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Mechanical Prototype Engineer Jobs in Washington

KFORM Defense

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We work across design, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, quality, and production readiness to move critical products from concept to fielded reality. We are recruiting mechanical engineers who ...

Kform

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA

$72.12 - $96.15/hr

We work across design, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, quality, and production readiness to move critical products from concept to fielded reality. We are recruiting mechanical engineers who ...

Boutique Recruiting

Mechanical Engineer

Halethorpe, MD · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

Mechanical Engineer A growing commercial manufacturing organization is seeking a Mechanical ... Create functional prototypes and work hands-on in the lab to test, refine, and validate designs

New

TAP Engineering LLC

Mechanical Engineer II

Columbia, MD · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Mechanical Engineer II Hardware | Columbia, MD | Full Time Schedule: Standard Day Shift, Monday ... Support prototype builds, design verification testing, and design reviews * Develop and maintain 3D ...

TAP Engineering

Mechanical Engineer II

Columbia, MD · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Mechanical Engineer II Hardware | Columbia, MD | Full Time Schedule: Standard Day Shift, Monday ... Support prototype builds, design verification testing, and design reviews * Develop and maintain 3D ...

TAP Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Collaborate closely with electrical engineers to ensure proper PCB integration, fit, and mechanical clearances * Assist with prototype builds, lab testing, and design verification activities

TAP Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Collaborate closely with electrical engineers to ensure proper PCB integration, fit, and mechanical clearances * Assist with prototype builds, lab testing, and design verification activities

TAP Engineering LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Collaborate closely with electrical engineers to ensure proper PCB integration, fit, and mechanical clearances * Assist with prototype builds, lab testing, and design verification activities

CACI

Mechanical Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Mechanical Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... Develop prototype designs, engineering specifications, and manage outsourced metalwork and ...

Axon

Mechanical Engineer II

Sterling, VA · On-site

Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our ... This role emphasizes mechanical design, thermal analysis, prototyping, and system integration. The ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Prototype Engineer JobsMechanical Prototype Engineer Jobs in Washington

Mechanical Prototype Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$51.5K

$116.5K

$188.6K

How much do mechanical prototype engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical prototype engineer in Washington is $116,519.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $143,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mechanical prototype engineer do?

A Mechanical Prototype Engineer designs, builds, and tests physical prototypes of mechanical systems or products. They work closely with design teams to turn conceptual ideas into working models, often using CAD software, 3D printing, machining, and other fabrication techniques. Their role is essential for identifying design flaws, evaluating functionality, and making improvements before full-scale production. They also document their processes and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance departments to ensure the final product meets specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical prototype engineer, and why are they important?

A Mechanical Prototype Engineer needs strong mechanical design skills, hands-on fabrication experience, and a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), rapid prototyping tools like 3D printers, and familiarity with manufacturing processes are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication help engineers iterate designs quickly and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure innovative prototypes are developed efficiently, meeting both technical requirements and project timelines.

What are some common challenges mechanical prototype engineers face during the prototyping process?

Mechanical Prototype Engineers often encounter challenges such as tight project timelines, limited budgets for materials, and the need to quickly iterate designs based on test results or stakeholder feedback. Balancing the precision required for functional prototypes with the speed of development is a frequent hurdle. Additionally, collaboration with cross-functional teams—like design, manufacturing, and electronics—can introduce communication challenges, making strong teamwork and adaptability essential for success in this role.

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

AspectMechanical Prototype EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and testing physical prototypes to validate designsCreating detailed design concepts and specifications for manufacturing
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, prototyping workshops, testing facilitiesDesign studios, CAD environments, engineering offices
Required SkillsPrototyping, testing, CAD, materials knowledgeCAD, design analysis, manufacturing processes
Common UsageUsed in product development stages to validate conceptsUsed in designing products for production

While both roles involve engineering skills and CAD proficiency, Mechanical Prototype Engineers focus on building and testing physical models to validate designs, whereas Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on creating detailed design plans for manufacturing. Both roles are essential in the product development process but serve different stages and objectives.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Mechanical Prototype Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Mechanical Prototype Engineer job openings:

Mechanical Engineer

Laurel, MD • On-site

Antenna Research Associates Inc
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Antenna Research Associates Incexternal

$98K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to support the design and development of new antenna products, positioners, sub-assemblies, and accessories. This role serves as a liaison between the Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams, providing design and technical support throughout product development and production. This is an on-site position in Laurel, MD


The ideal candidate will assist with engineering drawings, technical proposals, prototype assembly and testing, test requirements and manuals, fixtures and tooling, and manufacturing support. Mechanical Engineer II will help ensure products meet performance, reliability, quality, and industry standards while supporting continuous improvement across engineering and production.

U.S. Citizenship is required, as only U.S. Citizens are authorized to access information under this program/ contract. 

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Design and document antenna products, sub-assemblies, mechanical systems, fixtures, and tooling using SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.
  • Develop and test models of alternate designs and processing methods to assess feasibility, operating conditions, potential applications, and required modifications.
  • Use SolidWorks and FEA to develop design concepts for electronics packaging, structural components, PCB layouts, and other mechanical systems.
  • Prepare and maintain engineering drawings in accordance with applicable ASME Y14.100 standards.
  • Provide mechanical design support to engineering projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues.
  • Serve as a liaison between Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to support production, testing, and product improvements.
  • Work with Manufacturing and Quality to review and disposition Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and address related design or manufacturing issues.
  • Design and fabricate fixtures and tooling to support manufacturing and test engineering.
  • Review and approve drawing redlines prior to Engineering Change Order (ECO) creation.
  • Assemble and test mechanical prototypes and support the development of product test procedures and requirements.
  • Conduct research and analysis to evaluate the feasibility, design, operation, and performance of equipment, components, and systems; recommend design modifications as needed.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
  • Specify components or modifications necessary to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance requirements.
  • Provide technical feedback and recommendations to the engineering team regarding potential issues or opportunities for improvement.
  • Support the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, test requirements, manuals, and engineering reports.
  • Operate and maintain 3D printers, as applicable, to support prototyping and product development.
  • Support other mechanical engineering and production team members as needed.

Position Qualifications

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.


Competency Statements

  • Adaptability - Adapts to change, open to new ideas and responsibilities
  • Communication - Ability to communicate thoughts clearly, both oral and written in an honest, open and timely manner
  • Job Knowledge - Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keeps job knowledge current
  • Technical Skill - Possesses the knowledge and skills needed to perform a job or role effectively
  • Dependability - Meets deadlines, works independently or in a team environment, is accountable, maintains focus, good attendance record
  • Quality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve products
  • Ethics - Honest, accountable, maintains confidentiality
  • Initiative / Take Ownership - Takes action, seeks new opportunities, strives to see projects to completion, meaning own your job and see it through
  • Decision Making – Problem solve and critical thinking skills, be able to reach a decision, takes thoughtful approach when considering options, seeks input from others, makes difficult decisions 
  • Customer Focus - Understands and can meet the needs in a customer-centric (Internal and External) environment and build strong relationships. Promotes a positive image of the company and strives to solve issues raised by customers


Experience and Skills

  • 3–7 years of experience in mechanical engineering.
    Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM required.
  • Experience creating engineering drawings to ASME Y14.100 standards.
  • Intermediate understanding of mechanical design principles, FEA, and prototype testing.
  • Experience designing and documenting antenna products, sub-assemblies, or similar mechanical systems preferred.
  • Experience working collaboratively with Manufacturing and Quality teams.
  • Experience reviewing and resolving NCRs and supporting manufacturing-related design issues preferred.
  • Experience designing and fabricating fixtures and tooling for manufacturing and testing.
  • Familiarity with electronics packaging and mechanical systems.
  • Ability to assemble mechanical prototypes and perform basic testing procedures.
  • Experience operating and maintaining 3D printers is a strong plus.
  • Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings, preparing reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environments.

 
Education

  • BSME required

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination and affirmative action. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected sta

Company Description

ARA is a leading C5ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities.
Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission-critical customers.
We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape.