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Prototype Engineering Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Prototype Planner II

Huntsville, AL

$35.25 - $39.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Prototype Engineering Group at Raytheon is a dedicated team of experts providing comprehensive engineering services for electrical hardware and specialized mechanical materials. We excel in ...

New

Engineering Prototype Planner II

Huntsville, AL

$35.25 - $39.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Prototype Engineering Group at Raytheon is a dedicated team of experts providing comprehensive engineering services for electrical hardware and specialized mechanical materials. We excel in ...

New

Engineering Prototype Planner II

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$35.25 - $39.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Prototype Engineering Group at Raytheon is a dedicated team of experts providing comprehensive engineering services for electrical hardware and specialized mechanical materials. We excel in ...

Prototype Machinist Location: Troy, AL SUMMARY The Prototype Machinist position requires a highly ... Ability to give constructive feedback to design engineers. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Driver Technician

Birmingham, AL

$17 - $21.75/hr

Support engineering, prototype and testing to develop and maintain check lists and test routes. * Drive Autocar vehicles on closed courses and public roads. * Ensure vehicles are safe, maintained and ...

Driver Technician

Birmingham, AL ยท On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Support engineering, prototype and testing to develop and maintain check lists and test routes. * Drive Autocar vehicles on closed courses and public roads. * Ensure vehicles are safe, maintained and ...

Prototype CNC Machinist

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and process documentation. * Perform ... Support urgent prototype schedules while maintaining exceptional quality standards Basic ...

Driver Technician

Birmingham, AL ยท On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Support engineering, prototype and testing to develop and maintain check lists and test routes. * Drive Autocar vehicles on closed courses and public roads. * Ensure vehicles are safe, maintained and ...

Driver Technician

Birmingham, AL

$17 - $21.75/hr

Support engineering, prototype and testing to develop and maintain check lists and test routes. * Drive Autocar vehicles on closed courses and public roads. * Ensure vehicles are safe, maintained and ...

New

Driver Technician

Birmingham, AL ยท On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Support engineering, prototype and testing to develop and maintain check lists and test routes. * Drive Autocar vehicles on closed courses and public roads. * Ensure vehicles are safe, maintained and ...

Driver Technician

Birmingham, AL ยท On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Support engineering, prototype and testing to develop and maintain check lists and test routes. * Drive Autocar vehicles on closed courses and public roads. * Ensure vehicles are safe, maintained and ...

Driver Technician

Birmingham, AL ยท On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Support engineering, prototype and testing to develop and maintain check lists and test routes. * Drive Autocar vehicles on closed courses and public roads. * Ensure vehicles are safe, maintained and ...

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Prototype Engineering information

See Alabama salary details

$26

$33

$35

How much do prototype engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineering in Alabama is $33.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.15 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by prototype engineers during the product development process?

Prototype engineers often encounter challenges such as tight development timelines, limited resources, and evolving design requirements. They must frequently adapt to changes based on feedback from testing and cross-functional teams, which requires flexibility and strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, balancing functionality, manufacturability, and cost during rapid prototyping can be demanding, but it provides valuable experience in innovative thinking and collaboration.

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 a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and hands-on experience with prototyping methods. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools like 3D printers, and knowledge of manufacturing processes are typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication help Prototype Engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams and iterate designs efficiently. These skills are crucial for transforming innovative ideas into functional prototypes that support product development and innovation.

What is the difference between Prototype Engineering vs Mechanical Design?

AspectPrototype EngineeringMechanical Design
Primary FocusDeveloping, building, and testing prototypes to validate conceptsCreating detailed mechanical parts and assemblies for products
Required SkillsHands-on fabrication, rapid prototyping, testing methodsCAD modeling, technical drawings, design analysis
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, workshops, manufacturing settingsDesign offices, CAD labs, engineering departments
Common CertificationsNone specific, often practical experienceProfessional engineering licenses, CAD certifications

Prototype Engineering and Mechanical Design are closely related roles in product development. Prototype engineers focus on building and testing physical models to validate concepts, while mechanical designers create detailed plans and models for manufacturing. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of the product development process.

What is prototype engineering?

Prototype engineering is the process of designing, building, and testing early models of products or components to evaluate their functionality, performance, and feasibility. Prototype engineers work closely with designers and product developers to turn ideas into tangible models, which can be used for testing and refinement before mass production. This helps identify design flaws, improve product quality, and reduce development costs. Prototype engineering plays a crucial role in industries such as automotive, electronics, and consumer products, where rapid innovation and iteration are essential.

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineering jobs in Alabama?

For Prototype Engineering jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineering jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineering jobs in Alabama are:

Infographic showing various Prototype Engineering job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,765 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Prototype Engineering Technician

Autocar, LLC

Birmingham, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION: PROTOTYPE TECHNICIAN

Autocar, LLC, a manufacturer of severe-duty vocational trucks carrying the first specialized truck brand in North America, is the only American-owned and operated original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of trucks. Autocar’s severe-duty vocational trucks provide customers with the perfect tool for their jobs with the most uptime, support, and impact on their bottom line. Autocar collaborates with customers to build trucks to their exact specifications and needs. Autocar’s purpose-built severe-duty refuse truck lines include the Class 6-8 ACMD cabover, Class 8 ACX cabover and the DC-64 Class 8 conventional cab. Autocar recognizes that performance and uptime are everything and offers every customer 24/7 access to its ALWAYS UP® direct factory support center staffed by expert technicians who engineer and build Autocar’s trucks. Autocar promises to provide trucks that deliver the best value, provide the best service, and provide a complete solution for customers’ needs.

Job Overview:

This position is responsible for the manufacture, assembly and validation of prototypes and testing vehicles, systems, and components.

 

Essential Job Responsibilities:

  • Assemble prototype, engineering, validation, and special build vehicles. Install and validate parts & components on engineering and method build vehicles.
  • Provide feedback to design engineers related to Bills of Materials, installation, validation, accessibility, and maintainability issues.
  • Work with design engineers to create prototype parts that are representative of design ideas/concepts as needed.
  • Manufacture prototype parts, special tools and fixtures.
  • Assists with fabrication, assembly, modification and debugging of test systems.
  • Support in-house or field testing.
  • Perform simple electrical assembly (i.e. wiring, connectors, circuit boards)
  • Assist Autocar production initiatives by supporting part manufacturing/modification needs and implementation of new designs to production line.
  • Rework of production components to support short lead-time of special options.
  • Maintain a safe working environment through good housekeeping practices and adherence to safe work practices.
  • Periodic travel may be required to address issues at customer’s locations or support test and evaluation activities.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Essential Skills and Experience:

Education and Experience

  • One to two years related experience and/or training.
  • Heavy truck vehicle product knowledge is a plus.
  • Fabrication knowledge and process is desirable.
  • Welding experience is a plus
  • Truck manufacturing build/process experience will be desirable.

Language Skills                   

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret blueprints and schematics required.

 

Mathematical Skills                   

Ability to interpret dimensions on a print and make modifications as necessary.  Basic shop math skills are required.  Ability to make concept prints for parts during prototyping phase.

 

Reasoning Ability                   

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills                   

A working knowledge of the following will be an advantage for the candidate:

  •       MS Office
  •       UG NX or other CAD software
  •       Teamcenter

Physical Requirements:

  • Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment which may include dust mask, air purifying respirator (i.e., half and/or full faced), safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.
  • Capable of meeting OSHA standards for manual lifting guidelines: < 50lbs
  • While performing the duties of this job it is required to stand, walk, and use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when necessary for job activity.
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Autocar is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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