1

Prototype Development Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

The Electrical Engineer at Composite Motors Inc. is responsible for designing and developing BLDC motor controllers and test equipment, performing hands‑on prototype development and production ...

Provide support during prototype development, testing, and transition to production, including ... Minimum 5 years of mechanical engineering experience, with demonstrated work supporting naval or ...

As a Software Development Engineer, you will work with a team of talented engineers to build low ... prototypes and deliver results quickly. Come join a team in which builders build software and ...

$108K - $141K/yr

Job Function: R&D Product Development Job Sub Function: R&D Electrical/Mechatronic Engineering Job ... Plan and execute board bring-up for prototype and production-intent electronic assemblies.

Embedded Software Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

The engineer will work closely with electrical, mechanical, software, and production teams to ... prototype development, system integration, and production troubleshooting. Debugging ...

As project responsibilities increase, the R&D engineer will be expected to provide additional ... Develop prototypes for design feasibility assessment. * Assist in the resolution of manufacturing ...

As project responsibilities increase, the R&D engineer will be expected to provide additional ... Develop prototypes for design feasibility assessment. * Assist in the resolution of manufacturing ...

As project responsibilities increase, the R&D engineer will be expected to provide additional ... Develop prototypes for design feasibility assessment. * Assist in the resolution of manufacturing ...

Senior R&D Electrical Engineer

Palm Beach Gardens, FL · On-site

$101K - $132K/yr

Plan and execute board bring-up for prototype and production-intent electronic assemblies. Develop bring-up procedures, test firmware, diagnostic routines, and engineering fixtures to validate power ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

Product Development Engineering

Sarasota, FL • On-site

$97K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Hunter Douglas rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Hunter Douglas is the world's leading manufacturer of window coverings and a major manufacturer of architectural products. We are a brand that you know and trust. With more than 100 years of innovation, we've defined our industry with proprietary products that deliver revolutionary style and functionality and can be found in millions of homes and commercial buildings globally.
We are searching for candidates that are driven, intelligent, creative, and entrepreneurial. By offering challenging and accelerated opportunities for growth, powered by a shared hunger for success, we create a space for your career to thrive. In return for your expertise, we are committed to providing competitive and robust total compensation and benefit packages to ensure you feel valued. Our dream is to become the fastest growing, most loved, window covering company in the world. What's yours?
Position Overview
The Product Development Engineer - Outdoor Products applies mechanical engineering expertise, creativity, and analytical problem-solving to develop, improve, and sustain exterior products, including outdoor screens, awnings, and shading systems. This role supports new product development, cost and quality improvements, and sustaining engineering activities, taking designs from concept through production launch.
The engineer will work cross-functionally with Product Management, Process Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, Quality, and Suppliers to deliver robust, manufacturable designs that meet performance, durability, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements for outdoor environments.
What you'll do
  • Design, analyze, and validate mechanical components, mechanisms, and assemblies for exterior products such as screens, awnings, frames, brackets, drive systems, and mounting hardware.
    • Develop solutions for new product introductions, product enhancements, and quality or field-related issues.
    • Use parametric 3D CAD tools (NX and/or SolidWorks) to create models, assemblies, and production drawings.
    • Design with consideration for outdoor environmental exposure including wind loads, UV, temperature extremes, moisture, corrosion, and long-term durability.
    • Define design requirements, test criteria, and validation methods to ensure safety, performance, durability, and compliance with applicable standards.
    • Conduct design reviews, tolerance stack-ups, DFMEA, and statistical analysis to ensure design robustness.
    • Plan and execute functional, durability, and life-cycle testing; analyze test data and recommend design improvements.
    • Perform root cause analysis using data-driven methods and implement corrective actions.
    • Coordinate prototype builds, pilot runs, and production launches.
    • Lead or support tooling development, approve first article inspections, and drive design-for-manufacturing efforts.
    • Collaborate with fabrication and operations teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, and cost-effective.
    • Utilize rapid prototyping methods, including 3D printing, to validate and refine designs.
Key Technical Focus Areas
  • Mechanical systems and mechanisms (gears, pulleys, linkages, clutches, cams)
  • Plastic injection-molded components
  • Aluminum and plastic extrusions
  • Metal stampings, die castings, and machined parts
  • Structural components and assemblies for outdoor use
  • Design for durability, corrosion resistance, and weather exposure

Who you are
Education & Experience
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) required or equivalent experience.
• Experience designing mechanical components and assemblies for consumer or architectural products preferred.
• Experience with exterior or outdoor products is a strong plus.
Technical Knowledge & Skills
• Solid knowledge of mechanical engineering principles including statics and dynamics.
• Proficiency with NX and/or SolidWorks CAD software.
• Knowledge of plastic injection molding and extrusion design.
• Familiarity with metrology tools and statistical analysis methods.
Abilities & Competencies
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration and continuous learning mindset.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
  • Combination of office and production floor environment.
  • Frequent computer use and hands-on work with components.
  • Occasional lifting, climbing ladders, and handling of large exterior product assemblies during testing.
  • Exposure to light manufacturing environments including noise, dust, and test equipment.

What's in it for you?
  • Annual base salary range: $97000- $120,000
  • Bonus target range: 20%-25%
  • Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability
  • A company culture that prioritizes internal development and professional growth
  • Time off with pay
  • 401(k) plan with a degree of employer matching
  • Paid parental leave
  • Wellness programs and product discounts

Please note, all offers presented to candidates are carefully crafted to ensure market competitiveness, equity, and reflect the individual candidate's education, experience, skills and potential.
Hunter Douglas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.
#LI-RT2
#LI-Hybrid
By submitting your application below, you are providing your prior consent to receive SMS messages to notify you of any updates to your application status and to engage in discussion throughout your application process. You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text "STOP" to any of our texts to unsubscribe. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our privacy policy, https://www.hunterdouglas.com/privacy-policy or terms of use https://www.hunterdouglas.com/terms-of-use

What Hunter Douglas employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom