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Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer Jobs in California

Freeform

Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 ...

Ampa, Inc.

Sr. Prototype Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

You'll work closely with engineering teams to build, troubleshoot, test, and improve early-stage ... Prototype Development & Testing: Build, troubleshoot, and iteratively test biomedical and ...

Relativity Space

Moonshot Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

... 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 ...

Ducommun

NPI Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$107K - $141K/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

$154K - $192K/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 ...

Ducommun

NPI Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$107K - $141K/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 - $192K/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 ...

Rivian

Lead CAE Model Build Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$154K - $192K/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 ...

Ducommun

NPI Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$115K - $135K/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, Inc.

NPI Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$107K - $141K/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 ...

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 ...

Astrana Health

Forward Deployed Engineer

Monterey Park, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $140K/yr

Build an AI-driven tool to help care teams prioritize high-risk patients * Automate a workflow that ... world - not prototypes or isolated experiments. Why this role - and why Astrana Healthcare is ...

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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
Spike Inlet Mechanisms Build Engineer

Spike Inlet Mechanisms Build Engineer

Hermeus

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 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.

The Spike Inlet Mechanism Build Engineer will be responsible for the build, integration, and test of supersonic spike inlet mechanisms and mechanical subsystems. This role bridges design, manufacturing, and test to ensure mechanism hardware is manufacturable, reliable, and performant. The engineer will work closely with design engineers, technicians, manufacturing teams, and test engineers to develop hardware, improve build processes, and support delivering rapid hardware iterations in a fast-paced development environment.Responsibilities
  • Support mechanism design reviews by providing feedback on manufacturability, integration constraints, and build efficiency
  • Develop and validate novel welded joints and welding process to enable mechanism development  
  • Create detailed build and test plans along with work instructions
  • Develop tooling fixtures and test setups required for mechanism assembly and test
  • Lead the build, test, and integration of complex aerospace mechanisms including the spike inlet mechanism, flow control door mechanisms, and associated hydraulic actuators, valves, linkages, and structural assemblies
  • Push hardware builds on the manufacturing floor, dispositioning questions and issue with the build real time.
  • Maintain configuration control of mechanism hardware, including documentation, BOMs, and build records.
  • Support ground and flight test campaigns.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including structures, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing to ensure successful system integration.
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Experience building, assembling, welding, integrating mechanical or aerospace hardware.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience working with mechanical assemblies, tools, and fabrication processes.
  • Experience with CAD software such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar.
  • Familiarity with GD&T and mechanical tolerance analysis.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
  • Experience with aerospace mechanisms or mechanical subsystems such as actuators, valves, deployable structures, or fluid system hardware.
  • Experience supporting hardware development programs in aerospace, automotive, or other high-performance engineering industries.
  • Knowledge of kinematics, structural mechanics, and fatigue considerations in mechanical systems.
  • Experience developing assembly procedures, integration plans, or manufacturing documentation.
  • Experience designing or implementing tooling, fixtures, or test equipment.
  • Familiarity with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or mechanism validation testing.
  • Experience working in prototype or early-stage hardware development environment.
  • Experience designing and/or fabricating welded structures
  • Familiarity with laser welding and heat treatment of welded structures
  • Experience with NX and Manufacturo.
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 by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or 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.