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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

siffron

Prototype Technician

Rockford, IL

$24 - $29/hr

Work with Engineering to keep Prototype list up-to-date with projects, priorities, and due dates. Engineering collaboration. Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and sketches to plan ...

Siffron

Prototype Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

... prototypes to engineering specifications for any potential new products or customer projects ... Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and sketches to plan, lay out, and determine ...

Siffron, Inc

Prototype Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$24.49 - $36.73/hr

... prototypes to engineering specifications for any potential new products or customer projects ... Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and sketches to plan, lay out, and determine ...

Dynomax Inc.

Prototype Machinist

Wheeling, IL · On-site

Prototype Machinist Dynomax, Inc is developing and building exciting machines and automation! We ... Milling, programming, indicating, measurement, and tool selection * Manual machining, CNC machining ...

Dynomax Inc.

Prototype Machinist

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Prototype Machinist Dynomax, Inc is developing and building exciting machines and automation! We ... Milling, programming, indicating, measurement, and tool selection * Manual machining, CNC machining ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

Prototype Machinist

Champaign, IL · On-site

Job Position: Prototype Machinist Location: Champaign, IL (Onsite, Full-time) At our client ... programming, and operation) * 3+ years of CAD/CAM experience * Strong knowledge of GD&T and ...

Bonnell Industries Inc

Mechanical Engineer II

Dixon, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Description Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, the Mechanical Engineer II is ... Create, monitor and document tests for products, prototypes and components. * Trouble shoot shop ...

OPTO International

Be Seen First

Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

With in-house engineering and a responsive, collaborative culture, we adapt quickly to customer ... Intimately involved in the assembly of prototypes * Follow any other instructions and perform any ...

Chervon

Front End Product Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$80 - $130/hr

We design, engineer and market power tools and outdoor power equipment within our brand portfolio ... Rapid Prototyping & Validation * Design, build, assemble, and test physical prototypes ranging from ...

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All JobsPrototype Engineer JobsPrototype Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Prototype Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$28

$35

$37

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Illinois is $35.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.32 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
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Prototype Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,518 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

(1109943) Prototype Design & Manufacturing Engineer

Peoria, IL • Hybrid

Diversified Services Network, Inc.
IT Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Diversified Services Network, Inc.external

$77K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Prototype Design & Manufacturing Engineer

Onsite | Mossville, IL

Diversified Services Network, Inc. (DSN) is seeking a full-time Prototype Design & Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Mossville, IL. We offer a hybrid work model, full benefits, PTO, 401k, and more! If you're looking to grow your career within an extremely reputable, stable Fortune 100 company - let's talk!

Position Overview

  • This is a high-visibility role offering the opportunity to design and build first-of-their-kind prototypes as part of our engineering organization. In this position, you will:
  • Support partner engineering teams with rapid design, analysis, and prototype manufacturing of electrified machines and systems.
  • Operate and maintain prototyping machinery, including 3D printers, CNC cutting/milling/welding equipment, and electrical cable/harness fabrication tools.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support 1 to 3 concurrent prototype project teams across design, build, and test phases.
  • Troubleshoot equipment, track prototype inventory, and provide logistics support.
  • Enable prototype delivery for high-velocity, high-priority projects while working safely and efficiently.
  • Partner with engineers across the organization to develop and share best practices for prototype design and manufacturing.
  • Collaborate closely with a local onsite team, as well as a broader global network of partner engineers, with regular interaction across all levels, including management.

Team & Work Environment

  • Join a close-knit local team of 6-7 team members, working alongside a broader network of 10-20 partner engineers worldwide.
  • This onsite role is based in Mossville, IL, with 25% of the time at the desk and hands-on shop work for the remaining 75%.
  • All required personal protective equipment (safety shoes, glasses, and gloves) is provided.
  • Candidates must be able to lift up to 30 lbs unassisted and stand for extended periods of time.

Requirements

Candidate Requirements

Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree preferred in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Controls, or Industrial Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience required OR
  • Associate's degree and 9+ years of applicable technical experience OR
  • Master's degree and 5+ years of relevant experience.

Top Skills:

  • CAD design
  • Mechanical and fabrication skills
  • CNC machinery operation and diagnostics

Additional Technical Skills:

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (required)
  • Experience with Creo Design and Creo Simulate, with a strong understanding of design for manufacturability/assembly (DFMA) principles for prototyping (required)
  • CAD/CAM experience (preferred)
  • Additive manufacturing experience (preferred)
  • Welding experience (preferred)
  • Machine and system diagnostics experience (preferred)
  • Strong customer focus with the ability to engage effectively across a wide range of teams; skilled in developing, mentoring, and training others on design and prototype manufacturing best practices.

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid Holidays

Please follow the link to our website for a list of job openings in Engineering, IT, Project Management, and more! https://www.dsnworldwide.com

Salary expectations: $77,000-82,000 annually

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