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Prototype Development Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Build, prototype, and conduct bench testing of hardware designs. * Execute rigorous qualification ... Collaborate closely with software and firmware engineers to define hardware interfaces ...

New

Be Seen First

Build, prototype, and conduct bench testing of hardware designs. * Execute rigorous qualification ... Collaborate closely with software and firmware engineers to define hardware interfaces ...

New

Be Seen First

Build, prototype, and conduct bench testing of hardware designs. * Execute rigorous qualification ... Collaborate closely with software and firmware engineers to define hardware interfaces ...

New

Manufacturing Engineer II

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer II FLSA Status: Salary - Exempt Department: Operations Location: Sarasota ... Experience supporting prototype development and new product introduction (NPI) activities. * Strong ...

Manufacturing Engineer II

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer II FLSA Status: Salary - Exempt Department: Operations Location: Sarasota ... Experience supporting prototype development and new product introduction (NPI) activities. * Strong ...

Manufacturing Engineer II

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer II FLSA Status: Salary - Exempt Department: Operations Location: Sarasota ... Experience supporting prototype development and new product introduction (NPI) activities. * Strong ...

Work with Engineering team leader on deciding the right process for prototyping and volume ... Support prototype development and participate in design verification activities * Troubleshoot ...

Senior Thermal Engineer

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$92K - $127K/yr

... prototype development and into productionWhy This Role Is DifferentYou won't be limited to one piece of the engineering process.At Mainstream Engineering, our engineers have the opportunity to ...

Senior Thermal Engineer

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$92K - $127K/yr

Experience taking R&D concepts through prototype development and into production Why This Role Is Different You won't be limited to one piece of the engineering process. At Mainstream Engineering ...

Showing results 21-40

Prototype Development Engineer information

What does a prototype development engineer do?

A Prototype Development Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and testing prototypes of new products or components. They collaborate with product designers, engineers, and manufacturing teams to turn concepts into functional models. Their work involves using CAD software, selecting appropriate materials, and troubleshooting issues that arise during development. The goal is to evaluate and refine ideas before mass production to ensure the product meets performance, safety, and quality standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototype development engineer?

To thrive as a Prototype Development Engineer, you need strong engineering fundamentals, hands-on fabrication skills, and a degree in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering fields. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools like 3D printers, and experience with testing equipment are typically required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure prototypes are innovative, functional, and aligned with project goals, driving successful development cycles.

What are some common challenges prototype development engineers face when transitioning from concept to functional prototype?

Prototype Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as translating abstract design concepts into practical, manufacturable prototypes within tight timelines. Balancing innovative ideas with material limitations, cost constraints, and technical feasibility can be demanding. Additionally, effective collaboration with design, manufacturing, and testing teams is crucial to quickly resolve unforeseen issues and iterate on solutions. Staying adaptable and maintaining clear communication helps overcome these obstacles and ensures successful prototype delivery.

What is the difference between Prototype Development Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectPrototype Development EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusCreating physical prototypes to test concepts and functionalitiesDesigning detailed mechanical components and systems
Skills & CertificationsPrototyping tools, CAD, materials knowledge, engineering fundamentalsCAD, mechanical design, analysis, certifications like EIT or PE
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, prototyping workshops, manufacturing settingsDesign offices, CAD labs, engineering departments
Industry UsageProduct development, R&D, manufacturingProduct design, mechanical systems, engineering firms

While both roles involve engineering skills and CAD proficiency, Prototype Development Engineers focus on building and testing physical models to validate concepts, whereas Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on creating detailed mechanical designs and specifications. The roles often collaborate during product development cycles but serve different stages of the process.

What cities in Florida are hiring for Prototype Development Engineer jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Prototype Development Engineer job openings:

Electronics Development Engineer R&D

Clearwater, FL • On-site

$5.8K - $7.5K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Overview

We are looking for a hands-on, versatile Electronics Development Engineer to join our R&D team. In this role, you will be involved in the full lifecycle of electronic products—from schematic capture and PCB layout design to hands-on testing, qualification, and hardware repairs. You will work closely with software and firmware developers to ensure seamless hardware-software integration and optimal system performance. Additionally, you will provide expert technical support, occasionally visiting customer sites to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve field issues.

Key Responsibilities

1. Hardware Design & PCB Layout

  • Design electrical schematics and multi-layer PCB layouts using ECAD tools (KiCAD,).
  • Select appropriate components based on performance, cost, availability, and thermal/power requirements.
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Testability (DFT), and EMC compliance.

2. Testing, Qualification & Repair

  • Build, prototype, and conduct bench testing of hardware designs.
  • Execute rigorous qualification tests (signal integrity, functional, thermal, and environmental stress testing).
  • Perform board-level troubleshooting and component-level repairs (soldering, rework, component replacement).

3. Software & Firmware Collaboration

  • Collaborate closely with software and firmware engineers to define hardware interfaces, communication protocols, and register maps.
  • Debug hardware-software boundary issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.
  • Help define optimized hardware architectural choices that streamline software development.

4. Field Support & Customer Visits

  • Perform on-site customer visits to troubleshoot complex technical issues, install engineering fixes, and evaluate field failures.
  • Provide clear technical reports and root-cause analyses (RCA) for field issues back to the internal engineering team.
  • Translate customer feedback and field challenges into actionable improvements for future product iterations.

Qualifications & Skills

Required Technical Skills

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Hardware Design: Proven experience in schematic capture, PCB layout, and component selection.
  • Testing & Tools: Hands-on experience with lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, function generators, spectrum analyzers, digital multimeters).
  • Rework & Repair: Strong SMD soldering and board rework skills.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Work: Familiarity with microcontrollers, embedded systems, and basic embedded programming concepts (C/C++, SPI, I2C, UART, CAN).

Soft Skills & Other Requirements

  • Strong problem-solving, diagnostic, and root-cause analysis skills.
  • Excellent communication skills for collaborating with software developers and explaining technical details to customers.
  • Willingness to travel to customer sites when needed (approx. [10-20]% travel).

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Flexible working hours / hybrid working arrangements.
  • Hands-on ownership of projects from initial concept through customer deployment.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous training.