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Prototype Engineer Jobs in Redmond, WA (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Prototyping Engineer to join our advanced development team supporting next-generation AR/VR prototype hardware. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in multi-disciplinary ...

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As a Prototype Process Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting a cross-functional product design team, focusing on hands-on assembly, process development, and prototype build setup. You will ...

Prototype Machinist

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$39 - $42/hr

SUMMARY The Protoshop Machinist is responsible for end-to-end fabrication of prototypes and models, including programming, set-up, machining, and hands-on problem solving. This role requires ...

Hardware Engineer III :64689-1

Redmond, WA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Hardware Engineer III : 64689-1 Location: Redmond, WA Duration: 12 month extension with good ... Familiar with common program languages and commands. 1. Operating optical HW prototypes (including ...

Hardware Engineer III :64689-1

Redmond, WA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Hardware Engineer III : 64689-1 Location: Redmond, WA Duration: 12 month extension with good ... Familiar with common program languages and commands. 1. Operating optical HW prototypes (including ...

Hardware Engineer III :64689-1

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Hardware Engineer III : 64689-1 Location: Redmond, WA Duration: 12 month extension with good ... Familiar with common program languages and commands. 1. Operating optical HW prototypes (including ...

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Prototype Engineer information

See Redmond, WA salary details

$32

$40

$43

How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in Redmond, WA is $40.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.51 and $43.08 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 job categories do people searching Prototype Engineer jobs in Redmond, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineer jobs in Redmond, WA are:
What cities near Redmond, WA are hiring for Prototype Engineer jobs? Cities near Redmond, WA with the most Prototype Engineer job openings:

Hardware Prototype Engineer IV

BC Forward

Redmond, WA

$71 - $75/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Hardware Engineering - Hardware Engineer IV Location: Redmond, WA Duration: Contract - 12 months Pay Range: $71/hr $75/hr (W2) Job ID: 373815 About BCforward BCforward is a leading global IT consulting and workforce solutions firm providing services and support to Fortune 500 and government clients. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers needs into a full-service business solutions provider. With delivery centers and offices across North America and India, we take pride in building long-term relationships and delivering excellence through innovation, collaboration, and integrity.

Job Description We are seeking a Prototyping Engineer to join our advanced development team supporting next-generation AR/VR prototype hardware. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in multi-disciplinary hardware prototyping, systems integration, and AI-enabled tooling and a proven ability to independently identify gaps, build cohesive prototypes, and drive issues to resolution with minimal oversight. Responsibilities: Design, build, and integrate multi-disciplinary prototype systems spanning mechanical, electrical, optical, firmware, and software domains.

Integrate and validate subsystems into cohesive assemblies ensuring reliable interfaces and functionality. Debug hardware at the electrical level using multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and power supplies. Perform software and firmware debugging using adb, UART/serial consoles, log analysis, and related tools.

Develop GUIs and streamline bring-up processes using AI practices and tooling. Develop and maintain test fixtures, jigs, and custom tooling for builds, alignment, and validation. Collaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, and software teams to translate concepts into working prototypes.

Document assembly processes, integration procedures, and debug workflows to enable repeatable builds. Identify risks during bring-up, propose solutions, and drive closure with minimal oversight. Support AR display hardware integration, optical alignment, metrology, and functional testing.

Leverage AI for data analysis, visualization, and process development; build AI model skills and recipes. Design, develop, and maintain multi-agent AI infrastructure and automated data pipelines. Integrate AI agents with enterprise platforms using APIs and serverless platforms.

Collaborate with product, design, operations, and infrastructure teams to build AI-native application experiences. Build and integrate LLM and generative AI capabilities, including prompt engineering and context management. Troubleshoot display hardware and firmware/software issues.

Required Skills & Qualifications: 6+ years in hardware prototyping, systems integration, or lab engineering, or an advanced degree with 3+ years equivalent experience. Proven self-starter with ability to identify problems, propose solutions, and drive projects with minimal direction. Working knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines and subsystem interactions.

Proficiency with electrical debug tools including multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers. Experience debugging embedded systems using adb, UART/serial consoles, JTAG, or similar interfaces. Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience collaborating with hardware, firmware, and software teams to deliver integrated prototypes. Preferred Skills: AR/VR or display prototyping experience including optical alignment and metrology. PCB design review, schematic reading, and basic soldering/rework for prototypes.

Scripting or automation with Python or shell for tests, data collection, or process automation. Test and debug automation experience. Familiarity with current AI tools such as Claude, Codex, or Gemini.

Hands-on mechanical assembly with torque-sensitive and precision alignment operations. Firmware development experience, embedded Linux, or RTOS familiarity. Experience building and maintaining lab infrastructure, test systems, or custom instrumentation.

Why BCforward? At BCforward, we believe in advancing lives and careers. When you join our team, you gain access to: Competitive compensation and benefits.

Opportunities for growth with global clients. A supportive, inclusive culture that values innovation and people. Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and projects.

About Our Commitment BCforward is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Interested? Apply Now! If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply with your most recent resume.

Email: Phone: 463.233.5727