Prototype Tooling Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

About the role

Join a large Tier 1 automotive supplier in Auburn Hills as a direct-hire Prototype Tooling Machinist. You’ll transform ideas and prints into precision tooling and prototypes that power assembly operations—while enjoying strong benefits and the stability of a permanent position.

A day in the life

You start by reviewing blueprints and MBD models, planning layouts, computing dimensions, and determining methods and build sequences. On the floor, you set up lathes, a Bridgeport, mills, grinders, and other shop equipment to cut, shape, and finish components. You fabricate and weld assemblies, then fit, align, and verify each build with precision instruments. You test and calibrate mechanisms to tight tolerances, debug issues on the fly, and iterate until acceptance metrics are met.

Throughout the day, you’ll track build deliverables (outsourced, purchased, and in-house), document progress, and coordinate with the Shop/Department Manager on priorities. You’ll interface with vendors and customers, solicit feedback from operators, and contribute written input to design reviews, proposals, specifications, work standards, and business processes. You champion safety, maintain a clean, organized work area, and protect confidentiality. Before you wrap, you update the design database, complete any required quality system documentation, and help maintain shop inventory levels.

What you will do

• Build tooling and related prototypes to specification for assembly operations.
• Operate hand/power tools and general assembly equipment; fabricate and modify details as needed.
• Troubleshoot complex equipment and tooling issues and define problems clearly.
• Participate in brainstorming and creative problem-solving to tackle tough challenges.
• Examine blueprints and MBD models; plan layouts, dimensions, and build sequences (SolidWorks/AutoCAD preferred).
• Set up and run lathes, Bridgeport, mills, grinders, and related shop equipment to exact dimensions.
• Weld and fabricate components; join assemblies using bolts, pins, clamps, screws, rivets, and other methods.
• Fit, align, assemble, and inspect tooling/machine components using precision measuring tools.
• Repair and rework tooling as necessary.
• Research, develop, and design assembly processes and equipment; work with vendors; test proposed solutions; gather operator insights.
• Test and calibrate parts/mechanisms; identify nonconformances and repair.
• Track deliverables and ensure timely completion and delivery of final product.
• Interface professionally with customers and suppliers at every level.
• Provide detailed written input for reviews, proposals, specifications, work standards, and business processes.
• Communicate build progress regularly to the Shop/Department Manager.
• Iterate designs until performance and acceptance criteria are satisfied.
• Teach and share best practices; drive continuous improvement and productivity initiatives.
• Draft quick sketches and detailed fabrication/machining instructions for teammates as needed.
• Promote health and safety throughout innovation, engineering, and launch phases.
• Maintain safe operations and a spotless work area per safety and housekeeping procedures.
• Lead problem-solving and develop irreversible corrective actions for quality issues.
• Maintain design records and update the design database.
• Safeguard company information and encourage others to prevent breaches.
• Complete all quality management system forms, documents, and reports on time.
• Help sustain predetermined inventory levels of components, supplies, and materials in the build shop.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of prototype, tooling, or machine-building experience in the automotive industry; pneumatic or electrical experience is a plus.

Skills and abilities

• Strong grasp of assembly processes and operations (sequencing, sub-assembly, shipping/receiving, tooling).
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills for unusual and difficult challenges.
• “Let’s try it” mindset—connects ideas intuitively and experiments thoughtfully.
• CAD literacy: SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD; basic Microsoft Office (Windows, Word, Excel).
• Fluent in reading blueprints and building to print; able to markup prints to reflect “as-built” conditions.
• Hands-on with hand drill, angle grinder, Metabo, chop saw, horizontal band saw, drill press, MIG welder, Bridgeport, mills, lathes, CNC (TIG is a plus).
• Proficient in welding, machining, drilling/tapping, and general equipment assembly.
• Recognizes when a tool cannot be built or machined to print and escalates/adjusts accordingly.
• Machines parts and fabricates weldments and details directly from prints.
• Builds tooling and machine details without prints when needed, using verbal direction or hand sketches.
• Debugs newly built tools and resolves issues with minimal direction.
• Keeps the work area clean daily, returning unused fasteners, raw materials, project books, etc.
• Works independently with minimal supervision—safely, responsibly, and efficiently.
• Applies basic algebra and geometry.
• Strong written and verbal communication to convey intricate technical details to teams and customers.
• Multi-tasks effectively, performs under pressure, and meets deadlines.
• Uses PPE and follows safety protocols consistently; positive team contributor.
• Valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle.

Travel

Moderate travel required.

Benefits

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical
• Delta Dental
• VSP Vision
• 401k Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Additional Competitive Benefits