R&D Prototype Technician - 1st Shift - Starting at $28.01/hr
Stryker
- Location
- Portage, Michigan
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Mid
- Salary
- $28 – $39/hr
- H-1B history
- 22 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Aug 14, 2026
Skills
About this role
Work Flexibility: Onsite Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday to Friday start time between 7AM - 3:30PM Overtime based on business needs What you will do: Work under limited supervision to independently support product development through the fabrication, assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of prototype components, assemblies, test fixtures, and development hardware. Apply technical expertise in manufacturing, machining, fabrication, and prototyping processes to deliver high-quality solutions, support multiple projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the product development lifecycle. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Fabricates products and/or parts on an independent basis. Creates product prototypes and test fixtures by reading sketches and blueprints developed by Engineers and Designers. Plan for and order repair and/or prototype components. Troubleshoots test failures and communicates details to design engineers. Collaborate with design engineers to manage testing needs based on project demands. Provide proactive updates and communication to direct project members and stakeholders. Learn the design process, attend design reviews, provide inputs and offer improvements for component and system level designs based on cost savings, manufacturability, material constraints, form, fit, and function Maintain calibration of lab instrumentation. Performs maintenance on all equipment in the prototype laboratory. Develop and manage inclusive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to provide services/skills. Define work flows and methods to improve efficiency and/or productivity of request Effective space utilization of the new prototype area. May train/assist others in product development related topics. Comply and implement good housekeeping, ergonomic practices and procedures in accordance with Stryker 5S and Kanban.
What you will need
Required: High school diploma Minimum of 3 years prior work experience as a machinist, CNC programmer, welder, welding programmer or related discipline with above average ratings. Preferred: Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, and CAD models. Hands-on experience with manual machining equipment (lathes, mills, drill presses, saws, welders) and/or CNC programming, setup, and operation. Familiarity with prototyping, fabrication, and manufacturing processes in a product development environment. Experience with CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, Pro/Engineer, or similar platforms. Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with engineers and cross-functional teams.
Physical Requirements
May involve prolonged periods of stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, sitting, standing, and/or crawling as appropriate. May be required to move materials up to 50 pounds, reach, push, or pull in order to accomplish job accountabilities. Coordination of eye, hand, and/or foot movement with an ability to grasp by hand and meet cognitive demands to include visual and auditory discrimination/memory, reading ability, and memory retention ability. Requires use of safety glasses in designated areas. Closed-toe/heel shoes must be worn on the production floor and R&D labs; safety shoes are recommended. $28.01 - $38.75 USD Hourly plus bonus eligible + benefits. Travel Percentage: 0% Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Stryker is an EO employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.