Prototype-to-Production Lead

Forgent Power Solutions, Inc.; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; 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 and into early production.

You will oversee first builds of complex systems, identify design and manufacturing issues, and drive resolutions to enable scalable, repeatable production. The role bridges engineering and manufacturing, captures learnings, and applies improvements.

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.
• Demonstrated experience with new product introduction (NPI) or prototype-to-production transitions.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and production workflows.
• Experience with issue tracking, root cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Prototyping & NPI

Manufacturing processes

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related

Tools

PLM systems

ERP systems

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 and into early production.

You will oversee first builds of complex systems, identify design and manufacturing issues, and drive resolutions to enable scalable, repeatable production. The role bridges engineering and manufacturing, captures learnings, and applies improvements.