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Prototype Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

As a Visual Designer, you'll play a central role in designing and delivering enterprise-scale ... Create and refine design deliverables - including concepts, layouts, prototypes, and presentation ...

As a Visual Designer, you'll play a central role in designing and delivering enterprise-scale ... Create and refine design deliverables - including concepts, layouts, prototypes, and presentation ...

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Display Engineering & Prototyping: Develop structural designs for a variety of merchandising displays and packaging, create prototypes, and ensure manufacturing feasibility. * Manufacturing ...

Sr UI Designer

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$93K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Produce detailed mockups, prototypes, and design specifications that support efficient development ... Experience designing for mobile or touchscreens * Exceptional visual design skills, demonstrated ...

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL

$75K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Display Engineering & Prototyping: Develop structural designs for a variety of merchandising displays and packaging, create prototypes, and ensure manufacturing feasibility. * Manufacturing ...

UI/UX Designer

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

UI/UX Designer WeatherTech Direct, LLC is seeking a well-qualified UI/UX Designer to create ... Create wireframes, user flows, mockups, and high-fidelity prototypes for new website features and ...

Senior Staff UX Designer

Chicago, IL

$160K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... designing intuitive, user-centered systems that power the next generation of clinical and ... Use participatory design methods (e.g., paper prototyping, co-creation sessions, card sorting) to ...

AI-Powered Prototyping & Visualization: Using AI tools to rapidly prototype experiences or visualize complex AI-driven data for users. * Designing for AI Transparency & Explainability: Creating ...

Product Designer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Product Designer role builds key lines through innovative design, targeted development, and ... prototype and mass production. This individual is proactive, level-headed, highly organized, can ...

Senior Product Designer

Chicago, IL

$140K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Beyond designing interfaces, you shape product direction, engage in thoughtful technical ... Prototype using AI tools: Use Cursor and Claude Code to build and iterate on flows and simple ...

UX Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Create user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and mockups * Translate requirements into style guides ... Create original graphic designs * Identify and troubleshoot UX problems * Collaborate effectively ...

... prototyping and communicating the overall project story to the client team.You'll have the ... Experience designing across multiple mediums, such as brand and brand expression, information ...

Create user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and mockups * Translate requirements into style guides ... Create original graphic designs * Identify and troubleshoot UX problems * Collaborate effectively ...

Product Designer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $150K/yr

Create user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and polished UI designs with a high level of independence * Contribute to and evolve design patterns and systems to improve consistency and quality across ...

Showing results 41-60

Prototype Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27

$41

$71

How much do prototype designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype designer in Chicago, IL is $41.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.48 and $54.52 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Prototype Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Prototype Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Prototype Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,266 per year, or $42 per hour.

Visual Designer (Temporary)

Hearst

Chicago, IL

$48 - $57/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 76 rated media


Job description

About Us

iCrossing is a Hearst-backed marketing and technology partner built for how brands grow today. As outcomes architects, we bring together strategy, media, experience, engineering, data, and AI to build connected digital systems that improve performance, strengthen customer experiences, and support measurable business growth.

Our work is grounded in data-backed strategy, modern digital visibility, and connected execution. We help brands perform now while transforming for what's next, designing the platforms, content, media, and operating models that help them move faster, learn smarter, and scale what works.

At iCrossing, you'll work with teams across marketing, technology, and experience to solve complex client challenges with strategic breadth and executional depth. As part of Hearst, we combine agency agility with access to powerful data, insights, audiences, content, and technology capabilities.

About this job

We are looking for a Visual Designer, on a temporary basis, to join iCrossing's Experience Design & Content Solutions practice. A team of UX and Visual Designers, Design Directors, and Content specialists, who create digital experiences that help our clients achieve measurable business outcomes.

As a Visual Designer, you'll play a central role in designing and delivering enterprise-scale digital experiences that meet user needs and drive business results. You'll translate strategy, research, and technology requirements into design systems, user interfaces, and interaction patterns that are purposeful, scalable, and effective.

You'll also play an active role in how our team evolves. Continuously exploring and applying new tools and methods, including the responsible use of AI, to design smarter, faster, and more connected digital experiences.

What you'll do

  • Design user interfaces, digital experiences, and design system components that support user needs and client goals. 
  • Collaborate closely with UX, strategy, and technology teams to ensure design solutions are informed by customer insights, business objectives, and technical feasibility. 
  • Contribute to the creation and evolution of enterprise design systems, ensuring consistency, scalability, and accessibility across products. 
  • Create and refine design deliverables - including concepts, layouts, prototypes, and presentation materials - that clearly communicate ideas and intent. 
  • Present design work to internal and client teams with clarity and confidence, connecting design decisions to strategy and user outcomes. 
  • Use AI-assisted tools responsibly to accelerate ideation, streamline design tasks, and explore new ways of delivering effective solutions. 
  • Support new business pursuits with visual design contributions to proposals, concept development, and presentations. 
  • Contribute to the ongoing improvement of our design processes, tools, and standards, helping the team stay ahead of evolving best practices and technologies.

Who you are

  • A strategic thinker with a solid understanding of how design contributes to business outcomes and user success. 
  • Skilled in visual and interface design principles, with experience creating scalable, accessible, and system-driven solutions. 
  • Comfortable collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and translating insights from strategy, UX, and technology into actionable design decisions. 
  • Curious and adaptable - open to using emerging tools, including AI-assisted workflows, to enhance quality and efficiency. 
  • Strong communicator who can clearly articulate design rationale and contribute to discussions about approach, process, and implementation. 
  • Detail-oriented and self-motivated, able to work independently or as part of a collaborative team.
  • Proficient in tools such as Figma, Miro, and Adobe Creative Suite. Experience with motion or prototyping tools is a plus.

The estimated hourly rate for this position in Chicago is between $48-$57. For New York City,the estimated hourly rate for this position is between $53-$64. The range for the position in other geographies may vary based on market differences. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.  

Benefits (What We Offer)

  • Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
  • Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
  • Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
  • Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

What Hearst employees say

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