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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Forj Medical

Product Development Engineer III

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Coordinate prototyping, testing, and analysis activities to assess product performance and ... Engineering Documentation * Create and maintain engineering documentation including CAD models ...

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , hands‑on prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motion‑control challenges.

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

White Bear Lake, MN

$107K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , handson prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motioncontrol challenges. If you ...

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , hands‑on prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motion‑control challenges.

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , hands‑on prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motion‑control challenges.

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Roseville, MN · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , hands‑on prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motion‑control challenges.

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Little Canada, MN · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , hands-on prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motion-control challenges. If ...

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , hands‑on prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motion‑control challenges.

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Shoreview, MN

$108K - $143K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , handson prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motioncontrol challenges. If you ...

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Shoreview, MN · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , hands‑on prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motion‑control challenges.

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Maplewood, MN

$107K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , handson prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motioncontrol challenges. If you ...

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Minneapolis, MN

$109K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , handson prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motioncontrol challenges. If you ...

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Roseville, MN

$108K - $143K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , handson prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motioncontrol challenges. If you ...

Zen Sherpa LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Little Canada, MN

$100K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise , handson prototyping , and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motioncontrol challenges. If you ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrototype Engineer JobsPrototype Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Prototype Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$28

$35

$37

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Minnesota is $35.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $37.69 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.

More about Prototype Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Prototype Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

For Prototype Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

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Cities in Minnesota with the most Prototype Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineer jobs in MN?

For Prototype Engineer jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Prototype Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,306 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Prototype CNC Machinist

Craft Pattern and Mold

Montrose, MN • On-site

$30 - $43/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Prototype CNC Machinist
1st Shift Monday - Friday
Location: Montrose, MN
The Prototype CNC Machinist is responsible for engineering, manufacturing, and fabricating new parts, retrofitting and repairing parts per prints or samples, in order to create a product according to customer specifications.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Engineer the appropriate machining process using experience, guidance from the project manager/department lead, and company established procedures and "best practices".
  • Program, set up and machine parts from billet and plate materials.
  • Establish design competency with Fusion 360 and/or PowerShape and programming competency with Fusion 360 and/or PowerMill.
  • Design & build machining fixtures via CAD for the secondary machining of castings or billet/raw stock materials as necessary.
  • Program machining parts (via CAM).
  • Set-up tooling and CNC machines for secondary machining operations on prototype castings and billet/raw stock material.
  • Run set-up parts through each operation and work with quality to gain buyoff at each phase.
  • Run the balance of parts on order through the machining operations.
  • Deburring, cleaning, and packaging of parts for shipment.
  • Teardown of tooling and fixtures and cleaning of the mills.
  • Assist in machining of production tooling components as necessary.

Other Job Duties:
  • Ensure jobs are completed efficiently and in a timely manner, consistent with the quoted hours and materials for the job. Communicate delivery updates and potential delays with the Project Manager including if a job will run over or cannot be completed within the time allotted.
  • Meet frequently (at least biweekly) with department lead to address any concerns and/or pass on concerns to management. This may include: machine availability, material resources, tools or tooling, quality, design, work flow, and man power needs and availability.
  • Actively participate in the material management system. (Kan-ban cards)
  • Work with quality to ensure job requirements are met.
  • Ensure clean & safe workplace.
  • Other jobs and duties as assigned by supervisors or management.
  • Adhere to the rules and conventions established by the Machining Work Instruction.

Minimum Education: trade school and 2 years of experience or equivalent.
Preferred Education: A relevant 2-year technical or equivalent degree
Minimum Skills/Experience: one year in similar position, mechanical aptitude, effective computer use, basic Math skills, independent decision-making, and effective self-management.
Preferred Skills/Experience: Above plus - Strong Computer and math skills, and three or more years of relevant experience gained through on the job instruction, apprenticeship programs, and increasingly more complex assignments, strong mechanical aptitude as demonstrated through success at increasingly more complex assignments.
The Company:
Craft, based in Montrose, MN, is a rapid prototyping and complex metal and plastics component manufacturer. Craft has over 30 years of industry experience and has established itself, along with its skilled employees, as a leader in delivering high-quality parts to customers.
Le Sueur Incorporated("LSI"), a portfolio company of Delos Capital, and a leading supplier of complex aluminum castings, machined castings, and plastic injection molded components.

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