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Prototype Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Project and Design engineer focused on designing, building, or coordinating prototypes for optical ... Deliver prototype design to Technology Teams for further development and testing or to ...

POLYWOOD

Design Engineer

Syracuse, IN · On-site

From prototype feedback to manufacturing constraints, your ideas will help improve products before they move into production. * You will help protect design intent. Your work helps ensure new ...

Apply Early

ExtensisHR

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Raleigh, NC

$85K - $100K/yr

Projects may span early concept generation, prototyping, engineering development, testing, design for manufacture, and transfer into production. We are looking for someone who can combine strong ...

POLYWOOD

Design Engineer

Syracuse, IN · On-site

From prototype feedback to manufacturing constraints, your ideas will help improve products before they move into production. * You will help protect design intent. Your work helps ensure new ...

Poly-Wood LLC

Design Engineer

Syracuse, IN

From prototype feedback to manufacturing constraints, your ideas will help improve products before they move into production. * You will help protect design intent. Your work helps ensure new ...

Corning

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC

$93K - $128K/yr

Project and Design engineer focused on designing, building, or coordinating prototypes for optical ... Deliver prototype design to Technology Teams for further development and testing or to ...

Corning

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC

$93K - $128K/yr

... prototype design to Technology Teams for further development and testing or to manufacturing operations for higher volume production. • Create and leverage large network of suppliers, fabrication ...

Corning

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

... prototype design to Technology Teams for further development and testing or to manufacturing operations for higher volume production. • Create and leverage large network of suppliers, fabrication ...

Corning

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC

$93K - $128K/yr

... prototype design to Technology Teams for further development and testing or to manufacturing operations for higher volume production. • Create and leverage large network of suppliers, fabrication ...

Corning

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

... prototype design to Technology Teams for further development and testing or to manufacturing operations for higher volume production. • Create and leverage large network of suppliers, fabrication ...

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Prototype Design Engineer information

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How much do prototype design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype design 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 are some common challenges a Prototype Design Engineer faces when transitioning concepts to functional prototypes?

Prototype Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with real-world manufacturability, meeting tight project deadlines, and iterating quickly based on testing feedback. They must frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams—including product designers, engineers, and manufacturing specialists—to solve problems and refine prototypes. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as priorities may shift rapidly based on testing results or stakeholder input. Successfully navigating these challenges is crucial for delivering prototypes that meet both technical and user requirements.

What does a Prototype Design Engineer do?

A Prototype Design Engineer is responsible for creating early models or prototypes of new products to test and refine their design and functionality. They work closely with product development teams to turn concepts into physical or digital prototypes, using specialized tools and materials. Their role often involves problem-solving, rapid iteration, and collaboration with engineers, designers, and manufacturers to ensure the prototype meets project requirements and can be successfully scaled for production.

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

To thrive as a Prototype Design Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, 3D modeling, and materials selection, typically supported by a degree in engineering or industrial design. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), rapid prototyping tools, and familiarity with manufacturing processes are essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for turning concepts into functional prototypes efficiently, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving product innovation.

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

AspectPrototype Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and testing prototypes to validate conceptsDesigning mechanical components and systems for production
Skills & CertificationsCAD, prototyping tools, engineering principlesCAD, mechanical engineering certifications, materials knowledge
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, workshops, R&D departmentsDesign offices, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageProduct development, R&D projectsMass production, mechanical systems design

While both roles require strong CAD skills and engineering knowledge, Prototype Design Engineers focus on creating and testing prototypes to validate new ideas, whereas Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on designing mechanical parts for manufacturing. The roles often overlap in industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, but their core responsibilities differ in the development process.

More about Prototype Design Engineer jobs
What states have the most Prototype Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Prototype Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Design Engineer jobs are:
Prototype Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,868 per year, or $36.5 per hour.
Electrical Engineer-Prototype Design

Electrical Engineer-Prototype Design

Auto-Chlor System, LLC

Norfolk, VA

$125K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 hours ago

Be an early applicant

Auto-Chlor rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

282nd of 421 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Auto-Chlor is now hiring an Electrical Engineer-Equipment Design to lead our engineering development initiatives. We’re looking for a leader who will contribute to our “People First” culture. This position is in-office full-time at our facility in MEMPHIS, TN.

What’s in it for you?

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE OFFERED

We understand that great talent can come from anywhere. That's why we offer:

  • Up to 60 days of temporary housing
  • Reimbursement for moving and travel expenses
  • Support with general relocation needs
  • A people first culture where contributions and collaboration are encouraged and celebrated.
  • A competitive salary $125,000 to $150,000 annually with an excellent benefits package.
  • Ongoing wellness initiatives to improve your health and well-being.

What are some of the day-to-day responsibilities?

  • Develops and implements solutions for dishwasher and dispensing innovation projects, including both new equipment development and existing equipment innovation. Projects vary in duration from two months to over a year based on Project Brief requirements.
  • Administers regulatory compliance with agencies such as NSF, CSA, UL, BOCA, ASSE, UPC, and Federal, State, and Local authorities. Provides support to the field sales team on regulatory issues, with an emphasis on maintaining customer equipment operation without disruption to business.
  • Provides technical support to field sales team, contractors, consultants, engineers, and architects.
  • Develops and manages technical documentation for design control and field use.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree or comparable years of work experience.
  • 5-10 years of electrical and electronic design experience, along with experience working with regulatory agencies. Experience in the commercial appliance industry is preferred.
  • Embedded Software/hardware design
  • Knowledge of codes and standards for plumbing, sanitation, electrical, and building (NSF, CSA, UL, BOCA, ASSE, UPC, FDA)
  • Electrical/electronic circuit design
  • CAD Modeling – Autodesk Inventor Preferred

Location: 746 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38105

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