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Freelance Prototype Build Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hermeus

Tooling Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

... art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By ... A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and ...

Hermeus

Tooling Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

... art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By ... A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and ...

Hermeus

Tooling Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

... art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By ... A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and ...

Radiant

Build Engineer, Turbomachinery

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$74K - $130K/yr

Responsible for assembly and integration of prototype and first-article turbomachinery. hardware ... Receive mentorship from senior build engineers while gradually taking on more responsibility.

Form Energy

Cell Build Technician, Prototype

Somerville, MA · On-site

$31.28 - $38.31/hr

As part of our Core Technology team, you will be part of the Prototype Build line, working in close collaboration with the Design and Manufacturing Engineers on our team. The ideal candidate will be ...

HADRIAN

Build Engineer, Capabilities

Torrance, CA · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

The Role We are seeking a Manufacturing (Build) Engineer to support both early-stage and customer ... Experience transitioning products from prototype to scalable volume manufacturing. * Background in ...

WovenWorks

Prototype ModelMaker

Fairfield, CT · On-site

Salary: $32$45 Prototype ModelMaker (Part Time/Freelance) WovenWorks Global is a forward-thinking ... You thrive in fast-paced, build-heavy environments where timelines are tight and expectations are ...

PV and Coho

Prototype ModelMaker

Fairfield, CT

Prototype ModelMaker (Part Time/Freelance) WovenWorks Global is a forward-thinking, design-driven ... You thrive in fast-paced, build-heavy environments where timelines are tight and expectations are ...

PV and Coho

Prototype ModelMaker

Fairfield, CT · On-site

$32 - $45/hr

Prototype ModelMaker (Part Time/Freelance) WovenWorks Global is a forward-thinking, design-driven ... You thrive in fast-paced, build-heavy environments where timelines are tight and expectations are ...

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Freelance Prototype Build Engineer information

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

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance prototype build engineer in the United States is $36.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Prototype Build Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectFreelance Prototype Build EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsRelevant technical skills, certifications in prototyping or manufacturingDegree in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, often on-site or remoteFull-time, in-house or design firm offices
Industry UsageProduct startups, hardware companies, prototyping firmsManufacturing, product design, engineering firms

The Freelance Prototype Build Engineer focuses on creating physical prototypes for various projects, often working independently on short-term contracts. In contrast, Mechanical Design Engineers primarily develop detailed mechanical designs and specifications for products within a company or design team. While both roles require technical skills and engineering knowledge, the freelance prototype builder emphasizes hands-on prototyping, whereas the mechanical designer emphasizes design development and CAD work.

More about Freelance Prototype Build Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Prototype Build Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Prototype Build Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Build Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Prototype Build Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Prototype Build Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Prototype Build Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Prototype Build Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Prototype Build Engineer jobs are:
Freelance Prototype Build Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Prototype Build Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,868 per year, or $36.5 per hour.
Prototype and Development Manufacturing Supervisor

Prototype and Development Manufacturing Supervisor

Zone 5 Technologies

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$104K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.
We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.
The Prototype and Development Supervisor leads day-to-day execution across prototype build and systems integration activities, ensuring development work is safe, disciplined, coordinated, and learning-focused.
This role owns people leadership, daily priorities, and execution flow across Development and Systems Integration technicians, while respecting technical risk authority held by senior technical staff.
This role involves working closely with various engineering disciplines, production staff as needed, and operations teams to support expected outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Development & Integration Execution
• Own daily execution across prototype build and systems integration work
• Coordinate priorities across Development and Integration to maintain a tight learning loop
• Ensure smooth handoff from prototype build → system integration → test
• Balance competing demands across multiple programs and value streams
People Leadership
• Directly manage Development and Systems Integration Technicians
• Set clear expectations, provide coaching, and address performance issues
• Support skill development and readiness for promotion
• Ensure staffing and coverage align with development priorities
Safety & Discipline
• Enforce safety procedures during powered, integrated, and flight-capable work
• Ensure development discipline (documentation, configuration awareness, escalation)
• Support stop-work decisions when safety or risk thresholds are exceeded
Cross-Functional Coordination
• Partner with Engineering to align execution with design intent
• Coordinate with Flight Test for readiness and scheduling
• Work with Manufacturing to support clean prototype → production transitions
Continuous Improvement
• Improve development execution cadence and predictability
• Identify friction in handoffs and remove blockers
• Support standardization without suppressing learning
Decision Authority
• Sets daily priorities and task sequencing
• Assigns work across Development and Integration teams
• Escalates technical risk decisions appropriately
• Recommends staffing and development actions
Required Qualifications:
• 5-8+ years in aerospace, UAV, robotics, or advanced development environments
• Prior experience leading technical teams (supervisor or lead)
• Strong understanding of prototype build, integration, and test workflows
• Proven ability to lead in ambiguous, fast-changing environments
• Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills
• Safety-first mindset
Pay range for this role
$104,000-$118,000 USD
What's in it for you:
Benefits:
  • Competitive total compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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