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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Oversee hands-on assembly of prototype units, ensuring alignment with engineering intent and design specifications. * Identify, document, and track build issues, including design gaps ...

This hands-on role combines prototype assembly, testing, and troubleshooting with disciplined control of bills of materials, engineering changes, schematics, test records, work instructions, and ...

New

Rapid Prototyping & Hands-On Development * rapid, functional prototypes with a strong hands-on ... Collaboration With Engineering & Stakeholders * hand-in-hand with engineering teams to transition ...

Rapid Prototyping & Hands-On Development * rapid, functional prototypes with a strong hands-on ... Collaboration With Engineering & Stakeholders * hand-in-hand with engineering teams to transition ...

Rapid Prototyping & Hands-On Development · Build rapid, functional prototypes with a strong hands ... Collaboration With Engineering & Stakeholders · Work hand-in-hand with engineering teams to ...

Requirement - AI Engineer Location- Plano, Texas(Onsite) Contract W2 Requirements Essential ... Rapid Prototyping & Hands-On Development · Build rapid, functional prototypes with a strong hands ...

Electrical Engineer Senior

College Station, TX · On-site

$88K - $115K/yr

Maturing prototype electrical systems into reproducible and supportable product designs through component derating, tolerance analysis, design-for-manufacture and design-for-test practices ...

Showing results 41-60

Prototype Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$27

$33

$36

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Texas is $33.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.02 and $35.82 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Engineer jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Prototype Engineer jobs in Texas are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineer jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineer jobs in Texas are:
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,682 per year, or $34 per hour.

Prototyping Manager

Forgent

Woodway, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and execution-focused Prototyping Manager to lead the development and initial build of new products through the prototype phase and into early production. This role is responsible for overseeing the first builds of complex systems, identifying design and manufacturing issues, and driving resolutions to ensure scalable, repeatable production.

The Prototyping Manager will play a critical role in bridging engineering and manufacturing—ensuring that lessons learned during prototype builds are systematically captured, documented, and incorporated into design and process improvements. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, scaling environment and brings a strong foundation in manufacturing, quality, and cross-functional leadership.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage all prototyping activities, including planning, execution, and review of initial product builds.
  • Oversee hands-on assembly of prototype units, ensuring alignment with engineering intent and design specifications.
  • Identify, document, and track build issues, including design gaps, manufacturability challenges, tooling constraints, and quality risks.
  • Drive root cause analysis and coordinate resolution of prototype issues with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams.
  • Establish and maintain robust documentation processes, including build logs, work instructions, deviation reports, and engineering change requests (ECRs).
  • Partner closely with design engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are applied.
  • Develop standardized processes to transition prototypes into pilot and full-scale production, reducing variability and rework.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and cost optimization.
  • Build and scale prototyping capabilities, including tools, fixtures, workflows, and team structure, to support company growth.
  • Coordinate with supply chain to ensure timely availability of prototype materials and components, including alternates as needed.
  • Provide regular status updates to leadership, highlighting risks, timelines, and readiness for production transition.
  • Mentor and develop a team of technicians and engineers, fostering a culture of accountability, documentation, and operational excellence.

Qualifications


Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, product development, or prototyping environments.
  • 2+ years of leadership or team management experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with new product introduction (NPI) or prototype-to-production transitions.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and production workflows.
  • Experience with issue tracking, root cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies.

Preferred:

  • Experience in Transformer manufacturing
  • Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience working in a scaling or high-growth organization.
  • Knowledge of PLM systems, ERP systems, and engineering change management processes.
  • Exposure to regulated or quality-driven environments (ISO, UL, etc.).

Skills and Competencies:

  • Strong leadership and team-building skills with a hands-on, execution-oriented mindset.
  • Exceptional problem-solving abilities with attention to detail and process discipline.
  • Ability to translate prototype learnings into scalable manufacturing solutions.
  • Effective cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
  • High sense of ownership and accountability in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
  • Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple builds and priorities simultaneously.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with focus on operational efficiency and quality.




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