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Automotive Prototype Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Premier Staffing Solution

Prototype Engineer

Irvine, CA

$38.50 - $43/hr

A background in the automotive or EV prototype environment is a bonus. Key Responsibilities ● Master Parts List (MPL) Management & Validation: ○ Create and validate Master Parts Lists (MPLs) for ...

Protingent

Prototype Build Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Must have: * 5+ years of hands-on technical experience in mechanical, electrical, computer, automotive, or robotics industries * Demonstrated ability to assemble prototypes, build wiring harnesses ...

Premier Staffing Solution

Prototype Engineer

Irvine, CA

$38.50 - $43/hr

A background in the automotive or EV prototype environment is a bonus. Key Responsibilities ● Master Parts List (MPL) Management & Validation: ○ Create and validate Master Parts Lists (MPLs) for ...

Linamar

Prototype Technician

Livonia, MI · On-site

Prototype Technician - Midnight Shift Job Summary Assemble and/or teardown and test engineered ... Automotive Test Lab experience preferred. Experience with servo-hydraulic actuators and driveline ...

Moseley Technical Services

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Vehicle Test Technician

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$46K - $50K/yr

Automotive structures * Fire control systems * Test equipment * Fabricate, assemble, and modify prototype components, experimental hardware, test fixtures, and specialized tooling from engineering ...

fng

Foundry

Warren, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Extensive knowledge of Foundry operations and Automotive Prototype Die Development * Must be able to operate the following pieces of machinery: * 90*, 5", & 7" Grinders * Air Sand Rammer * Band Saw

fng

Foundry

Warren, MI

$16.25 - $21/hr

Extensive knowledge of Foundry operations and Automotive Prototype Die Development * Must be able to operate the following pieces of machinery: * 90*, 5", & 7" Grinders * Air Sand Rammer * Band Saw

Magna

Prototype Buyer

Southfield, MI · On-site

Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That's what we're ... The prototype buyer is responsible for supporting prototype and development procurement activities ...

D&N Bending

Tool Maker

Romeo, MI · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Company Description Supplier/manufacturer of automotive prototype, service, short-run production and production parts located in Romeo, Michigan. We have been in business since 1962.

fng

Foundry

Warren, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Extensive knowledge of Foundry operations and Automotive Prototype Die Development * Must be able to operate the following pieces of machinery: * 90*, 5", & 7" Grinders * Air Sand Rammer * Band Saw

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All JobsAutomotive Prototype Jobs

Automotive Prototype information

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$15

$26

$50

How much do automotive prototype jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive prototype in the United States is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on automotive prototypes, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working on automotive prototypes often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, rapidly changing design specifications, and the need to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. Managing these challenges typically involves strong communication skills, adaptability, and meticulous attention to detail. Collaboration with engineers, designers, and manufacturing teams is essential to quickly resolve issues and ensure the prototype meets required standards. Staying organized and proactive in problem-solving can help streamline the process and lead to successful project outcomes.

What are automotive prototype jobs?

Automotive prototype jobs involve working on the design, development, building, and testing of prototype vehicles or vehicle components before they go into mass production. Professionals in these roles may work with engineers to create and assemble early models, test functionality and safety, and provide feedback for improvements. These jobs are crucial in the automotive industry to ensure that new designs meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards before reaching the market.

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

To thrive as an Automotive Prototype Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or automotive engineering, hands-on fabrication skills, and experience with prototype development, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and automotive diagnostic systems is typically required, along with certifications like Six Sigma or specialized safety training. Creativity, problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities enable engineers to efficiently turn concepts into functional prototypes, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to innovative vehicle development.

What is the difference between Automotive Prototype vs Automotive Design Engineer?

AspectAutomotive PrototypeAutomotive Design Engineer
Primary FocusBuilding and testing physical vehicle prototypesDesigning vehicle components and systems
Required SkillsHands-on engineering, CAD, prototyping techniquesCAD, vehicle design, engineering principles
Work EnvironmentPrototyping labs, manufacturing facilitiesDesign studios, engineering offices
CertificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certifications

Automotive Prototype specialists focus on creating and testing physical vehicle models to evaluate design and functionality, while Automotive Design Engineers concentrate on developing vehicle concepts and detailed designs. Both roles require engineering knowledge and CAD skills, but prototypes are more hands-on with physical testing, whereas design engineers work primarily in design and planning stages.

More about Automotive Prototype jobs
What cities are hiring for Automotive Prototype jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Prototype job openings:
What states have the most Automotive Prototype jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Prototype jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Prototype jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Prototype jobs are:
Automotive Prototype jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Prototype job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Prototype Technician / Fabricator

Prototype Technician / Fabricator

Terraline

Fremont, CA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Who we are:
Terraline is creating the only clean-sheet, battery-electric heavy truck that is designed for any human or autonomous driver, and is capable of exceeding 500 miles of range. The Terraline team has decades of experience in the autonomous and electric vehicle industries, most notably the Tesla and Waymo Class 8 trucks. You will be working with a highly cross-functional team of systems, software, hardware and vehicle engineers, as well as an incredibly talented team of designers, technicians, and a wide range of other professionals.
Position: Prototype Technician / Fabricator
FLSA Classification: Hourly
Reports to: Engineering Lead
Supervisory responsibilities: None

Job description:
As a Prototype Technician / Fabricator at Terraline, you will be responsible for building and delivering physical and functional systems or prototypes, that could range from small mechanical assemblies to showcase or test local functions to next generation powertrains and full vehicle builds. In this role you will support prototyping activities across all engineering disciplines and products at Terraline. As the team grows, you may be designated as a subject matter expert and will be asked to provide guidance to junior team members. The ideal candidate works well within a diverse team while also being able to operate independently and deliver projects on time and to specification. This candidate is able to solve complex problems by working up from the fundamentals to develop the best solution, regardless of what others are doing or have done. We can’t change the world by doing it the way everyone else has done it! Finally, you will need to be able to effectively communicate with our co-workers and partners in both technical and non-technical capacities.

Job Requirements - Essential Skills:
Experience and proven track record in building large and complex prototypes e.g. vehicles, airplanes, ships, eVTOLs
Experience with electric powertrains and propulsion systems
Ability to convert ideas and sketches into working prototypes, big or small/one or many
Wide range of expertise in electrical and mechanical fabrication
Strong understanding of priorities, delivery timelines and how to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Comfortable with working in a fast paced and ambiguous environment
Ability to debug and troubleshoot issues with prototypes or test equipment
Work and communicate cross functionally to understand the problem space, to document the intended objectives and to provide status updates 
Familiarity with generic safety procedures and how to involved equipment safely
Maintain and manage shop and prototype equipment in a neat and orderly fashion
At Terraline we celebrate a hands-on and flexible work philosophy, which we think is required to be necessary for our success. This implies that you might be asked to perform in different functions from time to time to ensure the team achieves the defined goals

Desired Skills:
Managed suppliers for larger prototyping projects
Recent Automotive or Trucking experience
Experience in supporting test campaigns; local and in the field
Willing to work flexible hours and passionate about getting jobs done

Qualifications:
Highschool Diploma; AS preferred
Excellent communication and written skills.
Technical certification from accredited automotive training institution preferred
5+ years of professional work experience as a Fabricator/Technician in the mentioned fields above
Commercial driver license is a plus

What we offer you:
High-quality individual and family medical, dental, and vision insurance with an employer contribution
Competitive compensation packages
Employer-paid group term life insurance
Employer-paid Short-term and Long-term disability insurances
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation
Holidays following the Federal Holiday Schedule

Physical demands:
We are all hands on deck at Terraline in our efforts to create exciting change within the trucking world. The ideal candidate will be both adventurous and versatile. Daily activities could range from a full day of designing components at your desk, to full days working in the shop building out huge Class 8 trucks, and everything in between. Each day will be an adventure and you should feel comfortable handling moderately sized components within your daily routine.

Travel required:
Subject to periodic travel requirements. Company-related travel expenses reimbursed per the company’s Travel and Expense Reimbursement policy.

Other duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Terraline Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Terraline Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let the recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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.