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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

... prototype builds. We have a history in successfully taking concepts through to actual finished ... We are passionate about solving complex engineering challenges, striving for excellence within ...

Prototype Soldering Technician

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We ... Performs assembly of all products within the production and prototype area using a variety of ...

Systems Integration Engineer

Claycomo, MO · On-site

$154K/yr

... for prototype and pre-production builds. You will also perform System Level tests for ECU ... Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Wiring, Root Cause Analysis Electrical ...

Sustaining Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

... test prototype and production components using SolidWorks and related toolsSupport Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Engineering Change Requests (ECRs)Collaborate closely with manufacturing ...

Be Seen First

... for prototype and pre-production builds. You will also perform System Level tests for ECU ... Engineers supporting prototype builds or launch events are required to be 5 days in the office ...

Systems Integration Engineer

Claycomo, MO · Hybrid

$158K/yr

... for prototype and pre-production builds. You will also perform System Level tests for ECU ... Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Wiring, Root Cause Analysis Electrical ...

... for prototype and pre-production builds. You will also perform System Level tests for ECU ... Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Wiring, Root Cause Analysis Electrical ...

Sustaining Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Design and test prototype and production components using SolidWorks and related tools * Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) * Collaborate closely with ...

Systems Integration Engineer

Claycomo, MO · On-site

$154K/yr

... for prototype and pre-production builds. You will also perform System Level tests for ECU ... Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Wiring, Root Cause Analysis Electrical ...

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Prototype Engineer information

See Missouri salary details

$27

$34

$36

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Missouri is $34.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.26 and $36.06 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.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineer jobs in Missouri look for?

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

Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,164 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Prototype Soldering Technician

Smiths Group

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description

About Smiths Interconnect:

Smiths Interconnect, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance interconnect solutions. Our products are used in mission-critical applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial markets. At Smiths Interconnect, we are committed to innovation, quality, and providing cutting-edge solutions that connect the world's most demanding systems.

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, to help create a safer, more efficient and productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defense, space & aerospace and general industrial. Listed on theLondon Stock Exchange, Smiths employs c.16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries. 

Job Description

Job Purpose:

  • Performs assembly of all products within the production and prototype area using a variety of manual and automatic tools.

Responsibilities:

  • Interprets and performs functions per product process plans and complex engineering prints.
  • Performs a wide variety of assembly/support on electronic, electro-mechanical, mechanical or measurement systems.
  • Determines and/or follows methods and sequence of operations in performing wiring, component installation, hand soldering, cable harnessing, and fitting on prototype and assembly units.
  • Performs test and production machine setups while adhering to tolerancing stated in component/assembly drawings.
  • Provides feedback to Engineering on process, fixture, and documentation improvement opportunities.
  • Testing/Evaluation/Assembly of Company and competitor's products and components.
  • Separates non-conforming product from conforming product. 
  • Knowledge of quality system documentation and the interrelation of the complete quality system.
  • Meets the required rate of production for the product being produced.
  • May be responsible for closing jobs and pulling production schedule for the team.
  • Requisitions and communicates maintenance needs for special set-up and complicated machine adjustments. 
  • Knowledge of established site processes for the product being produced.
  • Compliance and participation in all Smiths Connectors EHS programs, policies, procedures and training requirements.
Qualifications

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to use microscopes, comparator, and other measuring devices
  • 3+ years' experience soldering
  • 3+ years' experience preparing and terminating cables and fine wires
  • IPC J and A certifications
  • IPC A 610 certification which covers wire and cable assembly.

Planning and Decision Making:

  • Maintain work schedules that will meet customer requirements.
  • Adapt to daily changes in production and meet shipping schedules.
  • Flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention along with manual coordination.

Impact and Scope: 

  • Communication with Lead and Supervisor with issues that will compromise quality.
  • Kansas City location as well as other Smiths Interconnect stakeholders

Identified training mandatory for the role to be completed competently

  • J-STD-001, IPC-610, IPC-620 certification or extensive hands-on training

Key Internal & External Stakeholders & Relationships

  • Work with Supervisor to meet production demands
  • Direct report to Supervisor

Travel %: 0%

Security: US Citizen or Permanent Resident status not required

Additional Information

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)