Prototype Technician

STS Technical Services; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

STS Technical Services is seeking Prototype Technicians to support assembly, maintenance, and testing of tactical wheeled vehicles in Madison Heights, MI. This hands-on role suits experienced mechanics who enjoy building complex equipment and working with engineering teams.

You will disassemble and rebuild prototype vehicles, troubleshoot mechanical systems, read manuals and blueprints, and participate in customer demonstrations and testing activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2–4 years of verified mechanical experience in a medium‑duty truck or heavy equipment shop.
• Equivalent combinations of additional experience or advanced education may be considered.
• Ability to read and interpret service manuals, blueprints, and work instructions.
• ASE certification strongly preferred.
• Mechanical experience with International LLC trucks strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 10 to 20 percent as required.
• Willingness to work mandatory overtime when needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and perform frequent standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person.

Responsibilities

• Tear down and assemble tactical military vehicles according to engineering work instructions.
• Report build challenges and mechanical issues to supervisors during prototype development.
• Assist engineering teams in resolving technical and mechanical issues throughout vehicle builds.
• Support customer demonstrations, testing activities, and marketing events showcasing defense products.
• Repair and maintain heavy equipment, including engines, hydraulic systems, and transmissions.
• Remove, disassemble, clean, inspect, and reassemble vehicle components.
• Read and interpret service manuals, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Diagnose mechanical issues and perform failure analysis when problems occur.
• Operate forklifts, cranes, and other equipment required for assembly operations.
• Report safety concerns and maintain a safe work environment.
• Assist Quality Assurance personnel with vehicle verification and functional testing.
• Perform daily housekeeping and maintain organized work areas.
• Follow all safety procedures, properly use PPE, and operate tools safely.
• Assist with shipping and receiving activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.]
• CoT_job_summary_short":"COMPANY NAME: STS Technical Services\nKEY POINTS: Prototype vehicle assembly, maintenance, testing, and collaboration with engineering"
• job_summary_short":"<p>STS Technical Services is seeking Prototype Technicians to support assembly, maintenance, and testing of tactical wheeled vehicles in Madison Heights, MI. This hands-on role suits experienced mechanics who enjoy building complex equipment and working with engineering teams.</p><p>You will disassemble and rebuild prototype vehicles, troubleshoot mechanical systems, read manuals and blueprints, and participate in customer demonstrations and testing activities. The ideal candidate has 2–4 years in medium-duty truck or heavy equipment shops, ASE certification preferred, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and travel up to 20%.</p>
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• stated_min":42000,
• stated_max":77000,
• stated_absolute":null,
• salary_estimation_cot":"Prototype Technician in Madison Heights, MI with 2–4 years of mechanical experience: market range roughly $42k–$77k gross annually.",
• estimated_low":42000,
• estimated_medium":58000,
• estimated_high":77000,
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• job_end_date":null,
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Skills

Mechanical experience

Reading blueprints/manuals

Travel availability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift operation

Cranes

Job description

STS Technical Services is hiring Prototype Technicians in Madison Heights, Michigan to support the assembly, maintenance, and testing of tactical wheeled vehicles and battlefield systems. This hands‑on role is ideal for experienced mechanical technicians who enjoy building complex equipment, troubleshooting mechanical systems, and working alongside engineering teams to develop and validate prototype vehicles.

If you have experience working on medium‑duty trucks, military vehicles, or heavy equipment and are looking for an opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge defense programs, we encourage you to apply.

Position Overview

As a Prototype Technician, you will build, disassemble, repair, and maintain prototype tactical vehicles while supporting engineering, testing, and customer demonstration activities. You'll work with mechanical, hydraulic, drivetrain, and powertrain systems while helping ensure projects remain on schedule and meet quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Tear down and assemble tactical military vehicles according to engineering work instructions
• Report build challenges and mechanical issues to supervisors during prototype development
• Assist engineering teams in resolving technical and mechanical issues throughout vehicle builds
• Support customer demonstrations, testing activities, and marketing events showcasing defense products
• Repair and maintain heavy equipment, including engines, hydraulic systems, and transmissions
• Remove, disassemble, clean, inspect, and reassemble vehicle components
• Read and interpret service manuals, blueprints, and work instructions
• Diagnose mechanical issues and perform failure analysis when problems occur
• Operate forklifts, cranes, and other equipment required for assembly operations
• Report safety concerns and maintain a safe work environment
• Assist Quality Assurance personnel with vehicle verification and functional testing
• Perform daily housekeeping and maintain organized work areas
• Follow all safety procedures, properly use PPE, and operate tools safely
• Assist with shipping and receiving activities as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two to four years of verified mechanical experience working in a medium‑duty truck or heavy equipment shop environment
• Equivalent combinations of additional experience or advanced education may be considered
• Ability to read and interpret service manuals, blueprints, and work instructions
• ASE certification strongly preferred
• Mechanical experience with International LLC trucks strongly preferred
• Ability to travel up to 10 to 20 percent as required
• Willingness to work mandatory overtime when needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and perform frequent standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person

About STS Technical Services

STS Technical Services is a Top 100 Staffing Firm that partners with leading aerospace, manufacturing, defense, and industrial organizations across the United States. We connect skilled professionals with career opportunities where their experience can make an immediate impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer

STS Technical Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.