Senior Prototype Fabricator

MillerKnoll; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MillerKnoll is seeking a Senior Model Maker to independently construct prototypes, models and mock-ups per Design and Development schedules. The role leads in cost estimation, fixture/mold design, and model development to support evaluation and presentation with minimal supervision.

The position requires expert materials knowledge, rapid-prototyping experience, and strong communication skills to guide assigned teams and apprentices.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in a Design/Development Model Shop.
• Strong competence and creative skills.
• Professional knowledge of materials such as clay, wood, metal, sheet metal, plastics, epoxies, urethanes and metal castings.
• Familiarity with Industrial Design concepts and processes.
• Professional knowledge of manufacturing processes related to wood, metal forming and plastic.
• Well-developed conceptual, analytical and communication skills.
• Professional understanding of Rapid-Prototyping and Rapid-Tooling industry and processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost estimating exercises for components and large development builds.
• Collaborate on product design solutions with Design and Development teams to influence feasibility of production or prototype runs.
• Design and build fixtures or molds to aid in models and prototypes.
• Develop and build models, prototypes and mock-ups per customer requirements and objectives.
• Lead in development and training of model maker apprentices.
• Work safely and in compliance with policies.

Education

Journeyman Design Model Maker or equivalent

Tools

Product View

Solid View

Pro-E drawing

CAD data import/export

CNC/CAM

Product Visualization

FEA

Job description

Senior Model Maker will independently perform and coordinate the building of prototypes, models, and mock-ups to a degree of completion required by Design and Development teams for proper evaluation and presentation. Works from sketches, layout drawings, completed detailed drawings, CAD data as available in accordance with predetermined schedules and priorities.

Essential Functions

• Able to lead cost estimating exercises for components and large development builds.
• Collaborate on product design solutions with Design and Development teams to influence feasibility of production or prototype runs.
• Design and build fixtures or molds as needed to aid in the building of models and prototypes.
• Develop and build models, prototypes and mock-ups in the most feasible way, per customer requirements, goals and objectives.
• Lead in the development and training of model maker apprentice.
• Perform responsibilities in a safe and organized manner in compliance with state, federal, and company policy.
• Professional in the use of standard modeling techniques, materials, processes, and technology.
• Recommend and use materials, method, procedure, and technology used in building models and prototypes.
• Serve as the lead model maker on projects and provide technical expertise, recommendations, and directional guidance to assigned team.
• Take strong ownership in projects; provide vital feedback to customers on projects completed.
• Work normally under no supervision.
• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.

Qualifications

• Journeyman Design Model Maker or equivalent.
• 10+ years’ experience in a Design/Development Model Shop.
• Strong competence and creative skills.
• Professional knowledge of materials such as clay, wood, metal, sheet metal, plastics, epoxies, urethanes and metal castings.
• Familiarity with Industrial Design concepts and processes.
• Professional knowledge of manufacturing processes related to wood, metal forming and plastic.
• Well-developed conceptual, analytical and communication skills.
• Professional understanding of Rapid-Prototyping and Rapid-Tooling industry and processes.
• Proficiency with Product View, Solid View, Pro-E drawing and part files, importing/exporting CAD data, CNC/CAM.
• Proficiency with modeling technologies and equipment used in CAD/CAM, Product Visualization, and FEA.
• Ability to make sound decisions without all relevant data present.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Ability to solve problems with a sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter, reliable, motivated, with strong teamwork skills.
• Capable of working under minimal or no supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use office automation, communication, software and tools in an HMI office environment.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

MillerKnoll is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds and abilities, including veterans and people with disabilities.