary/Purpose:
The Prototype Manufacturing Engineer will help lead and perform all activities for building prototype systems in North America with a specific focus on Electric Power Steering products. This includes internal test parts and customer delivered prototypes intended 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:
  • Coordinate prototype builds and related activities between the N.A. Technical Center, Sales and Program Management.
  • Manage overall prototype build schedule and required resources.
  • Guarantee integrity of prototype builds, 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 all prototype build processes and work instructions.
  • Assist in managing prototype shop growth.
  • Work with Advanced Purchasing & Manufacturing to develop local prototype suppliers.
  • Provide technical support to Sales and Engineering for prototype quotes to customers.
  • Promote collaboration between US and Japan prototype build 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 automotive prototype assemblies, preferably for safety related components.
  • Experience working with prototype and production suppliers for low volume batch runs of parts.
  • Solid local network of contacts within component suppliers and prototype shops.
  • Requires good business acumen to capture and recover all costs associated with prototype builds.
  • 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 a prototype lab and/or test lab, overseeing prototype parts 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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