Prototyping and Technical Buyer

US Conec Ltd.; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

PTO & holidays

Medical coverage

401(k) with match

Career growth

Job summary

US Conec, Ltd. is seeking a Prototype Procurement & CAD Specialist to coordinate prototype sourcing, vendor management, purchasing, and technical documentation. You will partner with R&D, Product Management, and Supply Chain to ensure timely delivery of prototypes and low-volume components.

You’ll review quotes, provide DFx feedback, maintain drawings, and support ERP purchasing. This role requires clear communication and strong organizational skills across multiple teams.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree with 4+ years of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s with 2+ years.
• Experience supporting prototype development, purchasing, supply chain, or technical coordination.
• Ability to read/interpret technical drawings and engineering docs.
• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and similar tools.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Serve as main contact for prototype molding, machining, stamping, and low-volume vendors.
• Develop RFQ packages with R&D and Product Management for prototypes.
• Review vendor quotes and provide DFx feedback to progress projects.
• Create/modify CAD drawings and perform minor revisions as needed.
• Coordinate shipments and inventory for prototype materials.
• Track orders, schedules, and distribute prototype components.
• Process purchasing transactions within the ERP system.
• Partner with internal 3D printing teams to forecast material needs.
• Support procurement, maintenance scheduling, and equipment upkeep.
• Build relationships with prototype vendors to meet urgent needs.
• Research new vendors to expand capabilities and capacity.
• Prepare reports and project updates using MS Office.

Skills

Prototype dev

Purchasing experience

Vendor management

Stakeholder comms

Engineering drawings

MS Office tools

Multi-tasking

Travel readiness

Education

Associate’s degree or higher

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

ERP systems

SolidWorks

Job description

US Conec, Ltd.

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.

US 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