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Prototype Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Use CAD to design prototypes, fixtures and assemblies * Help other engineers with DFM * Develop new production processes and shop capabilities * Own design/build projects from cradle to grave * Do ...

New

Senior Prototype Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Use CAD to design prototypes, fixtures and assemblies * Help other engineers with DFM * Develop new production processes and shop capabilities * Own design/build projects from cradle to grave * Do ...

Use CAD to design prototypes, fixtures and assemblies * Help other engineers with DFM * Develop new production processes and shop capabilities * Own design/build projects from cradle to grave * Do ...

New

Prototype Shop Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership ... What you will be doing As the Prototype Shop Manager for Neros, you will own the day-to-day ...

Full Stack Prototype Engineer Location-Type: Remote OR Hybrid NYC- either OK (EST working hours) Start Date Is: ASAP Duration: (contract, perm, etc) 3 Month Contract (Can extend or potentially ...

Full Stack Prototype Engineer Location-Type: Remote OR Hybrid NYC- either OK (EST working hours) Start Date Is: Early May Duration: (contract, perm, etc) 3 Month Contract (Can extend or potentially ...

Full Stack Prototype Engineer Location-Type: Remote OR Hybrid NYC- either OK (EST working hours) Start Date Is: ASAP Duration: (contract, perm, etc) 3 Month Contract (Can extend or potentially ...

Full Stack Prototype Engineer Location-Type: Remote OR Hybrid NYC- either OK (EST working hours) Start Date Is: Early May Duration: (contract, perm, etc) 3 Month Contract (Can extend or potentially ...

We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership ... What you will be doing As the Prototype Shop Manager for Neros, you will own the day-to-day ...

Prototype Engineering Planner I

Albuquerque, NM

$34.75 - $38.75/hr

The Bike Shop department is seeking a Prototype Engineering Planner to work in an engineering environment to manage developmental engineering hardware in accordance with customer and internal ...

The Bike Shop department is seeking a Prototype Engineering Planner to work in an engineering environment to manage developmental engineering hardware in accordance with customer and internal ...

Prototype Engineering Planner I

Phoenix, AZ

$35.50 - $39.75/hr

The Bike Shop department is seeking a Prototype Engineering Planner to work in an engineering environment to manage developmental engineering hardware in accordance with customer and internal ...

Prototype Engineering Planner I

Orlando, FL

$33.25 - $37.25/hr

The Bike Shop department is seeking a Prototype Engineering Planner to work in an engineering environment to manage developmental engineering hardware in accordance with customer and internal ...

Prototype Engineering Planner II

Houston, TX

$34.25 - $38.25/hr

The Bike Shop department is seeking a Prototype Engineering Planner to work in an engineering environment to manage developmental engineering hardware in accordance with customer and internal ...

Mondo is seeking a highly skilled Full Stack Prototype Engineer to join their New A.I. Products & Platforms mission. The role involves rapid prototyping and deploying A.I.-driven reader experiences ...

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Prototype Engineer information

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How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer in the United States is $36.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $38.46 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 cities are hiring for Prototype Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Prototype Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Prototype Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Prototype Engineer jobs? The top employers for Prototype Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Prototype Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Prototype Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,868 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Senior Prototype Engineer

Panthalassa

Portland, OR

$125K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

About the Company

We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.

The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis.

About the Job

We are developing a core technology that will operate in the worst conditions the world's oceans have to offer. Building this technology involves significant rapid prototyping, fabrication, and metalwork. Our shop supports these activities and is critical to the company's success. As our company grows, our organizational capabilities for equipment and hardware will also expand.

Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Virgin Orbit, Virgin Galactic, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries. We are organized as a public benefit corporation and are backed by leading venture capital firms, private investors, philanthropic investors, and endowments.

We strive to be the best technical team on the planet, and we compensate our team members accordingly.

Responsibilities
  • Use a variety of processes (3D printing, manual and CNC machining, welding, etc.) to design and manufacture prototypes and flight hardware
  • Use CAD to design prototypes, fixtures and assemblies
  • Help other engineers with DFM
  • Develop new production processes and shop capabilities
  • Own design/build projects from cradle to grave
  • Do your part to keep the shop clean to ensure that the shop is orderly and well-maintained
  • Support and help enforce safety culture
  • Help other employees with basic shop tasks and finding equipment, including engineers and researchers of varying backgrounds who are not necessarily familiar with hardware and shop organization
  • Order supplies, equipment and materials for projects and to support the shop
  • Use computer software such as word processors and spreadsheets to create, document, and maintain the organizational systems
  • Assist around the shop in other ways as requested
Requirements
  • You will be required to be on your feet for up to 8 hours per day and occasionally lift objects weighing 50 pounds or more. You should be comfortable occasionally working in elevated work areas, including on ladders and platforms, with appropriate safety equipment.
  • You will occasionally be asked to help other teams within the company, such as facilities, office management, and logistics.
Qualifications
  • You will be a strong candidate if you:
  • Have 5+ years of experience on the shop floor making prototypes using processes like machining, welding, laser cutting and 3D Printing.
  • Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree or equivalent work experience
  • Have experience working with a wide variety of manufacturing processes across a variety of materials
  • Have strong CAD skills (NX experience is a plus)
  • Have experience in 5 axis CNC machining (Hypermill experience is a plus)
  • Experience working with industrial controls and fluid systems
  • Work and communicate well with others, especially those who do not share your field of expertise
  • Have a strong, self directed work ethic
  • Have a desire to drive continuous improvement
  • Have significant experience using computer software such as word processors and spreadsheets
  • Are comfortable following instructions as well as pushing back on inadequate instructions
Compensation and Benefits

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

  • Cash compensation of $125,000 - $165,000.
  • Equity in the company. We're all owners and if we're successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
  • A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
    • Flexible paid time off
    • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
    • Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents)
    • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
    • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long term financial support if you become disabled)
    • Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
  • Relocation assistance to help facilitate your move to Portland if needed.
Location

Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon. This position requires daily on-site work.