Prototype Supervisor

Prototype Supervisor

Location: Livonia, MI (On-site) Schedule: MondayFriday, typically 7:00 AM 4:00 PM Assignment Length: 36 months (temporary assignment) Salary Target: $90,000 (annualized)

Position Summary

The Prototype Supervisor is responsible for leading and supervising the daily activities of the Prototype team in a fast-paced, pre-production manufacturing environment. This role oversees workflow, sets priorities, coordinates cross-functional activities, and provides hands-on leadership to ensure prototype builds are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality expectations. The Supervisor serves as a key liaison between engineering, operations, finance, and customers while coaching and developing a team of 812 employees.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Oversight

• Supervise and coordinate daily shop floor activities with clear priorities and minimal supervision required by the team
• Provide consistent, effective communication to the shop floor, internal stakeholders, and external customers
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Finance, Cost Modeling, and Operations to support prototype programs
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical and operational issues

Production & Delivery Management

• Own prototype build schedules from quote through completion
• Ensure parts availability, labor planning, and resource allocation to support on-time delivery
• Track and clearly communicate program status, risks, and progress updates
• Manage multiple prototype projects simultaneously in a high-pressure environment

Financial & Team Leadership

• Manage prototype projects to projected budgets and oversee operating costs
• Support quote development in partnership with Cost Model and Finance teams
• Lead, coach, and develop prototype technicians for current performance and future growth
• Conduct performance reviews, enforce company policies and safety standards, and encourage engagement with department goals
• Navigate employee concerns and conflicts with professionalism, tact, and emotional maturity

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with safety requirements and PPE standards on the manufacturing floor
• Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business needs

Education & Qualifications

Required / Preferred Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred OR 35 years of relevant leadership experience (degree may be waived)
• Minimum of 2 years prior supervisory or leadership experience
• Experience in an automotive pre-production or prototype manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with fluid system components preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills across all organizational levels
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without authority
• Emotional maturity and composure under pressure
• Strong conflict management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to analyze issues, apply technical judgment, and recommend effective solutions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven

Work Environment & Conditions

• Combination of professional office and manufacturing floor environment
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while on the manufacturing floor
• On-site role based in Livonia