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Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer Jobs in California

HADRIAN

Build Engineer, Special Projects

Los Angeles, CA

$78.70K - $101.30K/yr

The Role We are seeking a Manufacturing (Build) Engineer to support both early-stage and customer ... Experience transitioning products from prototype to scalable volume manufacturing. * Background in ...

Expleo

Prototype launch engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$38.50 - $43/hr

... prototype phase, acting as a direct interface with the Product Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer ... each build. · Implements the necessary documents to production (Flow chart, SWI, OCP...). · ...

Relativity Space

Moonshot Engineer

Long Beach, CA

... deep-tech prototyping, and bold moonshot thinking. We're a small team of hands-on builders ... Moonshot Engineers will be wearing many different hats, from technical leadership, detailed design ...

Expleo

Prototype launch engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$38.50 - $43/hr

... prototype phase, acting as a direct interface with the Product Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer ... after each build. Implements the necessary documents to production (Flow chart, SWI, OCP.

Rivian

Lead CAE Model Build Engineer

Irvine, CA

$154K - $192.50K/yr

Role Summary The Lead CAE Model Build Engineer serves as the technical backbone of the virtual ... Prototype releases). * Resource planning for external vendors or internal teams to ensure model ...

New

Ducommun

NPI Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$107.30K - $141.40K/yr

NPI Engineer The NPI Execution Lead owns the execution ofprototype and new product builds from ... Owns end-to-end of prototype and tooling build execution for new products. * Acts as the single ...

Ducommun

NPI Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$107.30K - $141.40K/yr

NPI Engineer The NPI Execution Lead owns the execution ofprototype and new product builds from ... Owns end-to-end of prototype and tooling build execution for new products. * Acts as the single ...

Rivian

Lead CAE Model Build Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$154K - $192.50K/yr

Role Summary The Lead CAE Model Build Engineer serves as the technical backbone of the virtual ... Prototype releases). * Resource planning for external vendors or internal teams to ensure model ...

OpenAI

SMS Prototype Handling Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$288K - $320K/yr

Support engineering teams through prototype build, testing, iteration, and return cycles. * Perform routine and ad-hoc inventory audits, reconciliations, and discrepancy investigations. * Maintain ...

Relativity Space

Moonshot Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Moonshot Engineers will be wearing many different hats, from technical leadership, detailed design ... Hands-on design, build, and test experience with hardware and/or software required for prototyping ...

Relativity Space

Moonshot Engineer

Long Beach, CA

Moonshot Engineers will be wearing many different hats, from technical leadership, detailed design ... Hands-on design, build, and test experience with hardware and/or software required for prototyping ...

Therm-x of California

Prototype Machinist

Hayward, CA · On-site

$38 - $50/hr

Build basic test fixtures and assist NPI engineers with prototype assembly, instrumentation, and data collection. * Maintain a clean, organized, and safe prototyping cell; track tooling, consumables ...

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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 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 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 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, Special Projects

Build Engineer, Special Projects

Hadrian Automation, Inc

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future
Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and up to 2x cheaper. By combining advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we are reinventing how America produces its most critical parts.
We're accelerating our mission with the launch of Factory 3 in Mesa, Arizona, a 290,000-square-foot facility creating 350 new jobs. We are expanding rapidly to support thousands of future hires, launching Hadrian Maritime to expand into naval production, and introducing a Factory-as-a-Service model that delivers complete systems instead of individual parts.
Hadrian is backed by leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz, our fast-growing team is united around reindustrializing American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond.
The Role
We are seeking a Manufacturing (Build) Engineer to support both early-stage and customer-driven builds. This role is responsible for translating design and customer requirements into executable factory processes through hands-on build execution and rapid iteration. You will lead the development of highly automated work cells to support new manufacturing capabilities and production facilities. In this position, you will serve as the operational connector across the Special Projects team, building end-to-end systems and processes that are scalable, robust, and aligned with Hadrian's broader production objectives.
What You'll Do
  • Lead the design and development of first-generation manufacturing systems and automation tools from concept through deployment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, production, supply chain, controls, software, and robotics, to implement strategic and process improvements.
  • Communicate proactively with design engineering teams to provide early feedback on manufacturability and support iterative product development cycles.
  • Apply DFM (Design for Manufacturability) principles at the product level to ensure ease of production, cost efficiency, and scalability.
  • Own and drive upgrades and autonomous system developments that support high-reliability production and rapid iteration.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot equipment to optimize uptime, output quality, and process efficiency.
  • Identify, define, and deploy automation opportunities using internal capabilities or external partnerships, guided by rigorous ROI and technical evaluations.

What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing environments, particularly in systems engineering or automation deployment roles.
  • Proven ability to collaborate with design engineers on early-stage product development, including translating design intent into robust manufacturing solutions.
  • Strong DFM expertise with a track record of influencing design decisions to enhance manufacturability, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and drive cross-functional alignment in fast-paced, iterative settings.
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills for data-driven problem solving and process improvement.
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and team-building skills, with a hands-on, solution-oriented mindset.

What Will Set You Apart
  • Experience transitioning products from prototype to scalable volume manufacturing.
  • Background in implementing automation and test systems into production workflows.
  • Proficiency in data tools such as Excel and SQL for manufacturing analytics and process control.
  • Experience managing or mentoring high-performing engineering teams with diverse technical backgrounds.

Benefits for Full-time Employees
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees
  • 401k
  • Relocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need.
  • Flexible vacation policy

ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the Company's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled candidates and employees, including for candidates or employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

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