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Prototype Development Engineer Jobs in Tempe, AZ

BD Engineering Development Program Program Overview The BD Engineering Development Program (EDP) is ... Proficient in basic principles for product design & prototyping using Material Science, Mechanical ...

Work with design stakeholders (e.g., application engineers, senior designers, delegated design ... Participate in and contribute expertise to model reviews, drawing reviews, prototype development ...

Work with design stakeholders (e.g., application engineers, senior designers, delegated design ... Participate in and contribute expertise to model reviews, drawing reviews, prototype development ...

Showing results 41-60

Prototype Development Engineer information

See Tempe, AZ salary details

$46.9K

$92.1K

$147K

How much do prototype development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for prototype development engineer in Tempe, AZ is $92,094.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $102,000.00 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.

R&D Mechanical Engineer - Tempe, AZ

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The R&D Mechanical Engineer supports the innovation and development of new products from concept through commercialization. This role collaborates closely with sales, manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering teams to develop product designs that are innovative, manufacturable, reliable, and aligned with customer and market needs. The engineer is responsible for creating and testing prototypes, conducting product validation, and supporting the transition of designs into production. This position plays a key role in continuous improvement initiatives, design refinement, and problem-solving throughout the product lifecycle. A strong foundation in mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and hands-on product development, combined with a creative and solutions-oriented mindset, is essential for success in this role.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Develop mechanical components, systems, and assemblies using SolidWorks and other engineering tools, with a focus on safe, reliable, manufacturable product designs.
  • Support full life cycle product development from concept, prototype, testing, validation, and manufacturing release.
  • Create and evaluate prototype designs using additive manufacturing, fabrication, machining, welding, casting, injection molding, and other relevant manufacturing methods.
  • Plan, conduct, and document product testing, including destructive and non-destructive load testing, and use test results to improve product performance and reliability.
  • Generate manufacturing drawings, bills of material, technical documentation, engineering reports, test plans, and release packages.
  • Design products with the end user in mind, prioritizing intuitive installation, field durability, maintenance access, and repairability using common tools.
  • Coordinate with supply chain, manufacturing, sales, and engineering teams to ensure designs meet manufacturability, quality, cost, and customer requirements.
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing partners, including offshore teams, to review design intent, manufacturability feedback, and first-article samples.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve concerns related to product design, structural performance, manufacturability, and field use.
  • Participate in continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve existing products based on field feedback, test data, quality concerns, or cost-reduction opportunities.
  • Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested for the general support of the organization.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
  • 0–5 years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks, including design, assemblies, drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and related engineering documentation.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
  • Understanding of mechanical design principles, product development, prototyping, testing, and design for manufacturability.
  • Ability to work 100% on-site in Tempe, AZ, including regular work in a shop-floor environment.
  • Strong analytical, creative problem-solving, verbal communication, written communication, and technical documentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with additive manufacturing or 3D printing for rapid prototyping.
  • Experience with mechanical testing equipment, load testing, strain gauges, load cells, or similar validation methods.
  • Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, FEA simulation, or SolidWorks Simulation.
  • Hands-on machining, welding, fabrication, or shop experience.
  • Experience working with offshore manufacturing or engineering partners.
What we can offer you:
  • Inclusive Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, and Illness insurance
  • Company paid Disability and Life insurance
  • Health Savings Account contribution of up to $1,000 per year
  • 401(k) retirement savings program with a company match
  • Employee Assistance Program including discounts with major vendors & products
  • Mental and physical wellness programs
  • Competitive time off package including vacation, sick, and holiday pay
  • Career advancement opportunities with a stable well-established organization
  • Tuition reimbursement program and access to LinkedIn Learning courses

Applications submitted without a resume will not be considered.

CSG/Titan does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of CSG/Titan without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of CSG/Titan.

Titan Formwork Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

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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