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Director Of Prototype Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ampa, Inc.

Sr. Prototype Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

... of design. Key Responsibilities: * Prototype Development & Testing: Build, troubleshoot, and ... iteratively test biomedical and electromechanical prototypes while developing and executing ...

National Opera Center

Director of Development ORGANIZATION: Merola Opera Program was founded in 1957 and named in honor of San Francisco Opera's first general director, Gaetano Merola. Merola operates in close artistic ...

Arms Wide

Director of Development

Houston, TX

The Director of Development at Arms Wide is the job for you! Arms Wide is a child and family-serving organization with a 49-year history that is deeply committed to transforming the lives of children ...

Youth Guidance

Director of Development

Kansas City, MO · On-site

Overview The Director of Development will serve as a compelling ambassador for Youth Guidance Kansas City. In close partnership with the Executive Director, the Director will lead a comprehensive ...

Asian Health Services

Director of Development

Oakland, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

The Director of Development (DD) will play a key leadership role in this growth. Reporting to the Executive Director of the AHS Foundation, the DD will lead the day-to-day development program, manage ...

Delaware Scene

The Director of Development role is a crucial part of OperaDelaware's next stage of growth. As a small team, we invite everyone to collaborate across departments to identify challenges and brainstorm ...

Limitless Decatur

The Director of Development is also responsible for the coordination, implementation and evaluation of public information and education; marketing; resource development; social media maintenance ...

Agupdate

Director of Development

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

Director of Institutional Giving, Senior Development Associate POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Development leads strategy and implementation of ACO's fundraising ...

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Director Of Prototype Development information

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How much do director of prototype development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of prototype development in the United States is $113,623.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of prototype development do?

A Director of Prototype Development oversees the design, creation, and testing of prototypes for new products or technologies within an organization. They lead multidisciplinary teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure prototypes meet both technical and business requirements. This role involves collaborating with engineering, design, and marketing teams to translate concepts into functional models and iteratively improve them based on feedback. Directors in this position play a critical role in innovation and the successful launch of new products.

How does a director of prototype development typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

A Director of Prototype Development works closely with engineering, design, marketing, and manufacturing teams to ensure prototypes meet both technical specifications and market needs. They often lead brainstorming sessions, coordinate resource allocation, and facilitate feedback loops between various departments to optimize the prototype's design and functionality. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as the Director must align diverse teams toward common goals and adapt quickly to changing project requirements. This role is pivotal in translating conceptual ideas into tangible prototypes ready for further testing and development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of prototype development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Prototype Development, you need expertise in product design, engineering principles, and project management, typically supported by an advanced degree in engineering or a related field and significant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and manufacturing systems is essential, as are certifications like PMP or Six Sigma. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and innovation within teams. These abilities ensure efficient prototype creation, alignment with business goals, and successful product development cycles.

What are popular job titles related to Director Of Prototype Development jobs?

For Director Of Prototype Development jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Of Prototype Development job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,623 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Sr. Prototype Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Ampa, Inc.
Internet and IT • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Ampa, Inc.external

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Build, troubleshoot, and iteratively test biomedical and electromechanical prototypes while developing and executing structured test procedures.

  • Serve as a hands-on technical owner for prototype testing, troubleshooting, lab execution, and follow-through on open engineering actions.

  • Support day-to-day San Diego lab operations, including prototype builds, test setup, equipment readiness, lab organization, inventory tracking, and logistics support.

Job description

Ampa is a pioneering neurotechnology startup developing brain stimulation technology to help eradicate depression. We will improve millions of lives by making this transformative treatment universally accessible. Joining us means you'll be part of a rapidly growing startup with significant equity opportunities and a major impact on our future.
What to Expect:
Working at Ampa is a rare chance to help transform global mental health and save millions of lives - a level of impact that demands deep commitment. Success here requires resilience, adaptability, and the discipline to put in long hours. If you thrive in a high-intensity, fast-changing environment and want your work to truly matter, you may do the best work of your life here.
Role Overview:
We're seeking a hands-on Sr. Prototype Engineer to support prototype testing, San Diego lab execution, documentation, and operational coordination for Ampa's TMS hardware. You'll work closely with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and operations teams to build, troubleshoot, test, organize, and improve physical systems while helping keep the San Diego lab running effectively.
This role sits between prototype engineering, lab operations, quality, and manufacturing support. The ideal candidate is hands-on, organized, reliable, and comfortable moving between bench testing, inventory/logistics coordination, documentation, basic troubleshooting, and SolidWorks/drawing review.
This is not intended to be a pure design role or advanced SolidWorks role. The large majority of time will be spent supporting hands-on testing, troubleshooting, repeatable lab execution, documentation, and practical prototype support downstream of design.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Prototype Development & Testing: Build, troubleshoot, and iteratively test biomedical and electromechanical prototypes while developing and executing structured test procedures to evaluate device performance, reliability, safety, and failure modes.
  • Lab Execution: Serve as a hands-on technical owner for prototype testing, troubleshooting, lab execution, and follow-through on open engineering actions.
  • San Diego Lab & Operations Support: Support day-to-day San Diego lab execution, including prototype builds, test setup, equipment readiness, lab organization, inventory tracking, system/part coordination, shipping/logistics support, and follow-through on open engineering or operational actions.
  • Data Collection & Analysis: Collect, organize, and analyze prototype test data to identify trends, anomalies, performance issues, and engineering improvements. Maintain precise, traceable test records by unit, condition, setup, result, deviation, and follow-up action.
  • Documentation & Quality Support: Create and maintain clear, traceable test documentation, engineering records, and verification protocols in support of QMS and regulated product development processes.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, quality, manufacturing, operations, and vendor teams to support prototype testing, lab execution, inventory/logistics coordination, documentation, and evolving development priorities.
  • Inventory & System Tracking: Help maintain accurate tracking of internal systems, coils, cables, tablets, fixtures, demo assets, shipments, returns, and current location/status. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure equipment readiness and follow-up actions are clearly documented.

What We're Looking For:
  • Mission-Driven: Passionate about helping eradicate depression through breakthrough neurotechnology.
  • Driven & Adaptable: Highly motivated, coachable, and thrives in fast-paced startup environments with evolving priorities.
  • Technical Background: Basic working SolidWorks and drawing literacy, including the ability to open, review, and make simple updates to parts/assemblies, interpret 2D drawings, support tolerance updates, and create or modify basic fixture/prototype designs. Advanced SolidWorks or complex assembly design experience is helpful, but not required. Background in biomedical, mechanical, mechatronics, electrical, robotics, product development, manufacturing, lab operations, or a related technical field is preferred. Basic soldering experience and comfort working with hardware components are a plus. Roughly 3 years of hands-on mechanical/hardware or lab support experience preferred.
  • Hands-On Problem Solver: Strong troubleshooting, prototyping, and hardware testing skills with attention to detail.
  • Comfortable with Repetition: Excited to spend the large majority of time on hands-on, repetitive testing, lab execution, inventory/logistics support, documentation and validation work downstream of design, not just design/creation work.
  • Documentation & Quality: Able to maintain structured technical documentation and support testing, verification, and QMS-related processes.
  • Positive Onsite Presence: Brings reliability, urgency, organization, and a constructive attitude to the San Diego lab. Comfortable supporting teammates, jumping into practical tasks, and helping keep the office/lab environment productive.

Why Join Ampa?
  • Impact: Use hands-on hardware engineering to transform mental health on the planet.
  • Growth: Thrive in a startup environment with rapid innovation.
  • Stability: Enjoy startup benefits with a secure product line.
  • Ownership: Receive substantial equity as an early team member.
  • Growth Path: This role has a clear runway to grow into a more senior mechanical engineer or R&D lab lead position as you build tenure and take on more ownership.

Logistics:
  • Work Mode: Onsite
  • Location: San Diego, CA
  • Compensation: $75k-$90k base salary + equity
  • Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

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