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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prototype Machinist

Wheeling, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prototype Machinist Dynomax, Inc is developing and building exciting machines and automation! We ... Milling, programming, indicating, measurement, and tool selection * Manual machining, CNC machining ...

Prototype Machinist

Arlington Heights, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prototype Machinist Dynomax, Inc is developing and building exciting machines and automation! We ... Milling, programming, indicating, measurement, and tool selection * Manual machining, CNC machining ...

Prototype Machinist

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prototype Machinist Dynomax, Inc is developing and building exciting machines and automation! We ... Milling, programming, indicating, measurement, and tool selection * Manual machining, CNC machining ...

Prototype Machinist

Arlington Heights, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prototype Machinist Dynomax, Inc is developing and building exciting machines and automation! We ... Milling, programming, indicating, measurement, and tool selection * Manual machining, CNC machining ...

Testing and Prototyping Engineer

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$66K - $79K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Testing and Prototyping Engineer is an early-career, individual contributor role within the ... Participate in prototype design and fabrication, including: * Assisting with concept development ...

Testing and Prototyping Engineer

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$66K - $79K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Testing and Prototyping Engineer is an early-career, individual contributor role within the ... Participate in prototype design and fabrication, including: * Assisting with concept development ...

Testing and Prototyping Engineer

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$66K - $79K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Testing and Prototyping Engineer is an early-career, individual contributor role within the ... Participate in prototype design and fabrication, including: * Assisting with concept development ...

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CNC Programmer

Grayslake, IL · On-site

$35 - $37/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

CNC Programmer This position is responsible for CNC programming, machining, and tooling support for die cast and plastic injection molding applications, prototypes, engineering samples, production ...

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Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

With in-house engineering and a responsive, collaborative culture, we adapt quickly to customer ... Intimately involved in the assembly of prototypes * Follow any other instructions and perform any ...

CNC PROGRAMMER

Elgin, IL · On-site

$79K - $83K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We tackle short-run, high-precision prototyping projects that require real skill, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset.If you love the challenge of taking a raw blueprint, designing custom ...

Front End Product Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We design, engineer and market power tools and outdoor power equipment within our brand portfolio ... Rapid Prototyping & Validation * Design, build, assemble, and test physical prototypes ranging from ...

Prototype Shop Manager

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Support engineering education and mentor LP participants in Model Shop processes and business ... Manage prototype request processes, lead times, standards, and customer communication. * Maintain ...

Prototype Shop Manager

Des Plaines, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Support engineering education and mentor LP participants in Model Shop processes and business ... Manage prototype request processes, lead times, standards, and customer communication. * Maintain ...

Prototype Shop Manager

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Support engineering education and mentor LP participants in Model Shop processes and business ... Manage prototype request processes, lead times, standards, and customer communication. * Maintain ...

AI Product Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Prototypes validate advisor workflows quickly and reliably * Downstream production engineers can operationalize prototypes with minimal friction * Team moves from idea → evidence → validated ...

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Showing results 1-20

Prototype Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29

$37

$39

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Chicago, IL is $37.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.43 and $39.62 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Prototype Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,155 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Prototype Machinist

Dynomax Inc.

Wheeling, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Prototype Machinist

Dynomax, Inc is developing and building exciting machines and automation! We are seeking a well-rounded Machinist to work in an R&D environment. This is a great opportunity for an experienced Tool Room or CNC Machinist who enjoys a wide variety of work and thinking on their feet.

Prototype Machinist Job Responsibilities:

  • Interpret drawings and verbal instructions to identify critical features and means to produce them
  • Milling, programming, indicating, measurement, and tool selection
  • Manual machining, CNC machining, manual lathe, and surface grinder
  • Select and utilize different methods, machines, and processes to complete small quantity manufacturing of parts for R&D
  • Respond in real time for a wide variety of parts that may change or require fitting on the fly

Prototype Machinist Job Requirements:

  • Vertical Milling
  • Experience with surface grinder, manual lathe, CNC programming, and tool room equipment a plus
  • Experience with Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Plastics
  • Complex blueprint interpretations
  • Advanced fixture design
  • Heidenhain Machine Control experience a plus
  • Able to Program or Edit G-Code a plus

What's in it for you:

  • A future! As Dynomax grows, we want to see you grow as well
  • A clean A/C environment and great work culture
  • An environment that encourages strong work ethics and values
  • Opportunity for new challenges as we grow
  • Great benefits and competitive pay

Benefits include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • 401(k) Plan with a generous Company match
  • Paid holidays, vacation days, PTO days
  • Optional FSA and Identity Theft Protection
  • Optional Short Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Discretionary annual bonus

Manufacture a great career with Dynomax!

Dynomax provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.