Senior Designer
$125K - $134K/yr
Interaction Architecture (IA) is a design and prototyping team within the larger Apple Design Team. We are a diverse team of designers, hardware engineers, software engineers, and makers who explore ...
Senior Designer
$125K - $134K/yr
Interaction Architecture (IA) is a design and prototyping team within the larger Apple Design Team. We are a diverse team of designers, hardware engineers, software engineers, and makers who explore ...
Product Designer
$145K - $165K/yr
We are looking for a Product Designer who excels at understanding complex user workflows and ... This role blends user research, workflow design, interaction design, and prototyping, with the ...
Product Designer
$145K - $165K/yr
We are looking for a Product Designer who excels at understanding complex user workflows and ... This role blends user research, workflow design, interaction design, and prototyping, with the ...
Product Designer
La Jolla, CA · On-site
$145K - $165K/yr
We are looking for a Product Designer who excels at understanding complex user workflows and ... This role blends user research, workflow design, interaction design, and prototyping, with the ...
Product Designer
La Jolla, CA · On-site
$145K - $165K/yr
We are looking for a Product Designer who excels at understanding complex user workflows and ... This role blends user research, workflow design, interaction design, and prototyping, with the ...
Product Designer
Burbank, CA · On-site
The Product Designer will be instrumental in shaping user experiences for studio-facing workflow ... They prototype and validate new interaction models as agents and automation become central to our ...
Product Designer
Burbank, CA · On-site
The Product Designer will be instrumental in shaping user experiences for studio-facing workflow ... They prototype and validate new interaction models as agents and automation become central to our ...
Product Designer
Burbank, CA · On-site
The Product Designer will be instrumental in shaping user experiences for studio-facing workflow ... They prototype and validate new interaction models as agents and automation become central to our ...
Product Designer
Burbank, CA · On-site
The Product Designer will be instrumental in shaping user experiences for studio-facing workflow ... They prototype and validate new interaction models as agents and automation become central to our ...
Senior Prototype Engineer
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
$167 - $231/hr
This is a high-impact role designed for a "T-shaped" professional who thrives in a fast-paced ... Prototype Engineer: Act as a rapid execution hub, adapting to new technologies and tools at high ...
New
Senior Prototype Engineer
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
$167 - $231/hr
This is a high-impact role designed for a "T-shaped" professional who thrives in a fast-paced ... Prototype Engineer: Act as a rapid execution hub, adapting to new technologies and tools at high ...
New
Product Designer
La Jolla, CA · On-site
We are looking for a Product Designer who excels at understanding complex user workflows and ... This role blends user research, workflow design, interaction design, and prototyping, with the ...
Quick apply
Product Designer
La Jolla, CA · On-site
We are looking for a Product Designer who excels at understanding complex user workflows and ... This role blends user research, workflow design, interaction design, and prototyping, with the ...
Product Designer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$170K - $220K/yr
Create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visuals for new and existing features - and build ... Experience designing digital products (or equivalent depth of experience), ideally in startup or ...
New
Product Designer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$170K - $220K/yr
Create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visuals for new and existing features - and build ... Experience designing digital products (or equivalent depth of experience), ideally in startup or ...
New
Product Designer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
We prototype fast (Figma, Windsurf/Cursor, LLMs), ship faster, and have a seat at every product decision. About the Role You'll be reporting to our Founding Designer, but the expectation for you to ...
Product Designer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
We prototype fast (Figma, Windsurf/Cursor, LLMs), ship faster, and have a seat at every product decision. About the Role You'll be reporting to our Founding Designer, but the expectation for you to ...
Product Designer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
You'll sketch a concept at 9 AM, prototype in Figma by lunch, and user-test by dinner. You'll pair ... Proven experience designing AI-powered or data-rich experiences * Mastery of Figma and interactive ...
Product Designer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
You'll sketch a concept at 9 AM, prototype in Figma by lunch, and user-test by dinner. You'll pair ... Proven experience designing AI-powered or data-rich experiences * Mastery of Figma and interactive ...
Product Designer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$135K - $175K/yr
Prototype rapidly using Figma (advanced prototyping), React, Replit, and Cursor; when helpful, use ... Founding designer (YC or venture‐backed) experience strongly preferred ; portfolio showing ...
Product Designer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$135K - $175K/yr
Prototype rapidly using Figma (advanced prototyping), React, Replit, and Cursor; when helpful, use ... Founding designer (YC or venture‐backed) experience strongly preferred ; portfolio showing ...
Product Designer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$135K - $175K/yr
Prototype rapidly using Figma (advanced prototyping), React, Replit, and Cursor; when helpful, use ... Founding designer (YC or venture‐backed) experience strongly preferred ; portfolio showing ...
Product Designer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$135K - $175K/yr
Prototype rapidly using Figma (advanced prototyping), React, Replit, and Cursor; when helpful, use ... Founding designer (YC or venture‐backed) experience strongly preferred ; portfolio showing ...
Product Designer
Menlo Park, CA · On-site
... Experience with prototyping your designs using modern prototyping tools (InVision, Marvel, Quartz Composer, etc.) Experience designing responsive websites and mobile applications Excellent ...
Product Designer
Menlo Park, CA · On-site
... Experience with prototyping your designs using modern prototyping tools (InVision, Marvel, Quartz Composer, etc.) Experience designing responsive websites and mobile applications Excellent ...
Product Designer
Menlo Park, CA · On-site
... Experience with prototyping your designs using modern prototyping tools (InVision, Marvel, Quartz Composer, etc.) Experience designing responsive websites and mobile applications Excellent ...
Product Designer
Menlo Park, CA · On-site
... Experience with prototyping your designs using modern prototyping tools (InVision, Marvel, Quartz Composer, etc.) Experience designing responsive websites and mobile applications Excellent ...
... physical prototypes of product designs either by foam core mockups or 3-D printing that can be sent to clients as a representative sample of the product · Collaborate and communicate cross ...
... physical prototypes of product designs either by foam core mockups or 3-D printing that can be sent to clients as a representative sample of the product · Collaborate and communicate cross ...
... physical prototypes of product designs either by foam core mockups or 3-D printing that can be sent to clients as a representative sample of the product · Collaborate and communicate cross ...
... physical prototypes of product designs either by foam core mockups or 3-D printing that can be sent to clients as a representative sample of the product · Collaborate and communicate cross ...
Exceptional Designer
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
$180K - $400K/yr
Designing end-to-end product experiences across social and AI-driven products * Deeply ... Rapidly exploring, prototyping, and iterating using both traditional and AI-assisted design tools
Exceptional Designer
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
$180K - $400K/yr
Designing end-to-end product experiences across social and AI-driven products * Deeply ... Rapidly exploring, prototyping, and iterating using both traditional and AI-assisted design tools
... hardware are designed and made right here in San Diego. We're looking for someone to join our ... You'll lead prototyping manufacturing for all our products, from comma four-style products to our ...
... hardware are designed and made right here in San Diego. We're looking for someone to join our ... You'll lead prototyping manufacturing for all our products, from comma four-style products to our ...
Soft Goods Designer
Laguna Hills, CA · On-site
$137K/yr
... physical prototypes of product designs either by foam core mockups or 3-D printing that can be sent to clients as a representative sample of the product • Collaborate and communicate cross ...
Soft Goods Designer
Laguna Hills, CA · On-site
$137K/yr
... physical prototypes of product designs either by foam core mockups or 3-D printing that can be sent to clients as a representative sample of the product • Collaborate and communicate cross ...
Retail Store Design Prototyper
Mountain View, CA · On-site
$160K - $175K/yr
Salary plus full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k w/match, PTO/vacation) As a Prototyping Designer for the retail store prototyping lab you will bring your prototyping design expertise to ...
Retail Store Design Prototyper
Mountain View, CA · On-site
$160K - $175K/yr
Salary plus full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k w/match, PTO/vacation) As a Prototyping Designer for the retail store prototyping lab you will bring your prototyping design expertise to ...
Prototype Designer information
See California salary details
$29.40 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$26.57 - $30.39
34% of jobs
The median wage is $33.87 / hr.
$30.39 - $34.21
18% of jobs
$34.21 - $38.02
12% of jobs
$38.02 - $41.84
3% of jobs
$41.84 - $45.66
5% of jobs
$45.66 - $49.48
2% of jobs
$49.79 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$49.48 - $53.29
16% of jobs
$53.29 - $57.11
9% of jobs
$57.11 - $60.93
0% of jobs
$60.93 - $64.74
0% of jobs
$64.74 - $68.56
1% of jobs
$26
$40
$68
How much do prototype designer jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 8, 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 a prototype designer?
A prototype designer 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 ensure functionality and usability. Strong skills in user experience (UX) and visual design are essential for this role.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototype designer?
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.
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:
Apple rating
8.0
Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7th of 30 rated technology retailers
Job description
Interaction Architecture (IA) is a design and prototyping team within the larger Apple Design Team. We are a diverse team of designers, hardware engineers, software engineers, and makers who explore future experiences for Apple’s existing and speculative products. We apply technical expertise and product thinking to early-stage concepts, most often doing work that incorporates multiple modalities in both hardware and software.
Description
IA is looking for a Senior Designer with excellent interaction design sensibilities and strong technical and interpersonal skills.
You will help us “learn by doing”, working rapidly and cross-functionally to understand and express key capabilities of future products and technologies by creating interactive prototypes to guide decision-making and build intuition across the company.
The work balances craft and perspective - shaping direction in ambiguous spaces, connecting ideas across disciplines, and designing experiences that feel effortless and grounded. You will collaborate with peers in a design-led environment where critique is constructive and frequent, briefs are intentionally open-ended, and the end goal is the human experience rather than technical perfection.
Your work will be instrumental in helping Apple to understand the promises and pitfalls of technologies that may not even exist yet, and will help guide the incubation of those technologies towards product.
The ideal candidate builds alignment across teams with different priorities and personalities, is self-motivated and proactive, works both independently and collaboratively, and can effectively engage on ambiguous briefs as well as on specific, directed work. A Senior Designer would be expected to both produce their own work and to direct the work of others.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing cross-functional teams
Significant technical depth in hardware or software prototyping
Significant expertise designing for AI/ML interactions
Deep technical understanding of AI/ML technology
Experience working with and building coalitions from diverse teams across a large company
Minimum Qualifications
Considerable experience designing interactions for a broad range product types
Experience organizing, directing, and motivating project teams
A wide range of prototyping skills ranging from scrappy to polished
Technical fluency in both hardware and software prototyping
Strong product sensibility and ability to advocate for the end user experience
A mentor to others and dedicated to raising the overall quality of design across the group
Cross-disciplinary, exploratory and collaborative, with an ego-less working style that brings colleagues and their contributions together
A clear communicator, able to deliver coherent stories and documentation that frames the work in the appropriate context
Able to connect people to ideas in a way that generates excitement
Adept at sharing work and rationale with senior leadership
Comfortable with ambiguity, open-ended exploration, and receiving design critique
Link to portfolio required to apply
Pay & Benefits
This posting is not for a specific job opening and by submitting your resume you are expressing interest in being contacted about this type of role at Apple in the future.
Description
IA is looking for a Senior Designer with excellent interaction design sensibilities and strong technical and interpersonal skills.
You will help us “learn by doing”, working rapidly and cross-functionally to understand and express key capabilities of future products and technologies by creating interactive prototypes to guide decision-making and build intuition across the company.
The work balances craft and perspective - shaping direction in ambiguous spaces, connecting ideas across disciplines, and designing experiences that feel effortless and grounded. You will collaborate with peers in a design-led environment where critique is constructive and frequent, briefs are intentionally open-ended, and the end goal is the human experience rather than technical perfection.
Your work will be instrumental in helping Apple to understand the promises and pitfalls of technologies that may not even exist yet, and will help guide the incubation of those technologies towards product.
The ideal candidate builds alignment across teams with different priorities and personalities, is self-motivated and proactive, works both independently and collaboratively, and can effectively engage on ambiguous briefs as well as on specific, directed work. A Senior Designer would be expected to both produce their own work and to direct the work of others.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing cross-functional teams
Significant technical depth in hardware or software prototyping
Significant expertise designing for AI/ML interactions
Deep technical understanding of AI/ML technology
Experience working with and building coalitions from diverse teams across a large company
Minimum Qualifications
Considerable experience designing interactions for a broad range product types
Experience organizing, directing, and motivating project teams
A wide range of prototyping skills ranging from scrappy to polished
Technical fluency in both hardware and software prototyping
Strong product sensibility and ability to advocate for the end user experience
A mentor to others and dedicated to raising the overall quality of design across the group
Cross-disciplinary, exploratory and collaborative, with an ego-less working style that brings colleagues and their contributions together
A clear communicator, able to deliver coherent stories and documentation that frames the work in the appropriate context
Able to connect people to ideas in a way that generates excitement
Adept at sharing work and rationale with senior leadership
Comfortable with ambiguity, open-ended exploration, and receiving design critique
Link to portfolio required to apply
Pay & Benefits
This posting is not for a specific job opening and by submitting your resume you are expressing interest in being contacted about this type of role at Apple in the future.
About Apple
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Cupertino, CA, US
Year founded
1976