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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Data Engineer

Westmont, IL · On-site

$106K - $144K/yr

You will be expected to go from concept to working prototype in days, not months, while maintaining ... on engineering across data and AI agents, and the interpersonal skills to earn trust, drive ...

This is not a traditional engineering role with long delivery cycles ... You will be expected to go from concept to working prototype in days, not months, while maintaining ...

Support prototype development, testing, and design validation * Perform basic engineering calculations (stress, load, thermal considerations, material selection) * Work with manufacturing to resolve ...

Prototype and validate platform-level capabilities - such as inference routing policies, memory ... Work alongside platform engineers to integrate validated research capabilities into production ...

Posted today

Mechanical Engineer I

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

$66K - $95K/yr

Support prototype builds, testing, and iterative design improvements * Develop and release ... Follow Mechanical Engineering procedures and contribute to continuous improvement efforts What Life ...

... sustaining engineering support, and resolution of field problems. The individual will lead ... You will lead prototyping, assembly of samples, and management of complex product test and ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation of mechanical components. * Provide ... Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus. * Experience with industrial machinery, robotics, or ...

As an Engineer II, Audio Electronics Design , you will contribute to the design, development ... Design, simulate, prototype, test, and troubleshoot analog, digital, power, and mixed-signal ...

Embedded Software Engineer

IL

$135K - $178K/yr

... Prototype build and evaluation o Engineering documentation o Production transition • Work closely with electrical engineering during schematic review, component selection and prototype bring-up to ...

Conceives, designs, develops, engineers, prototypes, tests, and revises mid-sized and large-scale, moderately complex, new fabricated products for conveyor systems and applications * Performs ...

Showing results 41-60

Prototype Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29

$37

$39

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Chicago, IL is $37.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.43 and $39.66 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 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 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,216 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Electrical Engineer

DMG MORI USA, INC

Hoffman Estates, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Title: Electrical Engineer – DMG MORI Additive Solutions Research and Development

Reports to: Head of Research and Development

Location: 1415 N Cherry Ave, Chicago IL 60642

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm

Classification: Exempt

Travel: 25%

Employment is conditioned on DMG MORI's ability to obtain and maintain any necessary export licensing.

Work on designing, testing, and prototyping new innovations for industrial machine tools in the field of additive manufacturing, precision components, and related equipment. This will require creating CAD and drawing files, test plans and test benches, and prototype and production of electrical and electro-mechanical devices and systems. This work may be related to existing or new products or components. Product development responsibilities will include interpretation and implementation of internal or external customer specification and documentation requirements.

Essential Job Functions:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Responsibilities include up to and are not limited to: Perform development engineering work under direct supervision.

  • Design compliant (ISO/UL/NFPA) electrical and electromechanical systems
  • Design, model, and draft layouts for electrical systems, circuits, embedded devices, and related elements
  • Specify bill of materials, communicate with suppliers, and collaborate with procurement on ordering components
  • Attend and participate in regular design reviews with team members and management staff to ensure a high-quality design
  • Design and conduct tests along with analyzing and interpreting test data
  • Troubleshoot the systems/products in prototype and production environment
  • PLC programming (structured text or other), embedded hardware programming is a plus
  • Travel when required to check customer machines, to support overseas R&D work, and to attend design reviews/conferences, while representing the company in a professional manner

Minimum Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Bachelor’s Degree from accredited university in STEM field
  • Knowledge of 3D CAD, PLM, Electrical design software (PTC Creo / Windchill / EPLAN / Altium Designer preferred)
  • Proven experience to communicate professionally with internal and external customers.
  • Proven flexibility with shifting priorities.
  • Proven organizational skills, with high attention to detail.
  • Strong analytical/problem solving abilities.
  • Experience in product development, a proven track record of innovation as demonstrated by granted patents is preferred.

Work Environment:

Exposure to manufacturing/machining environments which may present possible hazards such as noise, electricity, chemicals, heavy equipment, and other automated and manual machinery. General office environment experienced at DMG MORI office.

Physical Demands:

Frequent: Travel, operating a vehicle, standing, walking, bending, squatting, stooping, sitting, and reaching. Pushing, pulling, and lifting objects. Repetitive foot, leg, hand, arm, shoulder, and torso movements.

Periodic: Operating power equipment, sitting at desk, utilizing computers and phones.

Occasional: Lifting or moving up to 50lbs.