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Prototype Build Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helion Energy

Build Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

Our current prototype, Polaris, has reached record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million ... Helion is hiring a Build Engineer to drive the execution of first-of-a-kind fusion generator ...

Hermeus

Build Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies. * Ruthlessly ... Build Engineer II $114,750 - $140,250 The salary range listed for this role is intended as a ...

Hermeus

Build Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies. * Ruthlessly ... Build Engineer II $114,750 - $140,250 The salary range listed for this role is intended as a ...

Hermeus

Build Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$91K - $140K/yr

Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies. * Ruthlessly ... Build Engineer II $114,750 - $140,250 The salary range listed for this role is intended as a ...

Mach Industries

Build Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

Act as the engineering owner for prototype builds across multiple products. * Translate design intent into practical build steps, processes, and checklists for technicians. * Debug and resolve design ...

Amca

Mechanical Build Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Today, we operate seven factories nationwide, including our advanced prototyping and testing ... The Mechanical Build Engineering role is responsible for owning the build procedures used to ...

Amca

Mechanical Build Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Mechanical Build Engineering role is responsible for owning the build procedures used to ... Prototype new components at our in-house R&D lab. You will be expected to be intimately involved ...

Amca

Senior Build Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$111K - $152K/yr

Own prototyping and first builds of new hardware designs * Work with Design Engineering teams to ... Take full ownership of manufacturing and build of new product designs * Prototype new components ...

Versigent

AI Build Engineer Manager

Troy, MI · On-site

AI BUILD ENGINEER MANAGER Versigent designs and delivers the systems that move power through modern ... Rapid Prototyping & "Architecture as Code" * Engineering Scalable Reference Implementations * AI ...

Industrious Ventures

Senior Build Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Since the 1990s, our ability to build new aviation and military systems and maintain the ones we ... Own prototyping and first builds of new hardware designs * Work with Design Engineering teams to ...

Amca

Senior Build Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Since the 1990s, our ability to build new aviation and military systems and maintain the ones we ... Own prototyping and first builds of new hardware designs * Work with Design Engineering teams to ...

Versigent

AI Build Engineer Manager

Troy, MI

AI BUILD ENGINEER MANAGER Versigent designs and delivers the systems that move power through modern ... Rapid Prototyping & "Architecture as Code" * Engineering Scalable Reference Implementations * AI ...

Hermeus

Build Engineer - Propulsion

Los Angeles, CA

$91K - $187K/yr

Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies. * Ruthlessly ... Strong engineering first principles. * Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing ...

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How much do prototype build engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 a prototype build engineer?

Prototype Build Engineers are professionals who design, assemble, and test early versions of products, often before they go into mass production. They work closely with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to turn conceptual ideas or design drawings into functional prototypes. Their role involves troubleshooting, modifying, and refining prototypes to ensure they meet design specifications and performance standards. Prototype Build Engineers play a crucial part in identifying and resolving potential issues early in the development process, which helps companies save time and resources during product launches.

How does a prototype build engineer collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development process?

Prototype Build Engineers work closely with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure that prototypes meet both technical specifications and project timelines. They often serve as a communication bridge, interpreting design requirements and providing feedback on feasibility or potential improvements. Collaboration is essential, as Prototype Build Engineers must coordinate material sourcing, troubleshoot issues that arise during assembly, and relay insights from prototype testing to help refine the final product. This role is highly interactive and requires strong teamwork and problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as a Prototype Build Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, hands-on fabrication skills, and experience with prototype assembly, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools (like 3D printers and CNC machines), and knowledge of product lifecycle management systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective problem-solving, and strong collaboration skills set outstanding prototype engineers apart. These competencies are critical for efficiently turning concepts into functional prototypes, ensuring product feasibility, and facilitating innovation within cross-functional teams.

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

AspectPrototype Build EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusAssembling, testing, and refining prototypesDesigning and developing mechanical components and systems
Skills & CertificationsHands-on manufacturing, CAD, prototyping toolsCAD, mechanical engineering principles, certifications like PE
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, prototyping facilitiesDesign offices, R&D labs
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, consumer electronicsMechanical product development, industrial design

The Prototype Build Engineer primarily focuses on assembling and testing prototypes to validate designs, while the Mechanical Design Engineer concentrates on creating detailed mechanical designs. Both roles require CAD skills, but the Prototype Build Engineer emphasizes hands-on manufacturing and testing, often working closely with production teams. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within engineering fields.

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Prototype Build Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Build Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,868 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Prototype Tooling Engineer - Rapid Build & Test

Clutch Canada

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries.
A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and validation of innovative tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment that enable the prototyping, integration, and testing of advanced structural assemblies. This role emphasizes creativity, rapid iteration, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to support early-stage research and development.
Responsibilities
  • Own the design, fabrication, and implementation of advanced tooling, fixtures, and integration aids to support R&D, prototype builds, and test campaigns.
  • Partner with structures, manufacturing, and test teams to define tooling requirements, integration flow, and process interfaces.
  • Collaborate across engineering disciplines and external vendors to deliver rapid, high-precision prototype tooling solutions.
  • Leverage advanced materials and manufacturing methods, including additive and composite fabrication, to enhance performance and efficiency.
  • Perform design validations, mechanical checks, and hands-on trials to qualify tooling for development and production use.
  • Drive continuous improvement by developing and implementing tooling upgrades that reduce build time, improve accuracy, and streamline operations.
  • Maintain documentation, configuration control, and safety standards across all tooling systems.
  • Coordinate schedule, priorities, and vendor relationships to ensure tooling deliverables align with critical R&D and integration milestones.
  • Act as a key interface between engineering and build teams to resolve integration challenges and sustain build velocity.
Requirements
  • Strong engineering first principles.
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related engineering field.
  • Hands-on experience with physical hardware (internships, labs, project teams all count).
  • Proven ability to design, build, break, and iterate quickly.
  • Comfort with CAD, test equipment, hand tools.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, etc.) and GD&T fundamentals.
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Hands-on experience with prototype fabrication methods including machining, additive manufacturing, composites, and rapid prototyping.
  • Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) for tooling design and iteration.
  • Knowledge of GD&T and ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings to prototype development.
  • Familiarity with R&D environments and early-stage design-build-test cycles for high-performance aerospace systems.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to experiment, adapt, and iterate quickly in ambiguous development settings.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, prototype build, and test teams.
  • Knowledge of lean prototyping and continuous improvement principles in low-volume, experimental environments.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

138550 - 187450 USD a year

The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.
Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more!
100% employer-paid health care
401k & Retirement Plans
Unlimited PTO
Weekly Paid Office Lunches
End of Year Bonuses
Fully stocked breakrooms
Stock Options
Paid Parental Leave
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