Prototyping and Technical Buyer

US Conec Ltd.; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks PTO + holidays

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Bonus potential

Job summary

US Conec, Ltd. is seeking a Prototype Procurement & CAD Specialist to drive prototype development by coordinating sourcing, vendor management, purchasing, and technical documentation.

You will partner with R&D, Product Management, and Supply Chain to ensure prototypes and low-volume parts are delivered accurately and on schedule. The role involves reviewing quotes, supporting DF/MF feedback, and maintaining CAD drawings, while collaborating with internal 3D Printing teams and external

Qualifications

• Supports prototype development, purchasing, supply chain, or technical projects.
• Reads and interprets technical drawings and engineering docs.
• Coordinates prototype sourcing with internal teams and external vendors.
• Manages RFQs, quotes, and supplier communications for prototypes.
• Maintains CAD files and documentation for prototypes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for prototype vendors (molding, machining, stamping).
• Prepare RFQ packages with R&D and Product Management.
• Review vendor quotes and provide FMEA/DFM feedback.
• Create/modify CAD drawings to support prototypes.
• Coordinate material shipments to prototype vendors.
• Track prototype orders and maintain delivery schedules.
• Execute purchasing within ERP and maintain supplier data.
• Forecast material requirements with internal 3D Printing teams.
• Support maintenance of prototyping equipment and tooling.
• Build relationships with suppliers to meet urgent needs.
• Research new vendors to expand capabilities.
• Prepare project updates and reports.

Skills

Prototype sourcing

Vendor management

ERP systems

CAD drawing review

Procurement coordination

Education

Associate degree + 4+ years

Bachelor’s degree + 2+ years

Tools

SolidWorks

ERP software

Job description

Engineering Innovation. Precision Plastics. Powering AI.

USConec, Ltd. is a trusted, global company that prides itself on engineering excellence—creating innovative connectivity solutions that support today’s most important technologies. We foster a friendly, inclusive culture that values teamwork, creativity, and mutual respect. At USConec, you’ll find real opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact in a company that genuinely cares about its people and its customers. With competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive environment, this is a place where you can build your future—whether your interests lie in manufacturing, engineering, operations, or beyond.

Overview

US Conec is seeking a Prototype Procurement & CAD Specialist to support the rapid development of new products by coordinating prototype sourcing, vendor management, purchasing activities, and technical documentation. This role partners closely with R&D, Product Management, Supply Chain, and external prototyping vendors to ensure prototypes and low-volume production components are delivered accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prototype molding, machining, stamping, and low-volume manufacturing vendors
• Collaborate with R&D and Product Management teams to develop and submit RFQ packages for prototype components and assemblies
• Review vendor quotations and design-for-manufacturing feedback, facilitating timely responses and project progression
• Create, modify, and maintain technical drawings and perform minor CAD model revisions to support prototype activities
• Coordinate the shipment of raw materials, resins, and other supplies to external prototype vendors
• Track prototype orders, monitor delivery schedules, and receive and distribute incoming prototype components
• Execute purchasing transactions and supplier-related activities within the ERP system
• Partner with internal 3D Printing teams to forecast material requirements and maintain appropriate inventory levels
• Support procurement, maintenance scheduling, licensing, warranty management, and upkeep of in-house prototyping equipment
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with strategic prototyping and machining suppliers to support urgent and evolving business needs
• Research and qualify new prototype and low-volume manufacturing vendors to expand supplier capabilities and capacity
• Prepare reports, charts, presentations, and project updates using Microsoft Office tools
• Participate in occasional supplier visits and business travel to strengthen vendor partnerships and evaluate capabilities

Must Haves

• Associate’s degree with 4+ years of relevant experience, Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience supporting prototype development, purchasing, supply chain, engineering operations, or technical project coordination
• Experience communicating with internal stakeholders and external suppliers through phone, email, and virtual meetings
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other business productivity tools
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Willingness to travel up to 10%

Nice to Haves

• 1–2 years of CAD experience (SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software)
• Experience supporting prototype manufacturing, machining, molding, stamping, or additive manufacturing processes
• Experience working with ERP systems in a purchasing or supply chain environment
• Knowledge of design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles
• Experience supporting 3D printing operations and material procurement
• Exposure to supplier development, vendor qualification, or strategic sourcing initiatives
• Experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or product development environment

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus potential
• 4 weeks of PTO plus paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• A collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement
• Opportunities for career growth within a global technology leader

US Conec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Join US Conec today and be part of a team that values each other, promotes innovation and growth, and strives to exceed customer expectations in everything we do.

U S Conec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in US Conec, Ltd.’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.