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Prototype Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Therm-x of California

Prototype Machinist

Hayward, CA · On-site

$38 - $50/hr

The Prototype Machinist / NPI Technician works alongside Therm-x's NPI Engineering team to bring new heater, sensor, source, and cathode designs from drawing to first working part. Our prototyping ...

Nvidia

Engineering Build Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Resolve accurate number of prototypes (boards & systems) needed by each group for each prototype engineering build * Interact with suppliers and vendors * Define tasks, drive assignments and lead the ...

Apple

Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

The Applied Research and Characterization team combines expertise in mechanical engineering, human ... Because our prototypes serve internal research rather than production pipelines, the emphasis is on ...

Apple

Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA

$51.19 - $89.84/hr

The Applied Research and Characterization team combines expertise in mechanical engineering, human ... Because our prototypes serve internal research rather than production pipelines, the emphasis is on ...

Droyd Robotics

Prototype Team Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

The work ranges from one-off parts and fixtures to repeatable components that keep engineering moving. About the role As the Prototype Team Lead at Droyd, you will manage day-to-day operations for ...

Protingent

Prototype Build Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Prototype Build Technician Position Description : Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire ... You'll work closely with hardware and service engineering teams to tackle novel technical ...

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Prototype Engineering information

See California salary details

$28

$35

$38

How much do prototype engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineering in California is $36.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.94 and $37.98 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 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 $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Leadership roles like engineering managers and principal engineers also frequently reach or exceed this salary level, often requiring advanced certifications and management experience.

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, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires advanced degrees and extensive industry experience.

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 their functionality, feasibility, and design. They work with CAD software, build physical prototypes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine product concepts before mass production.
What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineering jobs in California? For Prototype Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineering jobs in California are:
Prototype Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineering job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,874 per year, or $36 per hour.
Electrical Engineering Lab Supervisor

Electrical Engineering Lab Supervisor

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are looking for an EE Lab Supervisor to join our Electrical Engineering lab team to provide leadership and guidance and improve product quality for our Anduril Product Team.
 
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • The EE Lab Supervisor will provide technical expertise and guidance to the Engineering Technician team on harness and PCBA build and rework in our HQ EE Lab
  • Oversee day to day activities of the physical EE lab and ensure the highest standards and availability of tools, instruments, and equipment. (ie. installation, calibration, maintenance and procurement of tools and test equipment)
  • Identify opportunities, propose and lead the implementation of changes to drive improvements
  • Anticipate future equipment, tools, and lab space needed and lead effort to meet project and business needs
  • Plan and direct assigned tasks and project activities with the accountability for successful completion of assigned deliverables in a timely manner
  • Perform quality inspection and verification of worked performed by team per industry standard (ie. IPC)
  • Ensure team members are properly trained and use equipment and tools according to procedures and/or work instructions
  • Support engineering activities such as building prototypes, sub-assemblies, and prepare feasibility test units, samples under the guidance of engineers
  • Perform work using drawings, diagrams, written and verbal instructions, layouts or defined plans to perform testing, checkout, and trouble-shooting functions
  • Conduct repairs and reworks of PCBAs and cable harnesses/assemblies during engineering tests and prototyping activities
  • Procure and source electro-mechanical components and subcomponents under the direction of engineers as required
  • Fabricate special test equipment, electronic test boxes, and harnesses
  • Independently set up and utilize standard test equipment, including oscilloscopes, power analyzers, power supplies, and digital multimeters
  • Perform circuit board electronic modifications, such as component rework, soldering/de-soldering of electronic components per industry standards such as IPC-A-7711 / IPC-A-610 / IPC-A-620
  • Able to work in a fast paced environment with ambiguous targets and adapt work plans based on new outcomes
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum 5 years experience as an Engineering Technician working in a prototype/engineering development lab environment
  • Prior leadership experience in an engineering lab environment
  • Ability to read and understand complex PCBA schematics, cable assembly drawings, and test procedures, without the need to have detailed assembly instructions
  • Experience with building and troubleshooting prototype electro-mechanical hardware, such as PCBAs, cables and wiring harnesses, and electro-mechanical assemblies (drones, vehicles, or eq.)
  • Familiar and comfortable with standard electrical prototyping processes, such as PCBA rework
  • Extensive prototyping experience: Soldering, crimping, assembling cables to IPC Standards
  • Able to hand solder PCBAs per J-STD-001 / IPC-A-610 / IPC-A-7711
  • Wire harness experience in accordance with IPC-A-620 standards
  • Strong knowledge of electrical components & connectors, familiar with basic hand tools and crimping equipment
  • Basic electrical understanding and understanding of fundamental electrical engineering concepts
  • Familiarity with basic electrical test equipment such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, function generators, etc.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an U.S. security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum 8 years experience as an Engineering Technician in a developmental lab environment
  • 5 years of prior leadership experience in an engineering lab environment
  • Associates or Bachelors degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math
  • Strong understanding of PCBs, PCBAs, prototyping and assembly techniques
  • Experience with task management software such as Trello or JIRA
  • Experience with electrical CAD tools such as Altium, Rapid Harness or other EWIS software
  • Current IPC certification (CIS / CIT / MIT)
  • Willing to work overtime, and weekends, as needed
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs unassisted

What Anduril employees say

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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