Engineer - Prototype Build Engineer Lead

Lancesoft; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 76,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancesoft in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking a Lead Prototype Build Engineer to manage prototype and mule builds from planning through execution. You will partner with program teams to define scope, coordinate activities, monitor progress, and resolve issues to deliver builds on schedule.

The role requires a bachelor's in engineering, at least five years of automotive experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and proficiency with MS Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in engineering or vehicle development.
• Experience with prototype build and automotive processes.
• Strong PM, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Lead prototype and mule vehicle builds through planning, prep and execution.
• Define build scope, objectives, requirements with program teams.
• Communicate build needs to build team and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain build plans, schedules, and metrics.
• Provide regular status updates to leadership and programs.
• Identify and resolve build-related risks and roadblocks.
• Coordinate shop readiness with resources and personnel.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to support builds.
• Prepare and deliver management presentations on status and milestones.
• Ensure builds are safe, efficient, and on timeline.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Job Title - Engineer - Prototype Build Engineer Lead Location –Auburn Hills, MI Duration –12 Months Pay Rate Range –$55.00 - $58.00

Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Prototype Build Engineer (Build Lead) to join our Prototype Build Engineering team. This role is responsible for managing prototype and mule vehicle builds from initial planning through execution. The Build Lead partners closely with program teams to define build scope, coordinate prototype build activities, monitor progress, resolve issues, and ensure successful build completion. The ideal candidate is an energetic, innovative thinker with strong organizational and leadership skills who can effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead prototype and mule vehicle builds through planning, preparation, and execution phases.
• Collaborate with program teams to understand and define build scope, objectives, and requirements.
• Communicate build requirements and objectives to the prototype build team and key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain build plans, schedules, and progress tracking metrics.
• Monitor build activities and provide regular status updates to leadership and program teams.
• Identify, elevate, and help resolve build-related issues, risks, and roadblocks.
• Coordinate shop readiness activities to ensure resources, tooling, materials, and personnel are prepared for build execution.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to support successful vehicle build activities.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to management regarding build status, risks, and milestones.
• Ensure builds are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with program timelines and objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering, vehicle development, prototype build, or related automotive experience.
• Working knowledge of vehicle build processes and prototype development activities.
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience preparing presentations and presenting to all levels of management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Bill of Material (BOM) development and management.
• Experience with engineering change management processes.
• Automotive prototype, validation, or launch experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive projects to successful completion.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership and team collaboration
• Project planning and execution
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Time management and multitasking
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Attention to detail and organizational excellence