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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Memphis, TN · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Develops new or modifies current equipment diagrams and creates new designs for prototypes and ... Works with engineering and operations to implement engineering change notices (ECN). * Provides ...

Build and test prototypes on breadboards. * Work with Product/Marketing to finalize specs, review ... Develop engineering documentation and support production release using DFM/DFT best practices.

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Memphis, TN

$73K - $100K/yr

Develops new or modifies current equipment diagrams and creates new designs for prototypes and ... Works with engineering and operations to implement engineering change notices (ECN). * Provides ...

... prototype assembly, and equipment refinement • Draft technical reports, trip reports, and documentation with strong attention to detail • Follow strict quality assurance and engineering workflow ...

... prototype assembly, and equipment refinement • Draft technical reports, trip reports, and documentation with strong attention to detail • Follow strict quality assurance and engineering workflow ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

... prototype evaluation, equipment upgrades, and documentation updates Drive quality assurance compliance and structured engineering processes Produce highquality reports, evaluations, and ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

... prototype evaluation, equipment upgrades, and documentation updates • Drive quality assurance compliance and structured engineering processes • Produce high-quality reports, evaluations, and ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Knoxville, TN

$92K - $120K/yr

... prototype evaluation, equipment upgrades, and documentation updates • Drive quality assurance compliance and structured engineering processes • Produce highquality reports, evaluations, and ...

Quality Engineer

Rockford, TN · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Support prototype builds (document according to prototype checklist inspection process). * Collect ... Engineering specifications and understanding

Quality Engineer

Rockford, TN · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Support prototype builds (document according to prototype checklist inspection process). * Collect ... Engineering specifications and understanding

Quality Engineer

Rockford, TN · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Support prototype builds (document according to prototype checklist inspection process). * Collect ... Engineering specifications and understanding

Showing results 21-40

Prototype Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$26

$33

$35

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Tennessee is $33.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.20 and $34.90 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 the most commonly searched types of Prototype Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,859 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer II

AAON, Inc.

Memphis, TN • On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


AAON rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:
Summary: Responsible for the development of new and modified diagrams and the creation of new designs for prototypes and new HVAC equipment products, determining the specifications for each component. Collaborates with electrical and mechanical designers and engineers to ensure that product designs integrate seamlessly with other systems. Provides design guidance and oversight to mechanical designers, enabling them to release optimized designs.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develops new or modifies current equipment diagrams and creates new designs for prototypes and determines the specifications for each component.
  • Collaborates with electrical and mechanical designers and engineers to ensure that the product designs integrate seamlessly with other systems.
  • Provides design guidance and oversight to assigned mechanical designers for specific projects enabling them to release optimized designs.
  • Establishes procedures for testing, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment.
  • Tests and troubleshoots designs products to ensure they are functioning properly and are safe for use.
  • Works with engineering and operations to implement engineering change notices (ECN).
  • Provides support to production team during prototypes and initial production to facilitate seamless product and feature releases.
  • Coordinates with engineering and others to deviate/approve part shortages and to build test fixtures and prototypes.
  • Creates cost estimates for the design features including cost of material, labor, and equipment.
  • Modifies the ECAT table and tests for new product designs as needed.
  • Reviews product specifications for designs and makes design recommendations.
  • Develops bill of materials and translation documents related to new or changed designs.
  • Prepares product documentation, operating instructions, and reviews related technical literature.
  • Performs Mechanical CAD modeling and simulations.
  • Supports DFMEAs, PFMEAs, CFD, FEA, and Seismic evaluations and testing.
  • Stays up to date with local and national design codes and regulations to ensure that designs meet safety standards including but not limited to UL, CE, NEC, IBC, and NFPA
  • Maintains and builds professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, or participating in professional societies.
  • Travels, when necessary, for field issues or product development at other AAON plants.

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • 3 years' industry experience, or an Associate's degree and 7 years' industry experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrates strong Mechanical Engineering and design skills.
  • Ability to lead projects, including conceptual designs, make design recommendations, and mentor junior Design Engineers.
  • Creativity and innovation to implement new ideas and technologies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrates strong multi-tasking capabilities and organizational skills.
  • Understands safety standards including but not limited to UL, CE, NEC, IBC, and NFPA.
  • Demonstrates strong multi-tasking capabilities and organizational skills.
  • Work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Essential Mental Functions:
  • Communicates effectively in written and spoken form.
  • Possesses excellent interpersonal relationship skills.
  • Exhibits good decision making and analytical problem solving abilities.
  • Demonstrates strong multi-tasking capabilities and organizational skills.
  • Works effectively in a team environment.
  • Works effectively in a fast-paced high-pressure environment.

Essential Physical Functions:
  • Lift up to 50lbs.
  • Sit or stand for up to 95 percent of work hours.
  • Periodic visits to the manufacturing facility with seasonal hot and cold temperatures, dust, and some chemical fume exposure.

Disclaimer:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at a time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

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