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Prototype Development Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Senior Software Engineer - The Bike Shop

Houston, TX · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

As a software engineer at the Bike Shop, this individual will contribute to fast‑paced prototype development efforts, delivering high‑quality code under accelerated timelines. This role requires ...

... engineering solutions, prototype fabrication, and test support throughout a program's development life cycle. As a section leader at the Bike Shop, this individual will lead a group of approximately ...

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I & II Deployable Energy Position Summary Early to Mid-career, hands-on ... prototype development, or technology maturation. • Experience with AC/DC power distribution ...

The Senior Systems Engineer will own requirements development, drive early-stage prototyping, coordinate with supply vendors on component engineering, and apply structured qualitative decision-making ...

... development lifecycle, including requirements, design, prototyping, development, testing ... Support citizen developers and solution owners by establishing guardrails, providing technical ...

Embedded Firmware Design Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

... prototype development, testing, and production launch, as well as supporting the product lifecycle ... The engineer will also support customers and the Quality Control (QC) department by developing test ...

Showing results 41-60

Prototype Development Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$46.8K

$91.8K

$146.6K

How much do prototype development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for prototype development engineer in Houston, TX is $91,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Early Career NASA Space Reactor - 1 Freedom Flight Software Development Engineer

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Early Career NASA Space Reactor - 1 Freedom Flight Software Development Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: NACI Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Continental US * * * The Opportunity: CACI is looking for an early career Flight Software Development Engineer to support the Space Reactor - 1 Freedom Program at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). This exciting position includes design and development of safety-critical embedded flight software and supporting software tools for Space Reactor - 1 Freedom Integrated flight software. This software engineering position includes prototyping, requirements definition, design, development, test and verification, integration, and certification of flight software.

This position requires a self-motivated engineer with strong technical depth, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and a collaborative, customer-focused mindset. The strongest candidates will be flexible, team-oriented, and able to explain complex technical ideas clearly and convincingly while sharing our passion for the nation's space program and the development of the next generation of space vehicles. This work is performed onsite at NASA/JSC in Houston, Texas, in a highly dynamic environment that is central to human spaceflight and space exploration.

Responsibilities: Design and develop SR-1 flight software and supporting software tools. Develop and maintain software using the NASA Core Flight Software (cFS) framework. Perform systems engineering in support of software requirements, interface definitions, and performance analysis.

Perform software integration, test, and verification. Integrate and test software/hardware in avionics test bed and flight certification environments. Collaborate with engineering teams and contractors across multiple NASA programs and projects.

Ensure adherence to JSC standard software process practices. Qualifications: Required: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to facilitate access to USG facilities

B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Software, Computer or Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines. Strong C programming skills and experience with Linux

Experience with software unit testing. Relevant intern experience if new graduate or one to two years professional software experience in relevant project. Greater experience is valued.

Must be flexible, open to new challenges in a dynamic environment, and possess strong technical expertise combined with strong verbal and written communication skills. Requires the ability to manage multiple priorities with little supervision. Must be a highly responsible, team-oriented individual with strong work ethic.

Desired: M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer or Systems Engineering, or related discipline. Experience in human-rated space vehicles, e.g., Space Shuttle, Space Station, Orion, Commercial Crew, Gateway, and in specific vehicle software domains (e.g., C&T, C&DH, GN&C)

Experience in software development for safety-critical software. Experience can be for aerospace vehicles or in other industries, e.g., oil and gas. Experience in NASA Core Flight Software (CFS)

Python development skills. Experience in the entire software life cycle. Experience developing embedded software for Real-time Operating Systems, preferably VxWorks.

Experience in bus communication protocols (e.g., 1553, RS-422, RS-232, USB, Ethernet). Experience in software and systems integration. Experience in automated testing

Experience in verification testing. Experience using GitLab and the Git version control system. Experience using Jira.

Experience working in an Agile software development environment. This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available.

Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI. What You Can Expect: A culture of integrity. At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do.

As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation. An environment of trust. CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day.

You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality. A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range: There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities.

Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits. The proposed salary range for this position is: $63,800 - 127,500 USD CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.