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Prototype Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rise Technical

Graduate Engineer

Saint Paris, OH · Hybrid

Graduate Design Engineer $60k - $70k + Bonus + Progression + Training + 401(k) + PTO + Holidays + 2 ... You'll gain practical experience creating CAD models, supporting prototype activities, and helping ...

Recar

Intern, Prototype Engineering

Troy, MI

$16 - $20.50/hr

Support the design, build, and iteration of vehicle and subsystem prototypes, including mechanical, electrical, and thermal components. * Assist engineers with prototype assembly, teardown ...

New

Legrand AV, Inc.

Prototype Technician

Kenosha, WI

Prototype Technician Location US-WI-Kenosha # Positions 1 Category Engineering Position Description At a Glance Legrand has an exciting opportunity for a Prototype Technician to join the Kenall Team ...

Venteon

Prototype Technician

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

This position supports the powertrain engineering area. POSITION TYPE: Full time. Onsite daily ... Experience assembling electro-mechanical prototype components. * Experience conducting functional ...

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How much do prototype engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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.

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Prototype Engineer jobs near you
Prototype Engineering Technician

Prototype Engineering Technician

ALTEN Technology USA

Moorpark, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

We're ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life-from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.
As part of the global ALTEN Group-57,000+ engineers in 30 countries-we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.
When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you'll collaborate on some of the world's toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
The Prototype Engineering Technician will have the opportunity to work on a variety of advanced unmanned systems to develop solutions for a variety of defense and commercial applications. This will include contributing to the development, build, integration, and maintenance of these systems with a particular emphasis on composite fabrication and assembly.
Position Responsibilities
  • Conducts mechanical, electrical, and composite fabrication support, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of integrated systems
  • Performs composite layup operations including wet layup, prepreg, and out-of-autoclave processes for prototype structural components
  • Fabricates composite tooling including molds, caul plates, and layup fixtures to support prototype builds
  • Executes cure cycles, post-cure operations, and dimensional inspection of composite parts
  • Performs composite bonding and secondary assembly operations using aerospace-grade adhesives
  • Operates and maintains shop equipment and tools (hand tools, power tools, solder irons, manual lathe and mills, 3D printers, composite cutting and trimming equipment, etc.)
  • Meets scheduled timelines and, in some cases, aggressive deadlines to have hardware ready for project milestones
  • Attends project meetings to discuss project schedule, design, hardware status, and other critical information
  • Effectively documents important processes and build techniques, including composite layup procedures and cure cycle records, for successful readiness of equipment and transition of responsibilities to other individuals
  • Builds low volume assemblies in the prototype phase of product lifecycle
  • Ensures that laboratory, composite fabrication areas, and machine shop areas and equipment are safe, clean, in good working order, and organized for all engineering staff to efficiently work
  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent and/or equivalent certificate from a technical school
  • 3+ years of technical experience with emphasis in composites fabrication, machining, rapid prototyping, and electronics
  • Hands-on experience with composite fabrication methods including wet layup, prepreg, and bonded assembly
  • Familiarity with composite inspection and repair techniques including visual and basic NDI methods
  • Requires general proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skills
  • Demonstrated familiarity with aircraft and/or Remote Control (R/C) experience
  • Good understanding of using machine shop tools and shows proficiency with these systems
  • Experience with building fixtures, tools, and parts or electrical devices
  • Good understanding of build/assembly documentation development including composite process documentation
  • In-depth knowledge, including repair and test, in at least one area: Composites, Fabrication, Mechanics, Electronics
  • Maintains a high level of work practice and ensures all safety guidelines and policies are met, including composite material handling and PPE requirements
  • Requires local/domestic travel (both driving and flying) to test site locations and participating in development testing
  • Must have a valid Driver's license and clean driving record
  • Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays and in field test environments

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
  • Higher education and welding certifications are desired
  • Experience with prepreg materials and autoclave or oven cure processes is desired
  • Familiarity with composite-specific standards and process specifications (e.g., ASTM D3039, Nadcap composite processing) desired
  • Experience with 3D modeling and programming software (such as SolidWorks/SURFCAM) desired
  • Exposure to 3D additive manufacturing technology desired
  • Skills as a machinist and with GD&T desired
  • Demonstrates competency in interpreting instructions given by engineering team (verbal or written), asking for clarity where needed, and updating or generation of documentation, which could include drawings, layup procedures, and cure cycle records
  • Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
  • Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
  • Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
  • Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Salary Range: $80,000-90,000
The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience
Note: Due to the nature of the work, only US Persons (citizens or permanent residents) need apply for this position.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.
Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.
Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.

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