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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Prototype Machinist Location: Troy, AL SUMMARY The Prototype Machinist position requires a highly ... Ability to give constructive feedback to design engineers. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Advise on technical approaches for AI application design, prototyping, integration, and evaluation. Assess solutions involving LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation, tool use, agentic workflows ...

AI Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$130K - $141K/yr

AI Engineer Join our team! Be a part of our passionate and determined team on a mission to use our ... The right candidate is a builder at heart-someone who explores new frameworks, prototypes ideas ...

AI Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$130K - $141K/yr

The right candidate is a builder at heart-someone who explores new frameworks, prototypes ideas ... Advise on AI engineering considerations such as latency, reliability, observability, testability ...

AI Engineer Join our team! Be a part of our passionate and determined team on a mission to use our ... The right candidate is a builder at heart-someone who explores new frameworks, prototypes ideas ...

Prototype CNC Machinist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and process documentation. * Perform ... Support urgent prototype schedules while maintaining exceptional quality standards Basic ...

Job Title AI ENGINEER Location Huntsville, AL 35806 US (Primary) Category Engineering Job Type ... The right candidate is a builder at heart-someone who explores new frameworks, prototypes ideas ...

Advise on technical approaches for AI application design, prototyping, integration, and evaluation. * Assess solutions involving LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation, tool use, agentic workflows ...

AI Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$134K - $241K/yr

Advise on technical approaches for AI application design, prototyping, integration, and evaluation. * Assess solutions involving LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation, tool use, agentic workflows ...

Advise on technical approaches for AI application design, prototyping, integration, and evaluation. * Assess solutions involving LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation, tool use, agentic workflows ...

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Prototype Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$26

$33

$35

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Alabama is $33.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.15 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges prototype engineers face when transitioning designs from concept to functional prototypes?

Prototype Engineers often encounter challenges such as interpreting incomplete or evolving design specifications, sourcing unconventional materials, and working within tight deadlines. Close collaboration with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams is essential to resolve technical issues quickly and ensure the prototype aligns with the intended functionality. Flexibility and creative problem-solving are key, as unexpected obstacles frequently arise during the rapid iteration and testing phases.

What is a prototype engineer?

A Prototype Engineer is a professional who designs, builds, and tests early versions of products or components to evaluate their functionality and performance before mass production. They collaborate with designers, engineers, and product managers to turn concepts into tangible prototypes, using a variety of fabrication techniques and materials. Their work helps identify potential design improvements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that the final product meets technical and user requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototype engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical or electrical engineering, rapid prototyping techniques, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printing technologies, and hands-on fabrication tools is typically required, along with knowledge of prototyping standards. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills to excel in cross-functional teams and adapt to evolving project requirements. These abilities enable successful design iteration, effective collaboration, and efficient transition from concept to functional prototype.

What does a prototype engineer do?

A prototype engineer is part of a product development team that designs prototypes for new kinds of industrial products. Many companies employ design engineers to perform numerous technical duties, such as drawing up schematics and blueprints, overseeing the production of prototypes, and testing those prototypes to decide whether they should enter mass production. The career requires significant educational qualifications and a variety of skills and experience. You should have an engineering degree in the field you wish to enter, strong analytical problem-solving, and the ability to work as part of a large team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Engineer jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Prototype Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineer jobs in Alabama? For Prototype Engineer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineer jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,765 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Prototype Engineering Technician

Autocar, LLC

Birmingham, AL

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION: PROTOTYPE TECHNICIAN

Autocar, LLC, a manufacturer of severe-duty vocational trucks carrying the first specialized truck brand in North America, is the only American-owned and operated original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of trucks. Autocar’s severe-duty vocational trucks provide customers with the perfect tool for their jobs with the most uptime, support, and impact on their bottom line. Autocar collaborates with customers to build trucks to their exact specifications and needs. Autocar’s purpose-built severe-duty refuse truck lines include the Class 6-8 ACMD cabover, Class 8 ACX cabover and the DC-64 Class 8 conventional cab. Autocar recognizes that performance and uptime are everything and offers every customer 24/7 access to its ALWAYS UP® direct factory support center staffed by expert technicians who engineer and build Autocar’s trucks. Autocar promises to provide trucks that deliver the best value, provide the best service, and provide a complete solution for customers’ needs.

Job Overview:

This position is responsible for the manufacture, assembly and validation of prototypes and testing vehicles, systems, and components.

 

Essential Job Responsibilities:

  • Assemble prototype, engineering, validation, and special build vehicles. Install and validate parts & components on engineering and method build vehicles.
  • Provide feedback to design engineers related to Bills of Materials, installation, validation, accessibility, and maintainability issues.
  • Work with design engineers to create prototype parts that are representative of design ideas/concepts as needed.
  • Manufacture prototype parts, special tools and fixtures.
  • Assists with fabrication, assembly, modification and debugging of test systems.
  • Support in-house or field testing.
  • Perform simple electrical assembly (i.e. wiring, connectors, circuit boards)
  • Assist Autocar production initiatives by supporting part manufacturing/modification needs and implementation of new designs to production line.
  • Rework of production components to support short lead-time of special options.
  • Maintain a safe working environment through good housekeeping practices and adherence to safe work practices.
  • Periodic travel may be required to address issues at customer’s locations or support test and evaluation activities.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Essential Skills and Experience:

Education and Experience

  • One to two years related experience and/or training.
  • Heavy truck vehicle product knowledge is a plus.
  • Fabrication knowledge and process is desirable.
  • Welding experience is a plus
  • Truck manufacturing build/process experience will be desirable.

Language Skills                   

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret blueprints and schematics required.

 

Mathematical Skills                   

Ability to interpret dimensions on a print and make modifications as necessary.  Basic shop math skills are required.  Ability to make concept prints for parts during prototyping phase.

 

Reasoning Ability                   

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills                   

A working knowledge of the following will be an advantage for the candidate:

  •       MS Office
  •       UG NX or other CAD software
  •       Teamcenter

Physical Requirements:

  • Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment which may include dust mask, air purifying respirator (i.e., half and/or full faced), safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.
  • Capable of meeting OSHA standards for manual lifting guidelines: < 50lbs
  • While performing the duties of this job it is required to stand, walk, and use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when necessary for job activity.
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Autocar is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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