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Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer Jobs in Suffield, CT

Sole focus on integrating and supplying engineered products, services, and complete thermal systems ... Opportunity to build a career in this industry. * Compensation commensurate with experience.

Boilermaker Apprentice

East Windsor, CT · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Sole focus on integrating and supplying engineered products, services, and complete thermal ... Opportunity to build a career in this industry.Compensation commensurate with experience.Periodic ...

... prototypes, working software, and scalable production applications. * Build application components ... Support citizen developers and solution owners by establishing guardrails, providing technical ...

Tool and Die Mold Maker

Easthampton, MA · On-site

$29.91 - $44.87/hr

Build the Precision Tooling Behind Critical Pharmaceutical Products Earn $29.91 - $44.87 per hour ... Engineering and R&D to design, fabricate, and improve tooling, fixtures, molds, and prototypes that ...

Tool and Die Mold Maker

Easthampton, MA · On-site

$29.91 - $44.87/hr

Build the Precision Tooling Behind Critical Pharmaceutical Products Earn $29.91 - $44.87 per hour ... Engineering and R&D to design, fabricate, and improve tooling, fixtures, molds, and prototypes that ...

Mechanical Engineer This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the ... Assemble and disassemble prototype engines; perform part inspections and document build details

Mechanical Engineer This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the ... Assemble and disassemble prototype engines; perform part inspections and document build details

Mechanical Engineer This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the ... Assemble and disassemble prototype engines; perform part inspections and document build details

Build LLM-based applications, RAG pipelines, and AI agents. * Create and test AI prototypes and ... Work closely with developers, data teams, and business stakeholders. * Identify opportunities to ...

Controls Engineer

Torrington, CT · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Build prototypes and validate designs through rigorous testing. * Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and OEM customers. * Bring new products from concept to production. What We're Looking ...

Assemble, test, and debug prototypes and pre-production units, ensuring alignment with engineering requirements. * Develop and build test jigs, simulators, and fixtures, including wiring schematics ...

Assemble, test, and debug prototypes and pre-production units, ensuring alignment with engineering requirements. * Develop and build test jigs, simulators, and fixtures, including wiring schematics ...

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Apprentice Prototype Build Engineer information

See Suffield, CT salary details

$12

$22

$36

How much do apprentice prototype build engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice prototype build engineer in Suffield, CT is $22.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice prototype build engineer?

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 are the 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 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 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.

Skunkwerks Engineering Intern - Fall 2026 | LiquidPiston

Suffield, CT • On-site

LiquidPiston, Inc.
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Skunkwerks Engineering Intern - Fall 2026 | LiquidPiston
Location: Suffield, CT
Employment Type: Full-Time Internship | Fall 2026
Compensation: Paid Internship
Schedule: Onsite, Monday-Friday
About LiquidPiston
LiquidPiston is reinventing the internal combustion engine through its patented X-Engine rotary architecture and High Efficiency Hybrid Cycle (HEHC). Our compact, high-performance engines are being developed for applications across defense, aerospace, UAVs, hybrid-electric propulsion, and portable power.
We are a small, highly technical engineering team working on technology that is still evolving. That means interns have the opportunity to work much closer to the actual engineering process than they typically would at a large company.
The Skunkworks Team
LiquidPiston's Skunkworks team works on some of the company's most challenging and fast-moving engineering problems.
As a Skunkworks Engineering Intern, you won't spend the semester watching from the sidelines or working exclusively on theoretical projects. You'll work alongside experienced engineers and technicians to help design, build, test, troubleshoot, and improve real hardware.
Projects can change quickly based on what testing reveals. One day you may be working in CAD, the next you may be helping investigate a failed component, supporting a prototype build, analyzing test data, or developing a design improvement.
The work requires curiosity, adaptability, attention to detail, and a willingness to get hands-on.
What You'll Do
Depending on your skills and the needs of the team, you may:
  • Support the design and development of rotary engine components and subsystems.
  • Create and modify CAD models and engineering drawings.
  • Assist with prototype builds, engine assembly, and component integration.
  • Support testing and help investigate unexpected engine or component behavior.
  • Analyze test data and use results to inform design changes.
  • Assist with FEA, thermal analysis, or other engineering analyses.
  • Work with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot hardware and identify root causes.
  • Support design reviews and communicate engineering findings to the team.
  • Help evaluate manufacturing methods, tolerances, materials, and component designs.
  • Participate in iterative development - design, build, test, learn, and improve.
  • Take on engineering problems that may not have an obvious answer and help determine the path forward.
Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • Completion of relevant engineering coursework in areas such as mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, machine design, fluid mechanics, or heat transfer.
  • Experience with or coursework involving 3D CAD; SolidWorks is preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Comfortable working with both computers and physical hardware.
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn from hands-on work.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment.
  • Ability to manage changing priorities and work on multiple engineering problems.
  • Must be available to work onsite in Suffield, CT, Monday-Friday during the Fall 2026 semester.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to ITAR requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous internship, co-op, research, or project experience involving mechanical or aerospace engineering.
  • Experience with SolidWorks Simulation or other FEA tools.
  • Experience with machining, fabrication, or prototype assembly.
  • Familiarity with GD&T.
  • Experience collecting or analyzing engineering test data.
  • Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
  • Experience with engines, propulsion systems, automotive systems, UAVs, or other mechanical systems.
  • Formula SAE, Baja SAE, rocketry, robotics, or other hands-on engineering project experience.
Our Culture
At LiquidPiston, we challenge convention and solve hard problems. We move fast, think boldly, and iterate quickly. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and resilience. We take calculated risks and believe that every setback is a steppingstone toward breakthrough innovation.
Equal Opportunity Employer
LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check, drug screening and credit check.