Prototype Build Technician & Technical Writer (Automotive)
Job Description
Job Description
Prototype Build Technician & Technical Writer (Automotive)
Troy Design & Manufacturing (a Ford Motor Company subsidiary) | Plymouth, MI
Location: Plymouth, MI (100% onsite)
Pay: $27.00 – $29.00 per hour
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8-hour day shifts
Employment Type: Full-time contract through Pro Staff Services, LLC
Where Hands-On Build Work Meets Technical Writing
If you've ever worked from a build instruction and thought, “This is missing a step,” this role is for you. The best build instructions come from people who've done the work. As part of our engineering and build team, you'll assemble and modify prototype vehicles, then help document each process so it can be reviewed, validated, and repeated by the whole team.
Troy Design & Manufacturing supports Ford Motor Company engineering programs with prototype and development vehicle builds. You'll split your time between the shop floor and your desk, working closely with engineers and fellow technicians on the work instructions, build procedures, and SOPs behind every build.
This is not a desk-only technical writing job, and it is not a wrench-only technician job. The right person can do the work and explain it on paper with an expert level of detail.
What You Will Do
On the Build Floor
• Support prototype, pilot, and development vehicle builds, including assembly, modifications, and rework.
• Perform mechanical and electrical work: wiring and harnesses, sensors, lighting, ECUs, and power systems.
• Remove, install, and modify interior and exterior components such as instrument panels, doors, trim panels, and consoles.
• Fabricate mock-ups and perform modifications from engineering drawings and specifications.
• Spot fitment issues, build problems, and process gaps, and report them to engineering with clear supporting detail.
• Support vehicle testing, validation, and troubleshooting as programs require.
At the Desk
• Write, revise, and maintain work instructions, build procedures, SOPs, and troubleshooting guides for assembly, installation, modification, and rework.
• Capture every detail a technician needs: tools and equipment, part numbers, torque and fastener specs, step sequence, safety precautions, quality checkpoints, and annotated photos or diagrams.
• Audit existing instructions and fix anything missing, outdated, or unclear.
• Validate documents on the floor with technicians and engineers to confirm they match the actual build.
• Update documentation as parts, tooling, processes, or engineering requirements change, and manage revisions and version control.
• Record lessons learned, build issues, and corrective actions, and bring them to build reviews and engineering meetings.
What You Need to Bring
• 3+ years of hands-on automotive experience as a prototype or vehicle build technician, engineering technician, automotive/fleet/dealership technician, or in automotive fabrication or manufacturing.
• Solid mechanical and electrical skills, including wiring, connectors, sensors, and basic diagnostics.
• A track record of writing technical documents that other people actually use: work instructions, SOPs, build or assembly procedures, or service/repair procedures. You will be asked for a writing sample.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring schematics, service manuals, and specifications.
• Precise, well-organized writing with strong grammar and serious attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and comfort capturing and annotating photos for instructions.
• Safe, confident use of hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment, and the ability to work on the shop floor for extended periods (standing, bending, working in and under vehicles), and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Reliable transportation to Plymouth, MI.
Nice to Have
• ASE certification(s) or Michigan Mechanic Certification.
• Experience at an OEM, Tier 1, or Tier 2 supplier, or in a prototype or engineering build shop.
• Background as an automotive technical writer, service manual author, or repair documentation specialist.
• Experience with diagnostic scan tools, data acquisition, or vehicle electronics.
• Familiarity with Teamcenter, PLM software, document management systems, or engineering change processes.
• Experience creating training materials or training other technicians.
• Quality, process validation, or continuous improvement experience.
• Motorsports, race car, custom vehicle, or specialty build experience.
Why You Will Like It Here
• Work hands-on with Ford engineering programs on prototype and development vehicles.
• Use both your technical skills and your writing skills instead of choosing one.
• Work directly with engineers, technicians, quality, and manufacturing teams.
• Steady Monday through Friday day-shift schedule.
Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Self-funded 401(k) plan
• Paid time off and paid holidays
About Pro Staff Services, LLC
Pro Staff Services is a growing staffing firm that connects skilled professionals with leading automotive organizations. We pride ourselves on personalized support and long-term career placement.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pro Staff Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, height, weight, handicap, or citizenship, to the full extent of all applicable laws.
\nCompany Description
Pro Staff Services is a dynamic and growing staffing firm where your career takes flight. We pride ourselves on being a small firm to provide better personalized service for our employers and employees.
Company Description
Pro Staff Services is a dynamic and growing staffing firm where your career takes flight. We pride ourselves on being a small firm to provide better personalized service for our employers and employees.