Prototype-to-Production Manager

VanTran Industries, Inc.; Abbeyville (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

VanTran Industries, Inc. is seeking a Prototyping Manager to lead the initial builds of new products through prototype phase into early production. This role bridges engineering and manufacturing, ensuring scalable, repeatable production and robust documentation.

You will guide prototyping teams, manage design-for-manufacturability applications, and drive corrective actions with cross-functional partners to accelerate time-to-market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field is required.
• 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.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and production workflows.
• Experience with issue tracking, root cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead prototyping activities from planning through initial builds and reviews.
• Oversee hands-on assembly of prototype units aligned with engineering intent.
• Identify, document, and track build issues including design gaps and quality risks.
• Drive root cause analysis and coordinate resolutions with engineering, quality, and supply chain.
• Establish robust documentation processes: build logs, work instructions, deviation reports, ECRs.
• Collaborate with design engineering to apply DFM and DFA principles.
• Develop processes to transition prototypes into pilot and full-scale production.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time and costs.
• Build prototyping capabilities: tools, fixtures, workflows, and team structure.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Project management

NPI readiness

Documentation

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

PLM systems

ERP systems

Job description

VanTran Industries, Inc. is seeking a Prototyping Manager to lead the initial builds of new products through prototype phase into early production. This role bridges engineering and manufacturing, ensuring scalable, repeatable production and robust documentation.

You will guide prototyping teams, manage design-for-manufacturability applications, and drive corrective actions with cross-functional partners to accelerate time-to-market.