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Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer Jobs in California

Hermeus

Build Engineer - Propulsion

Los Angeles, CA

$91K - $187K/yr

Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies. * Ruthlessly ... Strong engineering first principles. * Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing ...

Hermeus

Build Engineer - Structures

Los Angeles, CA

$91K - $187K/yr

Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies. * Ruthlessly ... Strong engineering first principles. * Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing ...

Hermeus

Build Engineer - Propulsion

Los Angeles, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies. * Ruthlessly ... Strong engineering first principles. * Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing ...

Hermeus

Build Engineer - Structures

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies. * Ruthlessly ... Strong engineering first principles. * Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing ...

Hermeus

Tooling Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

... art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By ... A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and ...

Hermeus

Tooling Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

... art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By ... A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and ...

Hermeus

Tooling Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

... art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By ... A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and ...

Radiant

Build Engineer, Turbomachinery

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$74K - $130K/yr

Responsible for assembly and integration of prototype and first-article turbomachinery. hardware ... Receive mentorship from senior build engineers while gradually taking on more responsibility.

Intuitive

Staff Software Build Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

This role is for an experienced engineer who writes code, debugs real build failures, prototypes infrastructure, and scales systems through direct technical contribution. You will own core build ...

Freeform

Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$90K - $200K/yr

OPTO-MECHANICAL BUILD ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software ... Develop procedures for scaling in-house opto-mechanical build processes from prototype to volume ...

Freeform

Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$90K - $200K/yr

OPTO-MECHANICAL BUILD ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software ... Develop procedures for scaling in-house opto-mechanical build processes from prototype to volume ...

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All JobsApprentice Prototype Build Engineer JobsApprentice Prototype Build Engineer Jobs in California

Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer, a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical principles, hands-on fabrication skills, and a relevant technical qualification or apprenticeship are essential. Familiarity with CAD software, workshop machinery, and safety regulations is typically required, along with any industry-specific certifications. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are key soft skills that set candidates apart. These competencies ensure accurate prototype assembly, efficient troubleshooting, and safe, collaborative progress throughout the engineering development process.

What are Apprentice Prototype Build Engineers?

Apprentice Prototype Build Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the design, assembly, and testing of prototype products or components, typically in the automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing industries. They work under the guidance of experienced engineers and technicians, gaining hands-on experience with new technologies and processes. Their responsibilities often include interpreting technical drawings, using specialized tools, and recording test results. This role is usually part of a structured apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom learning, helping apprentices develop the skills needed to become qualified build engineers.

What is the difference between Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer vs Mechanical Technician?

AspectApprentice Prototype Build EngineerMechanical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeshipHigh school diploma; technical certification or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or R&D labs; hands-on prototype assemblyManufacturing plants; equipment maintenance and assembly
Industry UsageCommon in aerospace, automotive, and product development sectorsWidespread across manufacturing and industrial sectors
Job FocusAssisting in prototype build, learning manufacturing processesMaintaining, repairing, and assembling mechanical systems

The Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer typically focuses on learning and assisting in prototype assembly within manufacturing or R&D environments, often as part of an apprenticeship. In contrast, a Mechanical Technician performs maintenance, repairs, and assembly of mechanical systems, usually with more experience and certification. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries but differ in experience level and specific responsibilities.

What are typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for an Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer during the initial months on the job?

As an Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer, your early responsibilities will focus on supporting senior engineers in assembling, testing, and refining prototype components. You'll learn hands-on skills such as interpreting technical drawings, using fabrication tools, and following build processes in a workshop environment. Collaboration is key—expect to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including design engineers and technicians, to troubleshoot and implement design changes. This role offers significant learning opportunities, from gaining familiarity with new manufacturing technologies to developing problem-solving abilities essential for advancement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Build Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Prototype Build Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer job openings:
Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer jobs near you
Build Engineer - Propulsion

Build Engineer - Propulsion

Hermeus

Los Angeles, CA

$91K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering design, manufacturing, integration and test for flight vehicles. You'll be embedded with design and production teams, owning everything from hardware design, tooling, testing and flight readiness to process development and vehicle assembly.
Responsibilities
  • Lead detailed project planning and drive hardware delivery on aggressive timelines. 
  • Collaborate directly with high level design concepts turning them into detailed designs including final geometry, material selection and DFM. 
  • Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies. 
  • Ruthlessly question process complexity-delete parts, eliminate waste, simplify flow. 
  • Design and implement full-stack build processes-factory layout, tooling, test flow, and vehicle integration. 
  • Develop and run test procedures for flight hardware. 
  • Serve as a force multiplier across production, test, and design teams. 
Requirements
  • Strong engineering first principles. 
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related engineering field. 
  • 1+ years of hands-on experience with physical hardware (internships, labs, project teams all count). 
  • Proven ability to design, build, break, and iterate quickly. 
  • Comfort with CAD, test equipment, hand tools. 
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, etc.) and GD&T fundamentals. 
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Designed and released flight hardware. 
  • Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter and NX. 
  • Leadership experience on project teams or in mentorship roles. 
  • You've built something that's flown, broken, or both. 
  • Experience standing up production lines or test infrastructure in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Must be available to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to support critical milestones. 
  • Must be willing to travel to test sites, other Hermeus offices, and partner locations as needed (up to 25% travel) 
$91,800 - $187,450 a year
Engineer I   $91,800   -  $112,200
Engineer II  $114,750 - $140,250
Engineer III $138,550 - $187,450
 
 
The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.
 
Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more!
 
100% employer-paid health care
401k & Retirement Plans
Unlimited PTO
Weekly Paid Office Lunches
End of Year Bonuses
Fully stocked breakrooms
Stock Options  
Paid Parental Leave

The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.

At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.

Benefits:
  • Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
  • Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
  • Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
  • Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms
 
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS 
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by22 C.F.R. 120.62or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. 
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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