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Prototype Builder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Siffron, Inc

Prototype Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

... Build custom prototypes and standard samples to specifications using CNC or manual equipment. • Determine materials, tools, and equipment requirements for each prototype request. • Work with ...

Knowmadics, Inc

Rapid Prototype Engineer II

Wichita, KS · On-site

$32 - $35.75/hr

Build and assemble mechanical and electro-mechanical systems, including structural, enclosure, and ... Package and ship prototypes to internal teams and partners, ensuring proper handling, protection ...

Kelly Services

Prototype Supervisor

Livonia, MI

$90K/yr

Own prototype build schedules from quote through completion * Ensure parts availability, labor planning, and resource allocation to support on-time delivery * Track and clearly communicate program ...

sgsco

Prototype Technician

Butler, PA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Build, collate and pack complete set ups for Brand activation, pilot or flagship stores * Redlines ... Installs prototypes in the field as required. * Additional duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS:

SGS & Co

Prototype Technician

Butler, PA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Build, collate and pack complete set ups for Brand activation, pilot or flagship stores * Redlines ... Installs prototypes in the field as required. * Additional duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS:

Actalent

Prototype Technician

Aurora, CO

Prototype Technician This contract role supports increased production of additively manufactured ... build targets while maintaining strict quality, cleanliness, and safety standards. Multiple ...

Marks, an sgsco company

Prototype Technician

Butler, PA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Build, collate and pack complete set ups for Brand activation, pilot or flagship stores * Redlines ... Installs prototypes in the field as required. * Additional duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS:

sgsco

Prototype Technician

Butler, PA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Build, collate and pack complete set ups for Brand activation, pilot or flagship stores * Redlines ... Installs prototypes in the field as required. * Additional duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS:

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Prototype Builder information

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$15

$26

$50

How much do prototype builder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype builder in the United States is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Prototype Builder vs Model Maker?

AspectPrototype BuilderModel Maker
Required CredentialsTechnical skills, certifications in CAD or engineeringSkills in craftsmanship, sometimes certifications in model making
Work EnvironmentFactories, labs, design studiosWorkshops, studios, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, product designArchitecture, film, product prototyping

Prototype Builders focus on creating functional prototypes for testing and development, often requiring technical and engineering skills. Model Makers typically craft detailed, scaled models for presentation or visualization, emphasizing craftsmanship. While both roles involve hands-on work and technical knowledge, Prototype Builders are more involved in the development process, whereas Model Makers focus on visual and physical representation.

What are some common challenges Prototype Builders face during the development process?

Prototype Builders often encounter challenges such as working with incomplete or evolving design specifications, tight deadlines, and the need to quickly adapt to changes in materials or techniques. They must also collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and product managers to ensure the prototype accurately reflects design intent while remaining functional and manufacturable. Effective communication, flexibility, and problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming these obstacles and delivering high-quality prototypes on schedule.

What is a prototype builder?

A prototype builder is a professional who creates physical or digital models of products, devices, or systems to test and refine design concepts. They often work with tools like CAD software, 3D printers, and hand tools, and may need technical skills in engineering or manufacturing. The role involves translating design ideas into functional prototypes for evaluation and improvement.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

For a Prototype Builder, earning $10,000 a month typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills in CAD software, and a strong portfolio, as high-paying manufacturing or design roles often demand technical expertise rather than formal degrees. Many high-paying trades or freelance roles in design, engineering, or manufacturing can reach this income level through project-based work or entrepreneurship. However, such salaries are uncommon without significant experience or specialized skills in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prototype Builder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Builder, you need strong mechanical aptitude, hands-on fabrication skills, and experience with materials and design drawings, often supported by a technical certificate or associate degree. Proficiency with tools such as CAD software, 3D printers, CNC machines, and standard workshop equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration set outstanding prototype builders apart. These skills are crucial for accurately translating concepts into functional prototypes and supporting product development cycles.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior producers, media directors, or executive producers can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership skills, and industry connections. These positions often require advanced knowledge of production, editing, or management tools and may involve long hours or high-pressure environments.

Which 3 jobs will survive AI?

Prototype builders are likely to continue working alongside AI, as their role involves hands-on creation, problem-solving, and adapting designs, which are difficult for AI to fully automate. Jobs that require complex manual skills, creativity, and critical thinking—such as skilled trades, healthcare professionals, and specialized technicians—are also expected to persist. These roles often involve physical work, nuanced judgment, and human interaction that AI cannot easily replace.

What are prototype builders?

Prototype builders are professionals who create early models or samples of products, devices, or systems to test and refine concepts before full-scale production. They work closely with engineers, designers, and product developers to turn ideas into tangible prototypes using various materials and fabrication methods. Their work helps identify design flaws, functionality issues, and areas for improvement, making the product development process more efficient. Prototype builders often use tools such as 3D printers, CNC machines, and hand tools to construct prototypes according to detailed specifications.
What cities are hiring for Prototype Builder jobs? Cities with the most Prototype Builder job openings:
Prototype Builder jobs near you

Prototype EDS Engineer - System Prototypes

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

Irvine, CA • On-site

$107K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Us
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive's next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we're addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.
The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we'll map a new way forward. Working together, we'll create a future that's more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.
Role Summary
At Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, we are building the future of electric vehicles, and our System Prototypes team is at the forefront of this innovation. We are seeking a highly proactive and detail-oriented Prototype Engineer who thrives in dynamic, ambiguous environments and is passionate about solving complex, real-world engineering challenges. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in bridging the gap between cutting-edge design and functional reality, shaping the next generation of our EV systems.
You will collaborate closely with our Development and Validation teams, leading the design and commissioning of electrically representative system prototypes. Your work will directly support our aggressive program development goals, ensuring the seamless integration and rigorous validation of early prototype ECUs and their end-devices. This is a highly centralized and impactful role where you will champion cross-functional collaboration, driving solutions and ensuring technical readiness for critical program milestones.
Responsibilities
  • Schematics Ownership: Own and drive data and release Ingest strategy from partners, including Schematics, BOMs, and associated updates. Index releases to associated build phases and quantify design risk for prototype assets.
  • Harness Design Collaboration: Coordinate with the current Design team on improvements to harness design processes in a way that prioritizes speed to enable early development, and accounts for reworks due to early data release.
  • Collaborate & Influence: Act as a central hub for EDS related knowledge, collaborate across all development teams to provide information needed for their designs or diagnostics. You'll leverage existing knowledge while proposing innovative short-term and long-term design solutions as needed.
  • Drive System Prototyping: Support the end-to-end design and build completion of next-generation prototype assets, focusing on the integration of early prototype ECUs and end-devices to enable robust system-level hardware and software validation. Your design scope will include system design, harness design, light mechanical structure design, and integration.
  • Strategic Alignment: Perform thorough technical vetting of asset needs, aligning them with vehicle milestones across all programs, and proactively collaborating with development teams to prepare for and validate upcoming features.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in a relevant Engineering field (including EE, ME, Automotive, Aerospace, Robotics, etc)..
  • 1 year of hands-on experience designing low voltage electrical distribution systems for automotive applications.
  • Experience in reading technical drawings, electrical schematics, and system diagrams.
  • Familiarity with prototype manufacturing techniques and their practical application is a plus.
  • Experience with basic mechanical design and CAD is preferred.
  • Adept in interpreting technical information, and creating clear engineering documentation
  • Ability to thrive under pressure, applying creative and critical thinking to deliver exceptional results in a fast-paced environment.
  • A collaborative team player with excellent communication skills, capable of conveying both detailed technical explanations and high-level status updates effectively.
Total Rewards
Full-time positions include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity.
In addition to base salary, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies offers benefits tailored to the local market. For more information on the benefits available for full-time employees, check out our Global Benefits Site.
External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies" may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) record keeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies' service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
If you provide a mobile telephone number as part of your application or during the recruitment process, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use that number to contact you via SMS text message for recruitment-related purposes, including scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of applying for or being considered for employment.
Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.
Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are not currently accepting applications from third party application services.

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