Prototype Build Engineer (Engine Programs)

Zobility; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Zobility in Auburn Hills is seeking a Prototype Build Engineer to manage engine and battery prototype builds, develop build plans, and create comprehensive build books. You will oversee BOMs, part weights, and post-build evaluations, ensuring timely delivery across engineering and manufacturing teams.

The role emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams, proactive problem-solving, and ownership of projects in a fast-paced automotive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in a related environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration across multiple functions.
• Technical knowledge of engine and/or battery components and systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Self-starter with proactive, motivated approach and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate build plans based on powertrain/vehicle specs.
• Create build books with process flow, parts, torque specs, and instructions.
• Manage the build BOM and ensure correct-level parts are stocked.
• Capture part weights and dimensions for builds.
• Coordinate post-build component evaluations with suppliers.
• Return reusable components to inventory.
• Interface with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to meet deliverables.
• Proactively resolve issues affecting build quality, design, and timing.
• Support prototype builds for engines and traction batteries; focus on engines.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams for testing and validation.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical knowledge: engines/batteries

Independent work

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Teamcenter

CAD/PLM systems

Build documentation creation

Job description

Job Description:

The Prototype Build Engineer will be responsible for managing engine and battery prototype build activities, including developing and communicating build plans based on powertrain and vehicle specifications; creating comprehensive build books containing process flow, part numbers and descriptions, torque specifications, order of operations, illustrations, and assembly instructions; managing the build BOM; ensuring correct-level parts are stocked and available for builds; capturing part weights and dimensions; coordinating post-build component evaluations with suppliers; and returning reusable components to inventory.

The Build Engineer will interface with multiple engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to ensure all program deliverables are met while proactively resolving issues affecting build quality, engineering design, manufacturing processes, and timing.

This position supports prototype builds for both traction batteries and engines. While the role encompasses both areas, the current project workload is primarily focused on engine programs. The engineer will work closely with a collaborative team responsible for prototype builds, as well as testing and validation activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
• 3-5 years of experience in a related environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with personnel at all levels across multiple functions and departments.
• Technical knowledge of engine and/or battery components and systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and perform effectively with minimal supervision.
• Self-starter with a proactive, motivated approach and strong problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous automotive industry experience, preferably with an OEM or automotive supplier.
• 3-5 years of experience in a related environment.
• Experience using Teamcenter or similar CAD/Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Experience creating build documentation, assembly instructions, visual work instructions, bills of material, and technical process documentation.
• Familiarity with extracting component images and engineering data from CAD systems to create detailed build books and assembly illustrations.

Team & Culture:

• The team consists of approximately 20 engineers and technical professionals who work closely together to support prototype build and validation programs.
• Team members are highly skilled, collaborative, and willing to support new hires.
• New team members are provided guidance and support while they learn the role and are progressively assigned more complex projects as their experience grows.

Ideal Candidate:

• The ideal candidate is an organized, self-motivated engineer with automotive experience, strong technical knowledge of engine and battery systems, Teamcenter familiarity, and the ability to coordinate complex prototype builds while working effectively with cross-functional teams.
• This individual should be comfortable taking ownership of projects, working with minimal supervision, and driving activities to successful completion in a fast-paced engineering environment.