Prototype Fabrication Specialist - welding / machining / vehicles

Prototype Fabrication Specialist

Major and established vehicle manufacturer has an opportunity for a Prototype Fabrication Specialist with the responsibility to create concept vehicles that don't yet exist at their location in south suburban Atlanta, GA. This role is in vehicle advanced development. The suitable candidate will be challenged to partner in the creation of vehicles and/or technologies 4-8+ years in the future with the intent to be adopted as OE development projects for production. This role is highly creative as well as highly hands-on. While the vehicle design direction will be defined, the means to accomplish the intent often requires technical improvisation and creative thinking. Although the role is Prototype Fabrication Specialist, the nature of the small Advanced Development group is highly collaborative with the Prototype Fabrication Specialist having secondary roles extending to vehicle build and proofing (testing). There are major company benefits, 2% profit sharing, quarterly bonus potential and relocation assistance nationally.

Responsibilities

Principal responsibilities are welding of vehicle chassis and sub-components using MIG and TIG processes. Typically, MIG is used for main frame and A-arms and TIG is used for specialized steel parts and/or aluminum parts.

While limited fixturing is provided, a strong understanding of weld sequencing and creative improvised fixturing is required.

Secondary responsibilities are milling and lathe turning. While milled and turned parts are typically sourced through prototype suppliers, custom mill and lather work are regularly required to modify existing proto parts and to make small jigs to locate welded parts.

Additional lesser responsibilities include modifying plastic body parts for custom applications, electrical component integration (custom wiring), vehicle build and vehicle proofing (test driving/refining).

Qualifications

Education / Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Technical or vocational school education; demonstrated long term professional and/or personal experience will be considered as substitute.
• Junior college/two-year college training a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of experience of professional and/or personal prototype fabrication in vehicle or applicable related industry.

Other Required Skills:

Very strong hands-on skills related to MIG welding, less so for TIG (though must have the capacity to improve). Ability to manipulate CAD model/s and read blueprints/sketches to determine design intent to identify both weld dimensions and weld sequencing as necessary.

Ability to visualize and create minimalist jigs/fixturing required to accomplish design intent.

Prior experience using milling machine and lathe. Experience level can be "competent", but must demonstrate the capacity for further growth.

Ability to sketch ideas in 3D space. Much of what is done to create concept vehicles relies on quick and clear communication through sketches to ensure all parties understand technical direction.

Prior experience with maintaining/modifying UTVs, ATVs and/or motorcycles in professional and/or personal life.

Prior experience riding/driving UTVs, ATVs and/or off-road motorcycles at an advanced level preferred.

Ability to be self-starting and technically creative. Concept vehicle creation is improvisational both for configuration and the means to create that configuration. Advanced Development vehicle goals are defined, what is not defined are the means to attain the goal/s. If you thrive in the mode of hands-on technical exploration under aggressive timelines...this is your dream role.