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Prototype Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Qorvo, Inc.

Staff RF Design Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$125 - $163/hr

Position Summary The Antenna Technologies team is seeking a Staff RF Design Engineer to support mmWave phased array antenna prototype design, RF/mmWave circuit modeling and testing, and design ...

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 ...

INSTALILY.AI

Design Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Design engineers bring "taste" into engineering. They ship high-craft UI while building the systems ... Turn concepts, prototypes, and product ideas into polished, production-ready interfaces. * Bring ...

Moment

Design Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

They are seeking a Design Engineer to help define the product experience, prototyping quickly and delivering polished UI while collaborating closely with design, product, and engineering teams.

SCCI

Embedded Design Engineer

King George, VA · On-site

Minimum of three (3) years of experience demonstrating the ability to concept, prototype, design, code, and engineer embedded software solutions * Knowledge of C#, Java, or C++ * Knowledge of ...

Actalent

Design Engineer

Piedmont, SC

Attention to detail in CAD modeling, documentation, and prototype development. Work Environment The ... The engineering team was coming in from a team lunch which they do every Friday. They also have ...

ConRes IT Solutions

Design Engineer

Exeter, NH · On-site

... prototype models (may include fabricating , testing, troubleshooting, and repairing analog and digital analog circuits) • Testing product models whether actual or prototype (bead board) to ...

SCCI

Embedded Design Engineer

King George, VA · On-site

Minimum of three (3) years of experience demonstrating the ability to concept, prototype, design, code, and engineer embedded software solutions * Knowledge of C#, Java, or C++ * Knowledge of ...

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Prototype Design Engineer information

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How much do prototype design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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.

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,868 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Design Engineer

POLYWOOD

Syracuse, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Polywood rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 51 rated furniture manufacturers

Job description

DESIGN ENGINEER
POLYWOOD® On-site Syracuse, IN
Department: Product Development / Design
Reports To: Director of Product Design
Turn concepts into products people love.
At POLYWOOD, we believe great products start with great people. The kind of people who can take an idea, think through the details, solve the practical challenges, and help bring something beautiful and durable to life.
If that sounds like you, you might be the next Design Engineer to join our Product Development and Design team in Syracuse, Indiana.
About Us
POLYWOOD makes sustainable outdoor furniture that is built to last for generations. Our products are designed with purpose, manufactured with care, and made using recycled plastics, including our genuine POLYWOOD lumber.
Our Product Development and Design teams play an important role in shaping what comes next. They help turn new ideas into products that are beautiful, durable, manufacturable, and ready for real life outside.
Joining POLYWOOD means joining a company driven by sustainability, thoughtful design, innovation, and growth. It also means being part of a team that values collaboration, problem solving, and building something meaningful together.
The Work You'll Love Doing
Every POLYWOOD product begins as an idea. In this role, you will help turn those ideas into manufacturable, sample-ready outdoor furniture designs. You will work at the intersection of industrial design, engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing, developing 3D CAD models, technical drawings, assemblies, prototypes, and design-for-manufacturing solutions that support our product development pipeline. This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role where your work will help move new products from concept through costing, sampling, testing, documentation, and production handoff.
What Makes This Role Special
  • Your work becomes real. The models, drawings, and design solutions you create help shape products customers will enjoy for years.
  • You will collaborate across the business. This role partners closely with design, product development, manufacturing, CNC, fabrication, engineering, operations, quality, and costing teams.
  • You will solve meaningful problems. 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 products are not only beautiful, but also manufacturable, durable, efficient, and aligned with POLYWOOD standards.
  • You will be part of what is next. POLYWOOD continues to grow, innovate, and expand what is possible in outdoor furniture

Where You Will Make an Impact
  • Translating sketches, renderings, design direction, and early concepts into engineered models
  • Developing 3D CAD models, technical drawings, assemblies, and production-intent design details
  • Creating and refining models for sampling, prototyping, costing, testing, and cross-functional review
  • Evaluating concepts for manufacturability, assembly, structural performance, material efficiency, and long-term production viability
  • Partnering with manufacturing, engineering, CNC, fabrication, costing, and product development teams to resolve design challenges
  • Supporting prototype development with accurate model files, drawings, cut files, assemblies, and documentation
  • Reviewing prototype builds, identifying fit and function issues, recommending corrections, and documenting design revisions
  • Participating in product reviews before handoff to help ensure design intent, construction details, manufacturing requirements, and documentation are aligned

What You Bring
  • You are someone who enjoys the details, but you also understand the bigger picture. You can move between creative concepts and practical manufacturing requirements, and you know how to collaborate with the teams who bring products to life.
  • You likely have experience with CAD modeling, technical drawings, product development, prototyping, and design-for-manufacturing. You are comfortable working through design challenges, asking good questions, and helping improve products before they reach production.
  • Experience with SolidWorks, Mastercam, or similar CAD/CAM tools would be especially valuable. Experience supporting CNC, routing, tube laser, fabrication, assembly, or production documentation would also help you stand out.
  • Familiarity with Jira or other project/workflow management systems is a plus.

If you bring even a few of these, you will step into this role with the ability to make an immediate impact.
POLYWOOD is an equal opportunity employer. POLYWOOD evaluates qualified applicants without regard to characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.
design engineer, product design engineer, mechanical design engineer, product development engineer, CAD engineer, CAD designer, CAD/CAM engineer, SolidWorks engineer, Mastercam, 3D CAD modeling, technical drawings, engineering drawings, product development, outdoor furniture design, furniture engineering, design for manufacturing, DFM, manufacturability, prototype development, sample development, production handoff, product testing, design revisions, CNC routing, CNC manufacturing, tube laser, fabrication, assembly documentation, production documentation, material efficiency, structural performance, cross functional collaboration, manufacturing engineering, product lifecycle, consumer products, durable goods, plastics manufacturing, recycled plastics, HDPE, POLYWOOD, Syracuse Indiana jobs, engineering jobs in Syracuse Indiana, on site engineering role
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