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Prototype Engineering Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Recruiting Engine (MLS)

RF Engineer

Huntsville, AL

Experience performing detailed design activities, including iterative systems engineering; mission thread development and analysis; trade studies; hardware/software design; and prototyping, necessary ...

MLS Technologies

RF Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Experience performing detailed design activities, including iterative systems engineering; mission thread development and analysis; trade studies; hardware/software design; and prototyping, necessary ...

MLS Technologies

RF Engineer

Huntsville, AL

Experience performing detailed design activities, including iterative systems engineering; mission thread development and analysis; trade studies; hardware/software design; and prototyping, necessary ...

Huntington

Principal Innovation Engineer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

... prototypes and reusable technology assets, including AI-enabled applications, while setting high engineering standards for solution architecture, application design, and delivery acceleration across ...

SAIC

Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes ... Working in rapid prototyping environments, this role assists senior engineers and program ...

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Prototype Engineering information

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$26

$33

$35

How much do prototype engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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's a design engineer's salary?

A design engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $120,000. Skills in CAD software and project management can influence compensation.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

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 does a prototype engineer do?

A prototype engineer designs, develops, and tests early models of products to evaluate concepts and functionality. They use CAD software, 3D printing, and testing tools to refine designs and ensure feasibility before mass production. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of materials are essential in this role.
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:
Prototype Engineering jobs near you

Radar Design Engineer Mid Level

Phased n Research, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Radar Design Engineer – Mid-Level; Location: Huntsville, AL; Clearance: Active Secret (with eligibility for Top Secret/SCI); Position Type: Full-Time

About the Role

Phased n Research is seeking a mid-level radar engineer to aid in the design and development of advanced radar systems. This role centers on end-to-end radar design -architecture development, modeling and simulation, algorithm development, waveform design, and hardware prototyping.

Your work will contribute to the development of next-generation DoD radar technologies, including distributed aperture systems. This is a mid-level technical role, wherein you will be expected to develop creative solutions to novel radar problems, outside the scope of conventional textbook radar design. The development of these novel radar solutions will take place in a collaborative, highly technical environment, with guidance from senior technical leadership.

Radar Design & Performance Responsibilities

  • Design novel radar architectures from base physics principles, rather than engineering rules-of-thumb that make simplifying topological assumptions.
  • Develop high-fidelity electromagnetic propagation and signal processing software models.
  • Design algorithms for processing advanced radar data, including data from wide baseline, polarization heterogeneous, and wideband arrays.

Prototyping & Evaluation Responsibilities

  • Design, fabricate, and test radar prototype hardware using commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and manufacturing processes.
  • Design and execute laboratory experiments, intended to validate physics models and radar processing algorithms.
  • Perform prototype hardware tests in the field and post-process field test data.

Collaboration & Program Execution Responsibilities

  • Develop and own technical documentation and design artifacts required to demonstrate progress and support program milestones.
  • Partner with program leadership to ensure technical execution remains aligned with cost, schedule, and performance constraints.
  • Prepare and deliver technical briefings for government stakeholders, design reviews, and program milestones.
  • Serve as a representative in technical interchange meetings and design reviews.

Position Requirements

Mid-Level

  • Master's + 6–12 years of relevant experience, OR
  • Bachelor's + 8–14 years of relevant experience

Additional Requirements

  • Active Secret clearance required (with eligibility for Top Secret/SCI)
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Proven track record of executing technical work independently and mentoring junior engineers.
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, mission-driven programs.

Preferred Technical Proficiencies

  • Spatial adaptive processing
  • Radar signal processing
  • Object oriented programming
  • Electromagnetic propagation modeling
  • Full wave electromagnetic simulation (e.g., HFSS, CST, etc.)
  • Radar algorithm development
  • Antenna and antenna array design
  • Operation of RF test equipment (e.g., VNA, spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, etc.)
  • Prototyping and fabrication techniques (e.g., soldering, PCB layout, 3D printing, etc.)
  • Strong physics and mathematics background