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Prototype Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rapid Prototype Engineer II

Wichita, KS · On-site

$32 - $35.75/hr

Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support rapid development cycles. * Complete ... Professional experience working in prototyping labs, machine shops, or makerspace environments.

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Prototype Engineering information

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How much do prototype engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineering 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 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.
More about Prototype Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Prototype Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Prototype Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Prototype Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Prototype Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineering jobs are:
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,868 per year, or $36.5 per hour.
Sr. Prototype Engineering Technician

Sr. Prototype Engineering Technician

Envista Holdings Corporation

Pomona, CA • On-site

$31 - $37.10/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Envista Holdings rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Job Description:

Position Summary: The Sr. Prototype Engineering Technician supports the design, development, testing, and sustaining of electro-mechanical dental devices and consumables within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for hands-on prototyping, testing, documentation, and maintenance activities to ensure products meet design intent, performance expectations, and applicable ISO and FDA regulatory requirements.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for prototyping electro-mechanical dental devices, including electrical and mechanical assembly.
  • Perform testing and verification of electro-mechanical dental devices to support product development and sustaining engineering efforts.
  • Document all testing activities in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and applicable ISO and FDA regulatory requirements.
  • Manage and maintain calibration and preventative maintenance programs for laboratory and test equipment.
  • Support preparation and maintenance of test documentation, including test protocols, test methods, and test reports.
  • Assist in the design and development of test fixtures and test equipment used for product evaluation.
  • Support design and development of new product concepts, including feasibility builds and early-stage prototypes.
  • Provide hands-on support for sustaining engineering activities, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and product improvements.
  • Utilize Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel) for documentation, data analysis, and reporting.
  • Create and modify basic mechanical designs and assemblies using SolidWorks.
  • Use laboratory automation and data acquisition tools such as LabVIEW and Arduino to support testing and development activities.
  • Follow all company safety policies, quality system requirements, and standard operating procedures.
Incidental Duties: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, and indeed additional responsibilities may be assigned, as required, by management.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This individual must be able to function in a fast-paced environment, where priorities may change rapidly. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of three (3) years of experience testing, diagnosing, and troubleshooting electro-mechanical devices OR
  • High school diploma or equivalent plus a certification in a related technical field from an accredited college or technical school.
  • Experience working in a highly regulated environment (ISO, FDA, or similar quality systems) is required.
  • Skills and Abilities:
  • Strong hands-on skills with electrical and mechanical assembly and troubleshooting required.
  • Understanding of electro-mechanical systems, test methods, and basic measurement principles required.
  • Familiarity with Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and quality system requirements required.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel for technical documentation and data analysis required.
  • Working knowledge of 3D CAD, preferably SolidWorks, for viewing and editing mechanical designs required.
  • Experience with graphic programming environments (i.e. LabVIEW) and open-source electronic platforms (i.e. Arduino) is highly preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment required.
Physical Demands: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • Occasionally sits.
  • Frequently uses hands and fingers.
  • Occasionally walks and stands.
  • Occasionally bends and stoops.
  • Occasionally reaches up/down with arms.
  • Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 10 lbs.

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Target Market Salary Range:

Actual compensation packages take into account a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic location; skill sets; relevant education and certifications; depth of experience; performance; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed reasonable estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Envista, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The total compensation package for this position may also include an annual performance bonus, medical/dental/vision benefits, 401K match, and/or other applicable compensation plans.

$31.00 - $37.10 per hour

Operating Company:

Kerr

Envista and all Envista Companies are equal opportunity employers that evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The "EEO is the Law" poster is available at: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/ compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf.

Envista and its family of companies (Envista) will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Envista will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (Agency) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge and Envista will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt such unsolicited resumes. An Agency must obtain advance written approval from Envista's internal Talent Acquisition or Human Resources team to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract approved by the Global Talent Acquisition leader and in response to a specific job opening. Envista will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement and written approval in place.


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