Senior Engineer – Prototype Development (Weld & Paint Engineering) Job
Employer: Ben Weber
SpiderID: 14166275
Location: Saline, Michigan
Posted: 4/14/2026
Wage: $42.00 - $50.00 per hour
Priority Review Date: 5/14/2026
Job Code / NOC / SOC:
Category: Engineering
Job Description:
We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated Senior Engineer to join our Weld and Paint Engineering team within the Vehicle Prototype Development organization. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of vehicle development, helping transform early concepts into fully functional prototype vehicles.
Reporting to the Prototype Development Senior Engineering Manager, this role will lead tooling preparation, process planning, and supplier coordination during prototype builds to ensure high-quality and on-time vehicle delivery. The position combines hands-on engineering, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration across manufacturing, design, and supplier teams.
This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, driving technical excellence, and contributing directly to the development of next-generation vehicles.
What You’ll Do
The work in this role follows the lifecycle of vehicle prototype development, from early planning through full build execution. Responsibilities will evolve throughout the project as builds progress.
Develop early process strategies and targets based on key project requirements
Plan in-house manufacturing processes with focus on safety, quality, productivity, and cost
Lead process planning and tooling preparation for prototype welding and paint operations
Develop and maintain detailed Operation Plans (OP) covering in-house processes, tooling, and vendor activities
Coordinate with project teams to ensure alignment on deliverables, timelines, and technical requirements
Track and manage tooling, process readiness, and supplier performance to meet project milestones
Participate in project meetings and collaborate on technical problem solving and countermeasures
Provide weekly status reporting to leadership on build progress and readiness
Work closely with prototype suppliers to support part reviews, fixture approvals, and build readiness meetings
Issue and manage specifications for in-house tooling and equipment
Perform offline robot programming to support weld process development
Lead cross-functional meetings with internal teams to monitor prototype vehicle build progress
Travel to supplier locations to review parts prior to shipment and ensure quality standards
Identify, track, and resolve manufacturing and quality issues during prototype builds
Support measurement and adjustment of in-house tooling and welded subassemblies
Coordinate activities across overlapping project phases, requiring strong multitasking and prioritization
Support prototype build activities both at supplier facilities and internal weld and paint lines
Reporting to the Prototype Development Senior Engineering Manager, this role will lead tooling preparation, process planning, and supplier coordination during prototype builds to ensure high-quality and on-time vehicle delivery. The position combines hands-on engineering, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration across manufacturing, design, and supplier teams.
This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, driving technical excellence, and contributing directly to the development of next-generation vehicles.
What You’ll Do
The work in this role follows the lifecycle of vehicle prototype development, from early planning through full build execution. Responsibilities will evolve throughout the project as builds progress.
Develop early process strategies and targets based on key project requirements
Plan in-house manufacturing processes with focus on safety, quality, productivity, and cost
Lead process planning and tooling preparation for prototype welding and paint operations
Develop and maintain detailed Operation Plans (OP) covering in-house processes, tooling, and vendor activities
Coordinate with project teams to ensure alignment on deliverables, timelines, and technical requirements
Track and manage tooling, process readiness, and supplier performance to meet project milestones
Participate in project meetings and collaborate on technical problem solving and countermeasures
Provide weekly status reporting to leadership on build progress and readiness
Work closely with prototype suppliers to support part reviews, fixture approvals, and build readiness meetings
Issue and manage specifications for in-house tooling and equipment
Perform offline robot programming to support weld process development
Lead cross-functional meetings with internal teams to monitor prototype vehicle build progress
Travel to supplier locations to review parts prior to shipment and ensure quality standards
Identify, track, and resolve manufacturing and quality issues during prototype builds
Support measurement and adjustment of in-house tooling and welded subassemblies
Coordinate activities across overlapping project phases, requiring strong multitasking and prioritization
Support prototype build activities both at supplier facilities and internal weld and paint lines
Job Requirements:
What You Bring
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Weld Engineering, or related field
4+ years of experience supporting vehicle programs in manufacturing, production engineering, product development, design, or quality engineering
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams
Deep understanding of tooling design and manufacturing, as well as weld and paint process planning
Strong knowledge of vehicle body structure, body shell manufacturing, welding, and paint processes
Experience with body accuracy measurement, model setup, fixtures, and part scanning technologies
Proficiency with 3D CAD (CATIA) and offline robot programming (CATIA / CARROT)
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills for working with global engineering teams and suppliers
Ability and willingness to mentor junior engineers and co-op students
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%
Ability to support critical build events, including overtime and occasional weekend work
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in additional engineering disciplines such as design, procurement, quality, or manufacturing engineering
Master’s degree in Engineering
Experience using PolyWorks measurement software
Experience with Laser Screw Welding (LSW) or Self-Piercing Rivets (SPR)
Experience managing 3D engineering data and digital model coordination
Experience supporting weld or paint equipment installation and commissioning
Additional advanced technical training or engineering development certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Weld Engineering, or related field
4+ years of experience supporting vehicle programs in manufacturing, production engineering, product development, design, or quality engineering
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams
Deep understanding of tooling design and manufacturing, as well as weld and paint process planning
Strong knowledge of vehicle body structure, body shell manufacturing, welding, and paint processes
Experience with body accuracy measurement, model setup, fixtures, and part scanning technologies
Proficiency with 3D CAD (CATIA) and offline robot programming (CATIA / CARROT)
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills for working with global engineering teams and suppliers
Ability and willingness to mentor junior engineers and co-op students
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%
Ability to support critical build events, including overtime and occasional weekend work
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in additional engineering disciplines such as design, procurement, quality, or manufacturing engineering
Master’s degree in Engineering
Experience using PolyWorks measurement software
Experience with Laser Screw Welding (LSW) or Self-Piercing Rivets (SPR)
Experience managing 3D engineering data and digital model coordination
Experience supporting weld or paint equipment installation and commissioning
Additional advanced technical training or engineering development certifications
Job Criteria:
Start Date: 4 Weeks From Submital
Position Type: Full-Time Permanent
Experience: 2-5
Education: Bachelors
Travel: Less Than 25%
Vacation: 2 weeks / year
Job Benefits:
Health/Dental Benefits, Retirement Benefits, Paid Holidays, Vacations, and Sick Leave, Life and/or Disability Insurance, Relocation Assistance, Tuition Reimbursement, Company Cafeteria
Company Profile:
Adapt Technology is a dynamic engineering and staffing firm based in the US, specializing in comprehensive design, invention, prototyping, and manufacturing services across diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and defense. We are committed to delivering precise, innovative solutions from concept to production through close collaboration with our clients and a talented team of engineers.
Contact Information:
| Contact Name: Ben Weber | Type: Employer |
| Company: | |
| Web Site: https://www.adapttechnology.com | |