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Prototype Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC

$93.60K - $128.50K/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 ...

Troubleshoots design obstructions and provides cost effective solutions. · Performs prototype design experimentation, rapid prototype and conventional prototype fabrication. Evaluates prototype ...

Evaluates prototype design(s) for performance and reliability. • Writes products specifications and provides prints documentation and testing verification methods to source and inspect the product.

You will design, prototype, and validate display hardware, integrate systems, and support new products ramping to mass production.","responsibilities":"Define display module EE architecture and ...

This role spans flight hardware, prototype systems, integration support, and tooling that helps ... Design mechanical systems, structures, brackets, enclosures, mounts, and mechanisms across multiple ...

Prototype Machinist Location: Allendale, NJ Company: VB Spine Looking for a career where your work ... Work from engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, and verbal instructions to produce parts accurately ...

Work closely with design and engineering teams to identify prototype improvements and troubleshoot issues. * Perform functional and durability testing on prototypes and document results. * Maintain ...

... prototype design, evaluation and MTF testing. Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field. Experience in ...

... to design and fabricate jigs, tools, and fixturing to support engineering changes and products in development • Partner with Operations and Planning to schedule prototyping activities to limit ...

Design Engineer

Chestertown, MD · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

They will be part of the New Product Development Team and support the NPD process through concept development and prototype design, project management, supplier interaction and validation testing.

Design Engineer

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Support the model shop during prototype building and qualification testing. * Prepare drawing ... Design experience with Electro-mechanical devices is preferred. * Strong written and verbal ...

Prototype ModelMaker (Part Time/Freelance) WovenWorks Global is a forward-thinking, design-driven agency where strategy, creativity, and ambition unite to fuel remarkable growth. Joining our team ...

We deliver data-backed insights for design decisions across Apple's entire hardware portfolio ... In this role, you will fabricate high-quality prototypes in support of applied research teams ...

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Prototype Design information

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$15

$26

$50

How much do prototype design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype design 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prototype Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Designer, you need strong skills in product design, 3D modeling, and rapid prototyping, usually supported by a degree in industrial design, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), 3D printers, and prototyping tools is essential. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for efficiently transforming concepts into tangible models that guide product development and innovation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Prototype Design, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Prototype Design often encounter challenges such as tight project timelines, evolving client requirements, and the need to balance functionality with aesthetics. Effective communication with cross-functional teams—including engineers, product managers, and clients—is crucial to quickly iterate and refine designs. Utilizing rapid prototyping tools and maintaining flexibility in their approach helps designers adapt to feedback and unforeseen technical constraints, ensuring that prototypes meet both user needs and project goals.

What is prototype design?

Prototype design is the process of creating an early sample, model, or release of a product to test concepts and functionalities before full-scale production. It allows designers, engineers, and stakeholders to visualize and interact with a product, identify potential issues, and gather feedback for improvements. Prototyping helps reduce risks, save costs, and ensure that the final product meets user needs and expectations. It is an essential step in product development across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and design.

What is the difference between Prototype Design vs UI Designer?

AspectPrototype DesignUI Designer
Primary FocusCreating interactive prototypes to test functionality and user flowDesigning visual interface elements and layouts
Skills & ToolsWireframing, prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD), user experienceVisual design, color theory, typography, graphic tools
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with UX/UI teams, developers, product managersWorks closely with UX designers, developers, and stakeholders
Common UsageUsed in early-stage product development to validate conceptsUsed to craft the visual look and feel of the product

Prototype Design and UI Designer roles often overlap but serve different purposes. Prototype Design focuses on creating interactive models to test functionality, while UI Designers concentrate on visual aesthetics. Both roles are essential in the product development process and frequently collaborate to deliver a seamless user experience.

More about Prototype Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Prototype Design jobs? Cities with the most Prototype Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Design jobs? The most popular types of Prototype Design jobs are:
What states have the most Prototype Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Prototype Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Prototype Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Corning

Hickory, NC

$93.60K - $128.50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 123 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 512 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 75049

The company built on breakthroughs. ​  
Join us.​                            
         

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.  ​  

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​  

​At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​   

​Come break through with us.  


Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

    
Scope of Position:

•    Project and Design engineer focused on designing, building, or coordinating prototypes for optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks.  
•    Develop knowledge of materials, fundamentals of optical network connectorization including cable/connector interactions, optical hardware, and fiber optic cable. 
•    Work closely with other engineers, technicians and supply chain to design and build prototypes to develop product solutions.
•    Deliver 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 shops, contract manufacturers and Cable Assembly Houses to design, build and deliver prototypes. 
•    Projects could support any Corning division or research and development opportunities.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

•    Collaborate with customers, Market Development, Product Line Managers, engineers, technicians, lab managers, suppliers, and supply chain to design, build and deliver prototypes for optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks.
•    Coordinate design details, material procurement, fabrication timelines and delivery of prototypes with internal and external resources.
•    Support project teams and the definition of prototype design objectives and timelines.
•    Work with internal and external subject matter experts to identify key processing technologies and determine feasibility.
•    Engage global manufacturing plants to capture manufacturability of proposed solutions and support initial implementation of new process technologies.
•    Collaborate with internal and external equipment and tooling designers to establish functional requirements.
•    Capture and deliver new ideas for patent submission.
•    Ensure that requirements are properly developed and documented in conjunction with appropriate manufacturing, development, and commercial personnel.
•    Work with manufacturing engineering to develop and implement process documentation for each project as needed.
•    Lead and collect feedback to iterate and drive adoption.  
•    Maintain and improve a safe work environment.
•    Work with colleagues to find creative solutions to building prototypes.
•    Build and leverage network of Product Experts to assist with prototype designs.
•    Build and leverage network of fabrication capabilities both internally and externally.
•    Listen to customers for understanding of problem, ideas, and feedback on potential solutions.
•    Document requests and solutions

Travel Requirements: 

•    25%-50% on average depending on the project requirements.  Includes international travel.

Required Education: 

•    BS in Engineering or Project Management or 10+ years of equivalent experience in a development role.

Required Years and Area of Experience: 

•    3-5 years of experience in a development or experimental laboratory environment working with electrical/mechanical assembly and testing. 

Required Skills:

  • •    Demonstrated problem solving techniques.
    •    Demonstrated, applied mechanical aptitude.
    •    Ability to clearly express technical ideas.
    •    Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
    •    Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
    •    Ability to communicate effectively to internal and external customers and within multi-national groups
    •    Ability to work in technical project teams in a team member role.
    •    Desire to learn and develop personal and organizational knowledge.
    •    Proficient in the use of MS Office (Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint)
  • Design products or manufacturing processes using CAD (ProE / CREO Skills a Must) 

Desired Skills:

•    Ability to interpret and generate drawings and schematics.
•    Familiar with fiber optic theory.
•    Project management experience and demonstrated application of project management tools.
•    Proactively collaborates throughout an organization and drives technical culture.
•    Experience with discrete assembly processing.
•    Experience developing processes and parameters.
•    Collaboration with internal and external designers.

Soft Skills:

•    Personal initiative and commitment to success
•    Organized with good planning and time management skills
•    Ability to build relationships within cross functional groups; team building skills
•    Positive attitude, flexible and good work ethic 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

The range for this position is $95,759.00 - $131,669.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

A job that shapes a life.  

Corning offers you the total package.  

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.


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