Prototype Lab Coordinator

Your Job

The Prototype Lab Coordinator plays a critical role in supporting innovation, product development, and proof-of-concept (PoC) activities by coordinating procurement, logistics, inventory management, and project support functions within the Prototype Development Lab. This position partners closely with engineering teams, supply chain, tooling shops, vendors, and operations personnel to ensure timely sourcing and delivery of materials, tooling, equipment, and lab support resources required for successful prototype execution.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced technical environment while maintaining strong communication with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

• Coordinate procurement activities for Prototype Lab materials, tooling, equipment, MRO supplies, and spare tooling.
• Translate engineering component demand into executable purchasing and material acquisition activities.
• Create, track, and manage purchase orders, sample requests, and sample sales orders to support PoC initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules, and order status to ensure timely project execution.
• Maintain proactive communication with vendors to resolve delivery, quality, or documentation discrepancies.

• Receive incoming materials and verify shipments against purchase orders and packing documentation.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and stock levels using inventory management software and tracking systems.
• Support warehouse organization, material storage, and stock maintenance to ensure efficient material access for projects.
• Coordinate spare tool management and consumable replenishment for lab operations.

• Manage project-related shipping activities including packing, labeling, freight coordination, and shipping documentation.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics for prototype materials, components, and tooling.
• Ensure compliance with internal shipping procedures and documentation requirements.

• Support engineering and prototype teams with material readiness and project scheduling coordination.
• Document material flow, delivery schedules, project updates, and procurement status for reporting purposes.
• Assist with tracking prototype build readiness and escalating risks that may impact timelines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement efficiency, inventory accuracy, and prototype lab operations.

• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering Technology, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• Three (3) years or more experience in procurement, inventory control, logistics, manufacturing support, or prototype lab operations.
• Experience supporting engineering, R&D, prototype, or manufacturing environments preferred.
• Working knowledge of purchasing systems, inventory software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with suppliers, machine shops, tooling vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams preferred.

• Understanding of prototype development processes and engineering change activities.
• Experience with MRO purchasing and spare parts management.
• Knowledge of shipping and receiving procedures, inventory practices, and warehouse organization.
• Experience interpreting technical part descriptions, BOMs, and procurement requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please  for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information , aqui, or tu).