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Prototype Development Engineer Jobs in Manassas, VA

Development Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Development Engineer Location: Leesburg, VA or Allendale, NJ (Up to 15% Travel Required) Company ... prototyping, bench testing, and support problem-solving and root cause analysis * Prepare and ...

... reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive ... Your insights will help refine designs for manufacturability, influence prototype development, and ...

... reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive ... Your insights will help refine designs for manufacturability, influence prototype development, and ...

... reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive ... Your insights will help refine designs for manufacturability, influence prototype development, and ...

Position Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Senior RF Engineer to lead the design ... Support prototype development, board bring-up, troubleshooting, and design validation. * Develop ...

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Showing results 1-20

Prototype Development Engineer information

See Manassas, VA salary details

$49K

$96.1K

$153.5K

How much do prototype development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for prototype development engineer in Manassas, VA is $96,133.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $106,500.00 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.

Product Development Engineer

Leesburg, VA • On-site

REHAU, Inc.
10K+ employees

$70K - $80K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Rehau rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

  • Pay or shift range: $70,000 USD to $80,000 USD
  • The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
Description

their careers and make a meaningful impact.

About the Role

REHAU is seeking a Product Development Engineer to join our Water Technologies Engineering team in Leesburg, Virginia. This role is responsible for supporting the development, design, testing, and commercialization of innovative products serving the plumbing, hydronic, radiant heating and cooling, snow and ice melting, and fire protection markets.

Working closely with Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Sales, you will lead product development projects from concept through commercialization while ensuring products meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and REHAU's high standards for quality and performance.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving technical challenges, managing projects, and developing products that make a lasting impact on the construction industry.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead new product development projects from concept through commercialization.
  • Design and develop components using SolidWorks, rapid prototyping, and engineering best practices.
  • Perform engineering analyses including tolerance studies, stress calculations, flow analysis, thermal analysis, and component fit evaluations.
  • Develop engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Coordinate prototype development, product testing, certification activities, validation, and product release.
  • Collaborate with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales throughout the product development process.
  • Support supplier selection, component sourcing, manufacturing readiness, and product implementation.
  • Develop technical documentation, installation information, and engineering support materials.
  • Provide technical support to Sales and customers as needed.
  • Identify opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Zero to three years of experience in product development, product design, mechanical engineering, or manufacturing engineering.
  • Experience designing mechanical components and assemblies.
  • Proficiency using SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
  • Understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturing processes.
  • Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with injection molding, plastic extrusion, metal casting, forging, or related manufacturing processes.
  • Knowledge of plumbing, hydronic, radiant, or commercial construction systems.
  • Experience with rapid prototyping and 3D printing.
  • Familiarity with quality management systems and product validation processes.
  • Internship or co-op experience within manufacturing or product development.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

What You'll Bring

  • Curiosity and a passion for innovation.
  • Strong technical aptitude and attention to detail.
  • A collaborative approach to solving complex engineering challenges.
  • Effective project management and organizational skills.
  • The ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

REHAU Water Technologies offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees.

Compensation

  • Salary Range: $70,000–$80,000 annually
  • Performance Incentives: Depending on the position, employees may be eligible to participate in annual and/or quarterly incentive programs designed to reward individual, team, and company performance.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription coverage
  • PPO, HSA, and FSA options
  • Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Professional development and career growth opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

REHAU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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