Prototype Engineering Technician

Gvw Group, Llc; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Autocar, LLC in Birmingham, AL is seeking a Prototype Technician responsible for manufacturing, assembling, and validating prototypes and testing vehicles, systems, and components. You will work with design engineers to create prototype parts, fabricate tools, and assist with testing.

The role requires reading blueprints, basic shop math, and willingness to travel for testing. Strong preference for hands-on fabrication and welding experience; exposure to CAD systems like UG NX and Teamcenter is

Qualifications

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret blueprints.
• Basic shop math skills.
• Experience with CAD tools is a plus.
• Willingness to bench-test prototypes and components.

Responsibilities

• Assemble prototype, engineering, validation vehicles and test components.
• Install and validate parts on engineering and method builds.
• Provide feedback on BOMs, installation, and maintainability.
• Fabricate prototype parts, tools, and fixtures.
• Support internal or field testing.
• Perform basic electrical assembly (wiring, connectors).
• Assist with production initiatives and implement new designs.

Skills

Heavy truck knowledge

Fabrication

Welding

Truck manufacturing experience

Tools

MS Office

UG NX

Teamcenter

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION: PROTOTYPE TECHNICIAN

Autocar, LLC, a manufacturer of severe-duty vocational trucks carrying the first specialized truck brand in North America, is the only American-owned and operated original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of trucks. Autocar’s severe-duty vocational trucks provide customers with the perfect tool for their jobs with the most uptime, support, and impact on their bottom line. Autocar collaborates with customers to build trucks to their exact specifications and needs. Autocar’s purpose-built severe-duty refuse truck lines include the Class 6-8 ACMD cabover, Class 8 ACX cabover and the DC-64 Class 8 conventional cab. Autocar recognizes that performance and uptime are everything and offers every customer 24/7 access to its ALWAYS UP® direct factory support center staffed by expert technicians who engineer and build Autocar’s trucks. Autocar promises to provide trucks that deliver the best value, provide the best service, and provide a complete solution for customers’ needs.

Job Overview:

This position is responsible for the manufacture, assembly and validation of prototypes and testing vehicles, systems, and components.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Assemble prototype, engineering, validation, and special build vehicles. Install and validate parts & components on engineering and method build vehicles.
• Provide feedback to design engineers related to Bills of Materials, installation, validation, accessibility, and maintainability issues.
• Work with design engineers to create prototype parts that are representative of design ideas/concepts as needed.
• Manufacture prototype parts, special tools and fixtures.
• Assists with fabrication, assembly, modification and debugging of test systems.
• Support in-house or field testing.
• Perform simple electrical assembly (i.e. wiring, connectors, circuit boards)
• Assist Autocar production initiatives by supporting part manufacturing/modification needs and implementation of new designs to production line.
• Rework of production components to support short lead-time of special options.
• Maintain a safe working environment through good housekeeping practices and adherence to safe work practices.
• Periodic travel may be required to address issues at customer’s locations or support test and evaluation activities.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• One to two years related experience and/or training.
• Heavy truck vehicle product knowledge is a plus.
• Fabrication knowledge and process is desirable.
• Welding experience is a plus
• Truck manufacturing build/process experience will be desirable.

Education and Experience

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret blueprints and schematics required.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to interpret dimensions on a print and make modifications as necessary. Basic shop math skills are required. Ability to make concept prints for parts during prototyping phase.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

A working knowledge of the following will be an advantage for the candidate:

• MS Office
• UG NX or other CAD software
• Teamcenter

Physical Requirements:

• Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment which may include dust mask, air purifying respirator (i.e., half and/or full faced), safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.
• Capable of meeting OSHA standards for manual lifting guidelines: < 50lbs
• While performing the duties of this job it is required to stand, walk, and use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when necessary for job activity.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Autocar is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.