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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Projects may span early concept generation, prototyping, engineering development, testing, design for manufacture, and transfer into production. We are looking for someone who can combine strong ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Apex, NC

$80K - $105K/yr

Lead prototyping of compact, wearable systems that involve electronic components, rigid-flex PCBs ... S in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or a related field Eight or more years industry ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Apex, NC · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Lead prototyping of compact, wearable systems that involve electronic components, rigid-flex PCBs ... S. in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or a related field Eight or more years industry ...

AI Engineer

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$130K - $160K/yr

AI Engineer, location is remote in the Raleigh, NC area with onsite collaboration as needed. The ... Build prototypes, proofs of concept, and AI-enabled solutions * Develop backend services, APIs, and ...

AI Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$130K - $160K/yr

AI Engineer, location is remote in the Raleigh, NC area with onsite collaboration as needed. The ... Build prototypes, proofs of concept, and AI-enabled solutions * Develop backend services, APIs, and ...

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Raleigh, NC

$65K - $88K/yr

Support prototype fabrication, testing, validation, and troubleshooting activities. Drive design ... Manage multiple engineering projects while meeting schedules, budgets, and performance objectives.

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

... engineering, manufacturing, quality, and sourcing. • ... Support prototype fabrication, testing, validation, and troubleshooting activities. • Drive ...

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Prototype Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

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How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Raleigh, NC is $35.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $37.40 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Prototype Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Prototype Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,749 per year, or $35.5 per hour.
Prototype Machinist/ Tool & Die Maker

Prototype Machinist/ Tool & Die Maker

Voxel Innovations, Inc.

Knightdale, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

About Voxel
Voxel is a growing advanced manufacturing company focused on Pulsed Electrochemical Machining (PECM), a manufacturing process used to create high-value components from difficult-to-machine metal alloys. Our mission is to use PECM and related manufacturing technologies to supply critical parts and manufacturing solutions for aerospace, energy, medical, and other demanding industrial customers.
Voxel is not a high-volume commodity machine shop. We work on hard problems, unusual parts, and manufacturing processes that require precision, curiosity, and follow-through. Much of our work involves creating the electrodes, fixtures, tooling, machine components, and prototype hardware that make our PECM process possible. Attention to detail matters. Our ~30 person team owns every step of the technology life-cycle, translating R&D into production under one roof.
Our core values are: Expect Excellence, Do Right By Others, Always Getting Better, and What Would Happen If...? 
The Role
Voxel is seeking a Prototype Machinist/ Tool & Die Maker to help turn complex engineering concepts into real, accurate, working hardware. This role is for someone who can take a drawing, model, sketch, or conversation and figure out how to make the part correctly.
You will program, set up, machine, inspect, and improve complex one-off and low-volume parts used in our internal manufacturing processes. Most of the work will support Voxel's internal needs, including PECM electrodes, tooling, workholding, machine components, test fixtures, and prototype parts. Over time, the role may include precision machining of customer parts.
The ideal candidate does not need to be a 25-year master toolmaker, but they do need real machining experience, strong judgment, and the desire to become excellent. We are open to a strong CNC programmer/machinist who wants to deepen their toolroom and prototype skills, as well as a more experienced tool-and-die or prototype machinist who wants to work on unusual advanced manufacturing problems. This position is full-time based in Knightdale, NC.
About You
You are a strong fit for this role if you:

  • Take pride in making difficult parts correctly, not just quickly
  • Can work from incomplete information and ask good questions before cutting metal
  • Understand that prototype work requires both craftsmanship and disciplined inspection
  • Like solving problems at the machine, not just running someone else's process
  • Are comfortable working in a small company where priorities can change and everyone helps where needed
  • Want to learn new equipment, new processes, new materials, and new inspection methods
  • Have the humility to learn from others and the confidence to suggest better ways of doing the work
  • Align with our culture values
     

Job Description

  • Program CNC parts from scratch using Mastercam, based on prints, models, sketches, or engineering direction
  • Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes, primarily Okuma equipment today, with the ability to learn additional controllers as Voxel adds equipment
  • Machine tight-tolerance components, including features and fits below +/-0.001 inch when required
  • Work primarily with stainless steels, along with titanium, aluminum, tool steels, and other engineering materials
  • Plan machining sequences, workholding, tool selection, inspection approach, and order of operations for prototype and low-volume parts
  • Design and fabricate simple machining fixtures, soft jaws, workholding, setup aids, and gages as needed
  • Use manual equipment such as lathes, mills, grinders, saws, and surface grinders to support prototype and toolroom work
  • Support Mitsubishi wire EDM work, either directly or by helping prepare parts, fixtures, and inspection plans
  • Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspection using manual inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gages, pin gages, height gages, thread gages, surface plates, and related tools
  • Use or learn advanced inspection tools including CMMs, vision systems, and other metrology equipment
  • Read and interpret technical drawings, GD&T, CAD models, setup sheets, and inspection requirements
  • Collaborate with engineers, machinists, technicians, and quality personnel to improve part designs, manufacturability, inspection methods, and shop practices
  • Help diagnose machining issues related to tolerance, surface finish, tool wear, workholding, material behavior, or process sequence
  • Maintain equipment, tooling, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition
  • Support urgent internal or customer-driven projects when needed
  • Take on other hands-on technical work as required in a growing advanced manufacturing business
  • Schedule: Primarily day shift, with some flexibility in start/end times. Occasional overtime may be needed for urgent customer or internal projects and will be paid accordingly.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of CNC machining experience, preferably including prototype, toolroom, mold/die, fixture, aerospace, medical, or other precision work. 10+ years experience preferred.
  • Ability to independently set up and operate CNC mills or lathes, 4/5th axis or EDM work is preferred.
  • Ability to create CNC programs from scratch using CAM software; Mastercam experience preferred
  • Strong print reading skills, including GD&T
  • Experience machining tight-tolerance metal parts, including tolerances below +/-0.001 inch and in materials like stainless steel, titanium, etc.
  • Experience using a variety of inspection tools including manual/hand tools as well as CMM or vision systems
  • Ability to work safely, carefully, and independently with limited supervision
  • Strong attention to detail, integrity, curiosity, and follow-through
  • This position requires access to controlled information under U.S. export control laws. Therefore, applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident).
  • Submittal of a cover letter describing why you are interested in working at Voxel and our mission.
Why This Role Matters
Voxel's PECM process depends on high-quality electrodes, fixtures, machine components, and prototype hardware. If those parts are not right, the process does not work. This role directly affects how quickly we can develop new applications, solve customer problems, and turn advanced manufacturing ideas into repeatable production capabilities. You will not be making commodity parts all day. You will be helping build the tools, fixtures, and systems that make a new manufacturing process possible.
 

Voxel Innovations Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The above job description does not constitute a promise or guarantee of employment.

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