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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Cleveland, OH (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities will include a mechanical design for a broad range of prototype, pre commercial ... Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering * 3+ years of experience in Mechanical Design

Design, build, and test prototypes to validate performance versus requirements * Plan and manage ... Write test instructions, engineering reports, and engineering change notices * Provide technical ...

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Packaging Engineer

Streetsboro, OH · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Analyze engineering drawings and product specifications to determine physical characteristics ... Develop prototypes, specifications, samples, and written analyses of proposed packaging for design ...

This role performs analytical modeling, develops and validates prototypes through laboratory testing, and collaborates across electrical, manufacturing, quality, and product engineering teams to ...

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Prototype Engineer information

See Cleveland, OH salary details

$28

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$37

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Cleveland, OH is $35.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.32 and $37.31 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 job categories do people searching Prototype Engineer jobs in Cleveland, OH look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineer jobs in Cleveland, OH are:

Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Cleveland, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,579 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Product Development Engineer

Carlisle Brake & Friction Inc

Medina, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description

Carlisle Brake and Friction (CBF) is a strategic business unit of CentroMotion. With eight manufacturing facilities globally located in the US, UK, Italy, China, Japan, and India, and with over 1,600 employees, CBF is the leading provider of high performance braking solutions to the off-highway, high performance racing, aerospace, and alternative energy markets, serving over 100 leading original equipment manufacturers in 55 countries.


Additionally, we manufacture both wet and dry friction materials used for wet brakes, brake linings, clutches and transmissions. We also design and deliver hydraulic actuation, including hydraulic valves, master cylinders, adjustors, and boosted master cylinders


Work Experience: 

  • Minimum of 2 years' experience in areas such as project management, manufacturing/industrial engineering;      preferably in brake, transmission and/or clutch design/manufacturing.
  • Experience working with friction materials and/or their applications is preferred. 
  • Experience working with customers, supply chain and engineering resources to design and/or reverse      engineer products or component assemblies in a lean, pull-type, reduced      inventory production system. 
  • Good understanding of part manufacturability, design-for-quality, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)      is required. 
  • Experience with Enterprise/Manufacturing Resource Planning software, and solid modeling      experience is desired. 
  • Knowledge of Computer Aided Design (CAD),      Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), is preferred. 
  • Knowledge of diverse manufacturing processes is a plus. 
  • Six Sigma training and/or certification is also a plus (Green or Black Belt).

Education: 

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Masters Degree is a plus.


Principal Area of  

Responsibility: 


  • Individual is responsible for managing the program launch of new products or component assemblies for Carlisle Brake & Friction including but not limited to cost estimating, process design, determining customer specifications, prototype delivery and production launch, assisting supply chain in sourcing efforts, managing cost models, and continuous process improvement to meet or exceed sales and operating plan commitments. 
  • Will be a key driver in the success of Carlisle Brake & Friction and will manage the 
  • launch schedules for prototype and New Product Introduction (NPI) delivery. 
  • This individual will work closely with internal teams consisting of a product/program manager or business unit manager, manufacturing engineer, quality engineer, tooling engineer, purchasing agent, sales manager and/or assembly technician.

Specific Duties:


  • Manages current for new product introductions into the CBF manufacturing system by following Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) procedures and processes. This includes participating in print reviews, FMEA's and other interactions with customers and internal CBF teams. Efforts are managed and documented through use of APQP checklists. Individual will also build initial part router and bill of material for new products and prototypes in MRP system (QAD).
  • Completes cost estimating for new part opportunities and communicates to Carlisle Brake & Friction (CBF) Product Managers, following all APQP procedures. Discerns technical specifications from customer inputs. Actively suggests alternatives to allow for reduced manufacturing and tooling costs. Must be able to discuss the product application with customer design engineers to help come to mutually beneficial design changes.
  • Manages and coordinates the activities required to produce prototypes. Responsible for designing the process and providing engineering support to manufacturing for prototype delivery. Responsible to meet delivery commitments as well as ensure a first quality part is produced.
  • Continuously improves project cost position by assisting supply chain management in locating/approving new sources and presenting cost reduction design alternatives to customers who retain design control.
  • Work with manufacturing engineering on design modifications that would permit simplified manufacturing methods, less expensive tooling or other improvements in the manufacturing process.

Benefits:

  • Annual bonus program
  • Medical, dental, vision + HSA with employer contribution
  • Company-paid life, AD&D, and short-term disability
  • 401(k) with immediate company match
  • Tuition reimbursement & scholarship opportunities
  • Paid parental leave
  • 14 paid holidays + vacation from day one
  • Wellness incentives & lifestyle reimbursement
  • Clean, safe work environment