Senior Prototype Lead
About The Position
The Senior Prototype Lead leads advanced prototype fabrication and welding from concept through functional builds. Working closely with Engineering and Project Management, this role supports rapid product development, design validation, and iterative improvements. As the prototype team’s technical lead, the position balances hands-on fabrication with planning, problem-solving, mentoring, and coordination to ensure quality, safety, and timely delivery. The role leads daily prototype build activities, provides technical guidance on complex fabrication and welding challenges, mentors team members, and reviews completed work. It collaborates cross-functionally to provide design-for-manufacturing feedback, coordinate schedules and priorities, and communicate project status and risks. It also develops and maintains prototype processes and work instructions, supports equipment and tooling needs, promotes a safe and organized workspace, and contributes to continuous improvement.
Requirements
- At least 7 years of hands-on fabrication and welding experience in a manufacturing or prototype environment.
- Advanced experience welding steel sheet and steel tubing; MIG/TIG preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications.
- Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or coordinating the work of a small team.
- Strong problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and troubleshooting skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to work independently on complex builds.
- Ability to follow and interpret verbal and written instructions, engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications.
- Ability to make sound technical decisions and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving product development environment.
- Ability to stand, lift, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual ability in English or Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Fabricate and weld steel sheet and steel tube prototypes using MIG, TIG, and other applicable welding processes.
- Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications to build complex functional prototypes.
- Perform cutting, forming, fixturing, fitting, and finishing operations.
- Troubleshoot fit-up, manufacturability, and design issues, and recommend practical solutions during prototype builds.
- Modify and rework prototypes based on engineering feedback while maintaining design intent and quality standards.
- Lead and coordinate daily prototype build activities, set priorities, and assign work based on project needs and team capabilities.
- Serve as the primary technical resource for complex fabrication, welding, fit-up, and prototype build challenges.
- Balance leadership and planning responsibilities with hands-on fabrication work.
- Mentor and train team members in advanced fabrication techniques, welding quality, drawing interpretation, and safe work practices.
- Review completed work to ensure builds meet quality, safety, functional, and performance expectations.
- Work with Engineering to provide design-for-manufacturing feedback and identify manufacturability improvements.
- Partner with Project Managers to align builds with schedules, milestones, and changing priorities.
- Participate in design reviews and development meetings, communicating build status, risks, and technical challenges.
- Develop, improve, and maintain prototype build processes, work instructions, and fabrication standards.
- Ensure proper use, care, and maintenance of fabrication and welding equipment, and identify equipment or tooling needs.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient prototype workspace and reinforce applicable safety requirements.
- Support continuous improvement and share lessons learned to improve prototype quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
- Help coordinate resources and workload across multiple prototype projects to meet delivery commitments.
- Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and work coordination for prototype team members.
- Support team training and skill development and consistent adherence to quality and safety expectations.
- Communicate workload, performance, and resource concerns to the Operations Manager.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Medical benefits effective the first of the month following hire date
- Dental benefits effective the first of the month following hire date
- Vision benefits effective the first of the month following hire date
- 10 paid holidays
- Paid PTO based on years of service
- 401k Safe Harbor Plan
- Health Savings Account
- Company-paid life insurance plan for $40K
- Company-paid short-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Discount Program through Life Mart
- Onsite gym
- Opportunities for career growth and professional development
- Supportive and collaborative work environment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
