Prototype & Production Readiness Manager

Forgent Power Solutions, Inc.; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Forgent Power Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Prototyping Manager to lead the development and initial build of new products through the prototype phase into early production. You will oversee hands-on assembly, document issues, and partner with design engineering to apply DFM/DFA principles.

The role requires a strong manufacturing and quality background, leadership experience, and a track record of driving design for manufacturability into scalable production in a fast-growing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, product development, or prototyping environments.
• 2+ years of leadership or team management experience.
• Experience with new product introduction (NPI) or prototype-to-production transitions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all prototyping activities, including planning, execution, and review of initial product builds.
• Oversee hands-on assembly of prototype units, ensuring alignment with engineering intent and design specifications.
• Identify, document, and track build issues, including design gaps, manufacturability challenges, tooling constraints, and quality risks.
• Drive root cause analysis and coordinate resolution of prototype issues with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Establish and maintain robust documentation processes, including build logs, work instructions, deviation reports, and engineering change requests (ECRs).
• Partner closely with design engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are applied.
• Develop standardized processes to transition prototypes into pilot and full-scale production, reducing variability and rework.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and cost optimization.
• Build and scale prototyping capabilities, including tools, fixtures, workflows, and team structure, to support company growth.
• Coordinate with supply chain to ensure timely availability of prototype materials and components, including alternates as needed.
• Provide regular status updates to leadership, highlighting risks, timelines, and readiness for production transition.
• Mentor and develop a team of technicians and engineers, fostering a culture of accountability, documentation, and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Process discipline

Ownership

Continuous improvement

DFM/DFA awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field

Job description

Forgent Power Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Prototyping Manager to lead the development and initial build of new products through the prototype phase into early production. You will oversee hands-on assembly, document issues, and partner with design engineering to apply DFM/DFA principles.

The role requires a strong manufacturing and quality background, leadership experience, and a track record of driving design for manufacturability into scalable production in a fast-growing environment.