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Automotive Prototype Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Etched

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$180 - $260/hr

Job Summary We are standing up an in-house prototyping division at our 80,000 square foot Milpitas ... Experience in a high-growth startup or program-driven environment (aerospace, automotive, consumer ...

The Consensus

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160 - $220/hr

Job Summary We are standing up an in-house prototyping division at our 80,000 square foot Milpitas ... Experience in a high-growth startup or program-driven environment (aerospace, automotive, consumer ...

Etched

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

Job Summary We are standing up an in-house prototyping division at our 80,000 square foot Milpitas ... Experience in a high-growth startup or program-driven environment (aerospace, automotive, consumer ...

Etched

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

Job Summary We are standing up an in-house prototyping division at our 80,000 square foot Milpitas ... Experience in a high-growth startup or program-driven environment (aerospace, automotive, consumer ...

Astemo

Engineer II (Prototype)

Berea, KY · On-site

$29.75 - $33.50/hr

Support daily production activities within the Prototype manufacturing area to ensure safe ... Experience in shock, strut, or automotive component manufacturing strongly preferred. * Experience ...

Mach10 Solutions

Product Engineer

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Why Choose Mach10 17+ States Served 64+ Projects Completed 98.2% Quality Rating 24/7 Technical Support Recent Projects Automotive Prototype Rapid‑turn aluminum prototype trimmed production timeline ...

New

Astemo Ltd

Engineer II (Prototype)

Berea, KY · On-site

$29.75 - $33.50/hr

Support daily production activities within the Prototype manufacturing area to ensure safe ... Experience in shock, strut, or automotive component manufacturing strongly preferred. * Experience ...

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Automotive Prototype information

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$15

$26

$50

How much do automotive prototype jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 is an automotive prototype?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an automotive prototype engineer?

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 are 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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 Engineering Co-op 2026

Nexteer Automotive Corporation

Saginaw, MI • On-site

$33.25 - $37.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Nexteer Automotive rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

422nd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

This position is for on-site engineering support for a team that manages pre-production manufacturing of steering systems for future vehicle launches. This position allows for a mix of hands on and office work. You will be exposed to product design, development, manufacturing, and assembly in a low volume, production like atmosphere. You will assist with collecting and analyzing test data with guidance from our engineering team to assist with product development & problem solving in a technical capacity. This position offers flexible work scheduling to accommodate school requirements.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
  • Assist the engineering team with reviewing technical drawings to ensure all prototype materials are ordered correctly.
  • Collect and summarize prototype test data.
  • Support prototype builds and provide input for specifications and troubleshooting when issues occur.
  • Support supplier technical reviews to ensure quality parts are purchased.
  • Assist manufacturing team with process development and tooling procurement.

Requirements:
  • Candidate must be attending a 2 year college or 4 year university local to Saginaw.
  • Candidate must be able to work onsite, in Saginaw, MI
  • Candidate must be pursuing a degree in Engineering.
    • Modeling and 3D printing experience preferred
  • Candidate must be able to work onsite, 20-32 hours during Fall and Winter semesters
    • Up to 40 in the summer
  • Must have cumulative 2.7 GPA on 4.0 scale
  • Must be a full-time student (12 or more credits) during Fall and Winter semesters
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Problem definition and solving experience.
  • Good organization, documentation, and communication abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and with others.
  • Strong work ethic, integrity and accountability.
  • Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to look at computer screen/monitor for extended periods of time.
  • Candidate must have a valid driver's license with a good driving record

This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorizationDo not apply for this role if you will need immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of Nexteer as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)
Nexteer is an Equal Opportunity Employer Disabled/Minorities/Veterans/Women
Nexteer is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employees to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States.
Accessibility for Applicants with Disabilities: If you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please email careers@nexteer.com. Please provide your contact information and details about the posted position of interest. Only inquiries regarding assistance for those who need an accommodation with the online application process due to a disability will be returned.
About Nexteer
Nexteer Automotive is a global leader in advanced steering and motion control systems, enabling intuitive, safe, and comfortable mobility for drivers around the world. Our innovative product portfolio includes Electric Power Steering (EPS), Steer-by-Wire™, Driveline, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies that support electrification, software-defined vehicles, and autonomous driving.
With approximately 13,000 employees and operations in more than 20 manufacturing plants and multiple technical centers globally, Nexteer partners with nearly every major global and regional automotive manufacturer.

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