Prototype Technician

STS Aviation Group; Madison Heights (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

STS Technical Services in Madison Heights, MI seeks a Prototype Technician to build, disassemble, repair, and maintain prototype tactical vehicles while supporting engineering, testing, and customer demonstrations.

You will work with mechanical, hydraulic, drivetrain, and powertrain systems, read manuals, follow work instructions, and ensure safety and quality during vehicle builds; travel up to 20% may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2–4 years of verified mechanical experience in a medium-duty truck or heavy equipment shop environment.
• 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 10–20% 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.

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.

Skills

Mechanical experience

Blueprint interpretation

Read service manuals

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma

ASE certification

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.

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.