Prototype Engineer

Position Summary The Prototype Engineering Manager is responsible for leading prototype development activities across all seating programs, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality prototypes to support customer requirements, design validation, product development, and program launches. The role serves as the key interface between Engineering, Testing, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Customers to accelerate product development and ensure flawless execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning, fabrication, assembly, and delivery of prototype seats and components for development programs.
• Manage prototype builds for RFQs, design reviews, DV/PV testing, customer evaluations, and launch readiness.
• Coordinate with Design, Testing, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Program Management teams.
• Drive rapid resolution of engineering issues identified during prototype builds and validation activities.
• Manage prototype shop operations, including manpower, equipment, safety, quality, and resource utilization.
• Support preparation of prototypes for durability, comfort, abuse, jounce & squirm, regulatory, and crash testing.
• Interface with suppliers for prototype tooling, sample parts, and low-volume development requirements.
• Control prototype budgets, track development costs, and implement cost and lead-time reduction initiatives.
• Support OEM reviews, customer meetings, build events, and technical discussions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical / Automobile Engineering.
• 10-15 years of experience in automotive product development, with at least 5 years in prototype engineering or seating development.
• Experience in automotive seating systems, mechanisms, structures, foam, trim, and validation processes preferred.

Technical Skills

• Automotive Seating Systems & Components
• Prototype Fabrication & Build Processes
• GD&T and Engineering Drawings
• APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R
• CAD Tools Know how (CATIA)
• PLM Systems
• Problem-Solving Tools (8D, 5 Why)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time Prototype Delivery
• First-Time-Right Build Quality
• Engineering Change Implementation Speed
• Prototype Cost Adherence
• Validation & Customer Support Responsiveness
• Prototype Shop Productivity & Utilization

Leadership Competencies Strong cross-functional leadership, customer focus, supplier management, team development, project execution, and decision-making under aggressive timelines.

Interested candidates can share CV's on [email removed]