PROTO INCHARGE FOR METAL INDUSTRY

The Proto Incharge (also known as a Prototype Shop Manager or Proto Assembly Lead) is responsible for overseeing the development, fabrication, and physical assembly of new product prototypes. Operating within Research & Development (R&D) or New Product Development (NPD) divisions, this role bridges the gap between design engineering and mass production Below is a complete, copy-pasteable job description tailored for engineering and manufacturing environments (such as Automotive, Robotics, Consumer Hardware, and Aerospace). Job Title: Proto Incharge / Prototype Shop Manager Department: New Product Development (NPD) / R&D Engineering Reports To: Head of R&D / Engineering Design Manager Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Proto Incharge to lead our prototype fabrication and assembly operations. In this role, you will manage the daily operations of the proto shop floor, ensuring that high-precision parts, sub-assemblies, and functional prototype units are built on time, within budget, and to exact design specifications. You will work closely with Design Engineers, Quality Teams, and external vendors to evaluate manufacturability (DFM), resolve fitment issues, and streamline the transition from concept to mass production. Key Responsibilities & Duties Shop Floor Management: Lead and organize daily proto shop operations, including scheduling, job prioritization, and resource allocation to support aggressive product delivery timelines. Prototype Build & Assembly: Supervise and actively assist in the physical assembly, integration, and modification of prototype vehicles, devices, or sub-systems. Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Review engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, and Bills of Materials (BOM) with design teams to provide feedback on structural fit, tolerances, and assembly ease. Procurement & Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with internal sourcing teams and assess specialized external vendors to procure raw materials and specialized proto components. Issue Resolution & Root Cause Analysis: Identify, document, and troubleshoot design flaws, assembly interferences, or quality defects discovered during trial builds, driving corrective actions back to the design team. [1] Testing & Validation Support: Prepare and hand over validated prototypes to the testing team, maintaining meticulous build records, process sheets, and deviation logs. Equipment & Inventory Maintenance: Own the shop readiness by maintaining tools, 3D printers, CNC/manual machinery, and specialized fixtures, alongside tracking raw material and consumable inventories. Safety & Compliance: Enforce a safety-first culture on the shop floor, maintaining compliance with safety norms, PPE requirements, and hazardous waste disposal rules.