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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 ...

Intuitive

Staff Software Build Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · Remote

This role is for an experienced engineer who writes code, debugs real build failures, prototypes infrastructure, and scales systems through direct technical contribution. You will own core build ...

Intuitive

Staff Software Build Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

This role is for an experienced engineer who writes code, debugs real build failures, prototypes infrastructure, and scales systems through direct technical contribution. You will own core build ...

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Prototype Build Engineer information

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How much do prototype build engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 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.

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.

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 Prototype Build Engineers?

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.
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Prototype Build Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various 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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