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Director Prototype Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kendra Scott

Manager, Design-3D CAD

Austin, TX · On-site

This full-time, exempt role reports to the Design Director. Responsibilities: 3D Designer * The primary function of the 3D Designer is to conceptualize, model and prototype design concepts into ...

JTEKT North America

Prototype Engineer - PLY

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$34 - $38/hr

Work daily overtime and Saturdays and/or Sundays when directed by immediate supervisor or, as ... Working knowledge, understanding, and experience with product design, evaluation, and inspection of ...

Protingent

Prototype Build Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Prototype Build Technician Position Description : Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire ... design edits Job Details: * Job Type: Direct Hire * Pay Rate Range: $45-$60 an hour * Location: San ...

Mercor

Product Design Expert - Vibecoding

New York, NY · Remote

$70 - $80/hr

Construct scenarios spanning rapid prototyping, design system development, and cross-functional ... Direct ownership of product design systems or AI-assisted development workflows shipped to ...

Brightwing

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$35 - $38/hr

... design, manufacturing process, and timing are resolved. The Prototype Build Engineer must have the ability to direct issue resolution at all levels. This Position is onsite 5 days a week. Bachelor ...

Stefanini

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$33.75 - $37.75/hr

... design, manufacturing processes, and timing are resolved. The Prototype Build Engineer must be able to direct issue resolution at all levels. Experience RequiredBachelor of Science degree in ...

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Director Prototype Design information

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$37K

$135.8K

$243K

How much do director prototype design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for director prototype design in the United States is $135,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director prototype design do?

A Director of Prototype Design oversees the creation and development of prototypes for new products or systems within an organization. They lead design teams, collaborate with engineers and product managers, and ensure prototypes meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. Their responsibilities include project management, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards throughout the design process. By guiding the prototyping phase, they help transform concepts into tangible models that can be tested, refined, and eventually brought to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director prototype design?

To thrive as a Director of Prototype Design, you need extensive experience in product design, engineering principles, and project management, often backed by a degree in industrial design, engineering, or a related field. Mastery of CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and familiarity with design validation processes are typically required. Exceptional leadership, creative problem-solving, and strong communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure innovative prototypes are developed efficiently and collaboratively, aligning with business goals and market needs.

What are some common challenges faced by a director prototype design when balancing innovation with practical constraints?

A Director of Prototype Design often navigates the challenge of fostering creativity and innovation while ensuring prototypes are feasible within budgetary, technical, and time constraints. Balancing the desire for cutting-edge solutions with the realities of manufacturability and client requirements requires strong communication and prioritization skills. Additionally, this role must align cross-functional teams, including engineering, marketing, and production, to ensure prototypes meet both visionary goals and practical needs. Effective Directors excel at managing stakeholder expectations and iterating quickly based on feedback from both internal teams and clients.

What is the difference between Director Prototype Design vs Product Designer?

AspectDirector Prototype DesignProduct Designer
CredentialsTypically requires extensive experience in design and prototyping, often with leadership skillsRequires design education, portfolio, and proficiency in design tools
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, oversees prototype development, collaborates with cross-functional teamsFocuses on designing user interfaces, user experience, and prototypes
Industry UsageUsed in tech, manufacturing, and product development companies for leadership rolesCommon in tech, digital agencies, and startups for hands-on design work

While both roles involve prototyping, the Director Prototype Design typically leads teams and oversees the entire prototype process, whereas the Product Designer focuses on creating and refining user-centered designs and prototypes. The director role emphasizes leadership and strategic oversight, while the product designer is more hands-on with design execution.

What cities are hiring for Director Prototype Design jobs?

Cities with the most Director Prototype Design job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Design jobs?

The most popular types of Prototype Design jobs are:

What states have the most Director Prototype Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Prototype Design jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Director Prototype Design jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Prototype Design jobs are:

Director Prototype Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Prototype Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,763 per year, or $65.3 per hour.

Manager, Design-3D CAD

Kendra Scott

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Kendra Scott rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 30 rated jewelry retailers

Job description


About Kendra Scott
We are a fashion-lifestyle brand of big dreams, colorful confidence, and inspired design. Founded on Family, Fashion and Philanthropy, we believe that our employees and customers are the heart and soul of our brand, and that giving back is the truest form of success. Fashion meets innovation in the design of our two state-of-the-art facilities based in the heart of Austin, Texas, and overflows into the design of our growing retail environment across the country.
Position Overview:
The 3D CAD Design Manager is responsible for leading the design and development of on-brand, trend-relevant jewelry collections through 3D CAD modeling, rendering, and prototyping. This role combines creative leadership, technical expertise, and managerial oversight to ensure high-quality, timely delivery of product designs. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in 3D design and rendering, excellent aesthetic sensibilities, and a passion for mentoring and process improvement. This full-time, exempt role reports to the Design Director.
Responsibilities:
3D Designer
  • The primary function of the 3D Designer is to conceptualize, model and prototype design concepts into reality, through the creation of 3D models and photorealistic imagery (both static and motion)
  • Concept, design, illustrate and 3D model a high volume of jewelry styles
  • Maintain a keen design eye, attention to detail and trend understanding
  • Interpret conceptual direction from Design management, expounding upon concept- providing back sketches, mock-ups and other communication of ideas to gain approval for prototyping
  • Maintain consistent dialogue with Design Management to ensure alignment with design intent and assortment goals during prototyping phase and throughout design process
  • Take feedback from Design management and edit designs accordingly
  • Provide customized training and mentorship on best practices for process, equipment and design aesthetic to internal and external stakeholders
  • Create and oversee creation of highest quality models using 3D design software (Rhino 8, Z-Brush),
  • Create editable 3D files to fashion team standards (following layering, naming, file size conventions etc)
  • Create photo realistic renderings using 3D rendering software (Keyshot Studio)
  • Prepare technical drawings and file savings
  • Explore traditional and non-traditional jewelry techniques as needed to create prototypes
  • Analyze, approve or oversee edits to KS and factory produced 3D models to meet design intent, production needs and monetary goals
  • Research jewelry relevant trends and competitor product offering
  • Keep up to date with latest technology and industry standards around jewelry and product design
  • Ensure proper use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of 3D printers and associated software as needed
  • Provide innovative design thinking, creative solutions, and analytical and technical insight as needed
  • Establish meetings, conduct meetings/presentations, and provide customized training

Manager
  • Manage and delegate design tasks across multiple projects, ensuring high-quality execution and on-time delivery.
  • Utilize Tools including Asana, Smartsheet and Powerpoint decks for project management and sharing design details
  • Mentor junior team members on interpreting conceptual direction and translating it into 2D renderings, 3D CAD models, technical specs, and finished assortments
  • Train team on component breakout, construction methods, and fabrication techniques that align with design intent and production standards
  • Support the 3D design team with clear guidance, feedback, and ongoing development, collaborating with peers
  • Maintain consistent communication with Design Management to align on vision, direction, and goals throughout the design process
  • Communicate project status and shifting priorities proactively to leadership and cross-functional partners
  • Identify and implement process improvements, digital tools, and workflows; establish and continuously refine best practices to enhance team efficiency and design quality
  • Establish and maintain organizational standards for shared 2D/3D files and design references
  • Represent the Design department in meetings and presentations as needed
  • Collaborate closely with Product Development, Merchandising, and Sourcing to align priorities
  • Travel to vendors and trade shows as needed to support design development and execution

Design Team Member
  • Champion the Kendra Scott design aesthetic, quality expectation and innovative mindset
  • Maintain a high level of communication and collaboration with Supervisor and members of the design team to ensure continual progress toward timely, accurate and cohesive assortment completion
  • Confer within design team and cross functional teams to establish and assess best practices for day-to-day operation and organization of all shared design data
  • Contribute own and regard others personal aesthetic sensibilities to enrich team perspective
  • Must be organized, able to act independently as well as take direction, and able to switch rapidly between different projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Maintain a clean, efficient and safe working environment

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have:
  • Degree or equivalent experience in jewelry design, industrial design, accessories design, mechanical engineering, or metal hard goods manufacturing
  • 7+ years of experience as a 3D Designer, ideally within a high-growth company
  • Strong creative vision, refined taste, and proven ability to bring concepts to life in 3D
  • Expert in Rhino 3D, including complex NURBS modeling and editing
  • Advanced rendering skills with high visual accuracy
  • Proficiency in sub-d modeling software or willingness to self-train
  • Skillsin 2D tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and additional 3D platforms
  • Expertise in 3D modeling for physical output, including CAD and technical model making
  • Deep understanding of jewelry and metal manufacturing processes
  • Experience designing functional mechanisms like clasps and hinges
  • Comfortable working with diverse materials: precious/plated metals, gemstones, acrylic, wood, etc.
  • Hands-on experience with 3D printing, post-processing, and basic printer maintenance
  • Proven ability to break down complex projects into actionable tasks aligned with company goals
  • Data-driven and solutions-oriented, with strong communication and planning skills
  • Track record of launching innovative, technically complex products
  • Growth mindset: open to learning, sharing ideas, and taking smart risks
  • Strategic, forward-thinking mindset with a strong commitment to efficient, solution-oriented problem solving.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
  • Committed to developing others and making a positive impact on their careers
  • Adaptability to changing business needs and tight timelines
  • A shared appreciation for our 3 core values of Family, Fashion and Philanthropy

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

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