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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Smiths Group

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 ...

Kelly Services

Manufacturing Engineer

Maryland Heights, MO

$70K - $90K/yr

Louis, Missouri) Our client, which specializes in the design, engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing of high-quality components and assemblies for medical devices and healthcare applications, is ...

Brightli

Principal AI Engineer

Springfield, MO · On-site

Principal AI Engineer Location: Springfield, Missouri Department: Information Technology Employment ... You will create natural language-to-SQL solutions, design semantic data models, build prototypes ...

Brightli

Principal AI Engineer

Springfield, MO

Principal AI Engineer Location: Springfield, Missouri Department: Information Technology Employment ... This hands-on role develops natural language-to-SQL solutions, semantic data models, and prototype ...

Nerdy

AI Product Engineer

Saint Louis, MO

Entrepreneurial velocity Move at founder speed, prototype in hours, and measure in real user ... Strong engineering skills in one or more areas: front-end, back-end, full-stack, systems, or ...

Nerdy

AI Product Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Entrepreneurial velocity Move at founder speed, prototype in hours, and measure in real user ... Strong engineering skills in one or more areas: front-end, back-end, full-stack, systems, or ...

Calibration Technologies

Test Engineer

Columbia, MO · On-site

$66K - $101K/yr

The role also supports prototyping, troubleshooting manufacturing issues, building test fixtures, and collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams and external test facilities to ensure ...

CTI

Test Engineer

Columbia, MO

The role also supports prototyping, troubleshooting manufacturing issues, building test fixtures, and collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams and external test facilities to ensure ...

Brightli

Principal AI Engineer

Springfield, MO · On-site

This hands-on role develops natural language-to-SQL solutions, semantic data models, and prototype ... Principal AI Engineer, LLM, Snowflake, Cortex AI, natural language to SQL, semantic data modeling ...

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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 Jun 16, 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 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
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What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineer jobs in MO? For Prototype Engineer jobs in MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Prototype Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Missouri as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 84% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $71,164 per year, or $34.2 per hour.
Mattress Prototype Technician

Mattress Prototype Technician

Leggett & Platt

Carthage, MO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Leggett & Platt rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated furniture manufacturers

Job description

We, at Leggett & Platt Inc., are searching for a Mattress Prototype Technician within our beddingteam to help support our product development and engineering business. Did you know we have been revolutionizing the sleep industry since 1883? That's right! In fact, we hold the original patent on a spiral steel coil bed spring, filed way back in 1885. Since then, we have been an industry leader in guaranteeing you get the best sleep possible. If you join our team, your work will ensure people across the world have a little more comfort in their lives.
As a Mattress Prototype Technician you will have the opportunity to build, modify, and assemble mattress prototypes using a variety of industrial equipment and materials. Your contributions will have a direct impact on the business by supporting product development and engineering by producing high-quality prototype mattresses, components, and covers according to specifications. The team you will be working with is collaborative and innovative, and values challenging work and diversity of thought.
So, what will you be doing as a Mattress Prototype Technician?
  • Assemble mattress layers, covers, and components into finished or semi-finished prototype products according to design specifications.
  • Operate vertical and horizontal band saws to accurately cut foam layers and other materials.
  • Perform cut-and-sew operations for mattress covers and prototype components.
  • Operate quilting machines, tape edge machines, and related mattress cover production equipment.
  • Work co-operatively in a team environment, communicating constructively and openly with coworkers and managers.
  • Follow all written and verbal procedures, work instructions, and directives from supervisors and management.
  • Adapt to new tasks and responsibilities as they arise in a dynamic R&D prototype environment.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized shop/manufacturing workspace.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of assembly methods, processes, and documentation.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.
  • Work hours may vary depending on project timelines and shifting priorities.
  • Work will be performed mostly in a climate-controlled R&D center environment, with occasional activities at various manufacturing locations.

To be successful in this role, you'll need:
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experienced in MS Excel.
  • Effective teamwork skills and a cooperative, professional attitude.
  • Ability to accurately use measurement tools and skillfully operate basic hand and power tools.
  • Ability to obtain a license and drive a forklift in a production environment.
  • Must be able to lift, carry, and move objects weighing 50 lbs. or more repeatedly throughout the workday.
  • Must be capable of frequent bending, reaching, and positioning of prototypes, materials and equipment.
  • Must be able to stand and move throughout the shop environment for extended periods.

Things we consider a plus:
  • Experience operating industrial sewing, quilting, tape edge, or similar manufacturing equipment

What to Do Next
Now that you've had a chance to learn more about us, what are you waiting for! Apply today and allow us the opportunity to learn more about you and the value you can bring to our team. Once you apply, be sure to create a profile, and sign up for job alerts, so you can be the first to know when new opportunities become available.
Our Values
Our values speak to our shared beliefs, and describe how we approach working together.
  • Put People First reflects our commitment to safety and care of each other, learning and development, and creating an inclusive environment of mutual respect, empathy and belonging.
  • Do the Right Thing focuses us on acting with honesty and integrity, delivering the results the right way, taking pride in our work, and speaking the truth - good or bad.
  • Do Great Work...Together occurs when we engage without hierarchy, collaborate as a team, embrace challenges, and work for the good of all of us.
  • Take Ownership and Raise the Bar demonstrates our responsibility to add value and make a difference, challenge the status quo and biases to make things better, foster innovative and creative solutions to drive impact, and explore new perspectives and embrace change.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veteran/Disability Employer
For more information about how we handle your personal data in connection with our recruiting processes, please refer to the Recruiting Privacy Notice on the "Privacy Notice" tab located at http://privacy.leggett.com

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