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Prototype Development Engineer Jobs in Manassas, VA

Senior Mission Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Since its founding in 2012, nou Systems has built a reputation for excellence in innovative engineering, prototype development, and technical and professional services in multiple markets, including ...

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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.

Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Research and Development Engineer

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

The Pennsylvania State University
Education • 11 - 50 employees

$146K - $318K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and implement machine learning systems, models, and schemes

  • Research and apply state-of-the-art machine learning prototypes to sponsor specific domains

  • Build high quality software prototypes integrated with research and pre-production software environments


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking highly motivated Research and Development Engineers to join our Research Artificial Intelligence of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will assist in providing customers with state-of-the-art visualization and decision support. The primary focus will be researching and developing feasible algorithmic solutions to our sponsor's complex problems given large sets of multivariate data.

Located in State College, PA or Reston, VA

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Design and implement machine learning systems, models, and schemes
  • Research and apply state-of-the-art machine learning prototypes to sponsor specific domains
  • Search and select appropriate data sets before performing data collection and data modeling
  • Visualize data for deeper insights
  • Generate and present technical research reports and briefings
  • Perform statistical analysis in support of pattern of life and anomaly detection
  • Perform data fusion and correlation
  • Build high quality software prototypes integrated with our various research and pre-production software environments
  • Collaborate with other ARL staff and sponsors
  • Supervise the work of lower-level staff and undergraduate student
  • Perform tasks of a larger scope and lead specific tasks within the project scope

Required skills/knowledge includes:

  • Data science/algorithm development
  • Data science / Machine Learning languages to include Python
  • Research, development and implementation of machine learning models

Preferred skills/knowledge includes:

  • Active TS/SCI Clearance
  • Master's degree
  • Training and optimizing ML algorithms on GPU hardware architectures, specifically NVIDIA based
  • Working with geo-spatial data
  • Statistics, multivariable calculus, and linear algebra
  • Exploratory data analysis and visualization
  • Data science / Machine Learning tools to include Pandas, PyTorch/TensorFlow, NumPy, MatPlotLib, PostGreSQL, FastAPI
  • Software Development tools to include Git, Docker, Kubernetes, SSH

Your work location will be fully on-site State College PA or Reston, VA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website atwww.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $146,040.00 - $318,840.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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