ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Prototype Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... prototypes for interdisciplinary applied research ... If you are equally comfortable in the shop and at a whiteboard, and you thrive when a designer or ...

Apple

Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA

$50.19 - $88.08/hr

You will work closely and frequently with researchers, designers, and engineers in a shared lab ... Because our prototypes serve internal research rather than production pipelines, the emphasis is on ...

Ampa, Inc.

Prototype / Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support fast-paced R&D projects, improve prototype designs and test methods, and adapt to evolving development priorities. What We're Looking ...

Therm-x of California

Prototype Machinist

Hayward, CA · On-site

$38 - $50/hr

The Prototype Machinist / NPI Technician works alongside Therm-x's NPI Engineering team to bring new heater, sensor, source, and cathode designs from drawing to first working part. Our prototyping ...

CRI Genetics

Product Designer

Redondo Beach, CA

$90K - $135K/yr

Prototyping, Designing and collaborating tightly with software developers * Building a simple, trustworthy design system and visual language * Conducting usability studies and translating findings ...

TEKsystems

Visual Designer (Motion, Demos)

Menlo Park, CA · Hybrid

$85 - $95/hr

Visual/Motion/Prototype Designer Hybrid in the Bay Area ONLY About the Role We are seeking a highly creative Visual Designer who is passionate about emerging technology and visual storytelling. In ...

TEKsystems

Visual Designer (Motion, Demos)

Menlo Park, CA · Hybrid

$85 - $95/hr

Visual/Motion/Prototype Designer Hybrid in the Bay Area ONLY About the Role We are seeking a highly creative Visual Designer who is passionate about emerging technology and visual storytelling. In ...

proGroupX

Web Designer

Long Beach, CA · On-site +1

The Web Designer will work directly on our products by prototyping, designing, and building user interfaces for our web brands using some of the latest frameworks, techniques, and best practices. In ...

proGroupX

Web Designer

Long Beach, CA · Remote

The Web Designer will work directly on our products by prototyping, designing, and building user interfaces for our web brands using some of the latest frameworks, techniques, and best practices. In ...

Archer

Senior Prototype Build Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four ... We are seeking a Prototype Build Technician to support the Test Equipment Design and Build team. In ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrototype Designer JobsPrototype Designer Jobs in California

Prototype Designer information

See California salary details

$26

$40

$68

How much do prototype designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype designer in California is $40.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.18 and $52.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid design job?

Senior roles such as Creative Directors or Design Directors typically earn the highest salaries in the design field, often exceeding six figures, especially in large companies or tech industries. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools and strategic planning.

What jobs can DT get you?

A Prototype Designer can lead to roles such as product designer, UX/UI designer, or industrial designer, focusing on creating and testing prototypes for new products. Skills in CAD, 3D modeling, and user experience are often required, and experience with rapid prototyping tools is beneficial. These roles typically involve collaboration with engineering and development teams in fast-paced environments.

What is a prototype designer?

A prototype designer is a professional who creates preliminary models of products, interfaces, or systems to test and refine ideas before full development. They often use design tools like Sketch or Figma and collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to improve usability and functionality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Prototype Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Designer, you need a solid background in industrial design, engineering principles, and rapid prototyping techniques, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and sometimes certifications in design or product development are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for quickly iterating on functional models that address design challenges and support cross-functional product development.

Is prototyping UX or UI?

Prototype designers create interactive models that can focus on either user experience (UX) or user interface (UI), depending on project needs. They often use tools like Figma or Adobe XD to develop these prototypes, which help test and refine design concepts before development.

What does a Prototype Designer do?

A Prototype Designer creates early models or drafts of products to test functionality, aesthetics, and feasibility before mass production. They work with engineers, designers, and stakeholders to refine concepts using sketches, 3D modeling, or physical prototypes. Their role requires knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and design principles to bring ideas to life efficiently.

What kind of projects and teams do Prototype Designers typically work with?

Prototype Designers often collaborate with product managers, engineers, and designers to transform ideas into workable prototypes for testing and feedback. Projects can range from early-stage conceptual designs to refined models that closely mimic the final product, requiring adaptability and creative problem-solving. You’ll typically work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, encouraging open communication and quick iteration. The work environment is usually dynamic, with shifting priorities based on project needs and development cycles. This role provides a great opportunity to influence final product designs and work closely with a diverse group of professionals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Prototype Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Prototype Designer jobs in California? For Prototype Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Prototype Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Prototype Designer job openings:
Prototype Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Designer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,540 per year, or $40.2 per hour.
Robot Prototype Technician

Robot Prototype Technician

Physical Intelligence

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
Physical Intelligence is bringing general-purpose AI into the physical world. We are a group of engineers, scientists, roboticists, and company builders developing foundation models and learning algorithms to power the robots of today and the physically-actuated devices of the future.
The Team
Robot Prototype Engineering Technicians collaborate closely with robot design engineers to build, test, and refine early stage robots. In this role you will use skills with assembly, fabrication, electronics, and troubleshooting to build initial robot designs, identify design flaws for improvement in future design iterations, propose solutions for improvements regarding build, maintenance, and repair of robots. These technicians are part of the robot fleet team within the PI Hardware Organization.
In This Role You Will:
  • Fabricate and Assembly Robot Prototype Systems and Components: Build mechanical/electrical prototypes using tools, 3D printing, soldering, and machining. Review and understand mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams for prototype assembly.
  • Repair Robot Prototype Systems and Components:
    • Repair mechanical components such as actuators, motors, gearboxes, bearings, and moving parts that could fail or break in initial prototype designs.
    • Repair electrical systems including wiring, circuits, power supplies, sensors, and control systems that could fail or break in initial prototype designs.
  • Perform Basic Troubleshooting and Testing of Robot Prototype Systems and Components: Conduct basic functional tests and troubleshooting failures to engineering feedback to improve prototype designs. Perform tests on electrical systems using diagnostic tools, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other specialized equipment.
  • Collaboration Effectively with Hardware Design Engineers: Work with engineering teams to iterate designs based on experimental results. Propose solutions to hardware design engineering team for ease of assembly, repair, and maintenance

What We Hope You'll Bring
  • 2+ years of prototyping technician experience
  • Assembly and disassembly skills on electromechanical systems - Proficiency with electrical systems/components (AC/DC motors, wiring, controllers) and mechanical systems/components (motors, gears, Bearings).
  • Soldering skills and harness/wiring skills
  • Proficiency in using CAD software to view design files (e.g., Solidworks, Onshape) and ability to interpret engineering drawings and wiring diagrams
  • Experience working with diagnostic tools, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and PLCs.
  • Strong problem-solving ability
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Bonus Points
  • Proficiency with rapid prototyping tools and 3D printers
  • Experience with robotic systems
  • Associate degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field. A bachelor's degree is a plus.
  • Relevant certifications in electrical or mechanical systems (e.g., ASE, NATE, etc.)

Apply