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Prototype Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

NextGenEnergyJobs

Senior Prototype Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$125 - $165/hr

Building this technology involves significant rapid prototyping, fabrication, and metalwork. Our ... Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree or equivalent work experience * Have experience ...

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer

Portland, OR

$125K - $165K/yr

Building this technology involves significant rapid prototyping, fabrication, and metalwork. Our ... Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree or equivalent work experience * Have experience ...

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Building this technology involves significant rapid prototyping, fabrication, and metalwork. Our ... Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree or equivalent work experience * Have experience ...

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Building this technology involves significant rapid prototyping, fabrication, and metalwork. Our ... Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree or equivalent work experience * Have experience ...

Teledyne

Engineering Technician

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

Support prototype builds for complex electromechanical and optomechanical assemblies in close coordination with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams Manage LRIP (Low-Rate Initial Production ...

Coherent Corp.

Engineering Manager

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

Ensure sound engineering practices across design, prototyping, testing, verification, and documentation. * Review and approve technical deliverables to ensure performance, quality, reliability, and ...

Coherent

Engineering Manager

Wilsonville, OR

Ensure sound engineering practices across design, prototyping, testing, verification, and documentation. * Review and approve technical deliverables to ensure performance, quality, reliability, and ...

II-VI Incorporated

Engineering Manager

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

Ensure sound engineering practices across design, prototyping, testing, verification, and documentation. * Review and approve technical deliverables to ensure performance, quality, reliability, and ...

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All JobsPrototype Engineering JobsPrototype Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR

Prototype Engineering information

See Portland, OR salary details

$30

$38

$41

How much do prototype engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineering in Portland, OR is $38.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.44 and $40.77 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 Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineering jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineering jobs in Portland, OR are:

Prototype Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineering job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,458 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Senior Prototype Engineer

NextGenEnergyJobs

Portland, OR • On-site

$125 - $165/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon .

Key Responsibilities
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 significant experience using computer software such as word processors and spreadsheets
  • Are comfortable following instructions as well as pushing back on inadequate instructions
  • 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:
  • Relocation assistance to help facilitate your move to Portland if needed.
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