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Prototype It Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hark

Frontend Engineer

San Jose, CA

$170K - $400K/yr

You can take a rough idea, prototype it quickly, get feedback, and converge on something that works. * Strong communication. You can partner closely with designers and backend engineers, explain your ...

Magna

Prototype Buyer

Southfield, MI

That's what we're passionate about at Magna Electronics, and we do it by creating world-class ... The prototype buyer is responsible for supporting prototype and development procurement activities ...

Magna

Prototype Buyer

Holly, MI

That's what we're passionate about at Magna Electronics, and we do it by creating world-class ... The prototype buyer is responsible for supporting prototype and development procurement activities ...

Inhouse AI

Product Lead

$125K - $175K/yr

You'll research and meticulously document the desired behavior, prototype it with users, and work with engineering to bring it to life. Own the prompt library Work with our lawyers to write, test ...

Magna

Prototype Buyer

Southfield, MI · On-site

That's what we're passionate about at Magna Electronics, and we do it by creating world-class ... The prototype buyer is responsible for supporting prototype and development procurement activities ...

USA Rare Earth, LLC

Prototype Operator

Stillwater, OK · On-site

If our task was a simple one, it would already be done. We are creative and solution-oriented, and we think outside the box to solve important problems. We know that a range of expertise and ...

NBME

Frontend Prototype Developer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$110.56K - $149.26K/yr

This role has been designated as primarily remote, meaning it requires little to no onsite ... Independently develop rapid prototypes using tools such as Shiny, survey platforms, low/no-code ...

Hark

Frontend Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$170K - $400K/yr

You can take a rough idea, prototype it quickly, get feedback, and converge on something that works. * Strong communication. You can partner closely with designers and backend engineers, explain your ...

Meta

Prototype Process Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$40.25 - $45.25/hr

At Meta, we're building the future of human connection and the technology that enables it. This means continuously inventing and developing technologies.

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Prototype It information

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$15

$26

$50

How much do prototype it jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype it in the United States is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 strong skills in mechanical or electrical engineering, CAD design, and hands-on fabrication, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with prototyping tools such as 3D printers, CNC machines, and software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD is highly valuable. Creativity, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for quickly iterating and refining new product concepts. These competencies enable efficient development of functional prototypes, supporting innovation and reducing time-to-market.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in prototype development roles, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals working in prototype development often face challenges such as tight deadlines, unclear project requirements, and the need to rapidly iterate designs based on stakeholder feedback. To overcome these, it's important to maintain clear communication with cross-functional teams, document changes thoroughly, and remain adaptable to shifting priorities. Embracing agile methodologies and collaborative tools can also help streamline the iteration process and ensure alignment across the team.

What are Prototype It professionals and what do they do?

Prototype It professionals are specialists who focus on designing, developing, and testing prototypes of products, systems, or software before full-scale production or implementation. Their role involves transforming conceptual ideas into tangible models to evaluate functionality, usability, and design. By creating prototypes, they help organizations identify and address potential issues early in the development process, saving time and resources. Prototype It professionals often collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and stakeholders to ensure the final product meets requirements and expectations.

What is the difference between Prototype It vs Product Designer?

AspectPrototype ItProduct Designer
CredentialsTypically no formal certification requiredOften holds degrees or certifications in design or related fields
Work EnvironmentFocuses on creating prototypes, often in tech or manufacturing settingsInvolves user research, UI/UX design, and product development
Industry UsageCommon in tech, engineering, and manufacturing industriesPrevalent in tech, software, and consumer product industries

Prototype It primarily focuses on creating prototypes to test concepts, while Product Designers handle the overall user experience and design of a product. Both roles collaborate closely but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Prototype It jobs
What cities are hiring for Prototype It jobs? Cities with the most Prototype It job openings:
What states have the most Prototype It jobs? States with the most job openings for Prototype It jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prototype It jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype It jobs are:
Prototype It jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype It job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Development Machinist (Prototype / R&D Shop)

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$38 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Development Machinist (Prototype / R&D Shop)
Department: Manufacturing
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $38.00 - $50.00 / hour
Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and versatile Development Machinist to join our Development Shop at Impulse. This is a "do-it-all" hands on role in a fast-paced prototype and R&D environment. You will be responsible for taking complex engineering concepts from design through to finished parts.
This position is ideal for an experienced machinist who thrives on variety, problem-solving, and owning projects from start to finish in a low-volume, high-mix development setting.
Responsibilities
  • Full cycle part creation: Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, program, set up, and machine complex prototype and development parts using CNC mills, lathes, and manual machines.
  • Programming: Use CAM software (e.g., NX, Esprit or equivalent) to create efficient toolpaths for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining as needed.
  • Tooling & Material Procurement: Independently research, select, and procure appropriate tooling, fixtures, raw materials, and consumables.
  • Machining & Fabrication: Set up and operate CNC and manual machines to produce high-tolerance parts from a wide range of materials. Perform deburring, finishing, and assembly of prototypes as required.
  • Inspection & Quality: Perform in-process inspections.
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Collaborate closely with the engineering team to review designs, identify manufacturability issues, and provide practical feedback on tolerances, fixturing, cost reduction, and improved machining processes.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 5+ years of hands-on machining experience in a prototype, job shop, or R&D/development environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Strong proficiency in CNC programming.
  • Expertise setting up and running 5 axis CNC mills and CNC lathes.
  • Solid understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and blueprint reading.
  • Proficient with precision inspection tools and methods.
  • Experience machining exotic/hard materials such as Inconel, titanium, and high-temperature alloys is highly desirable.
  • Procurement & Project Management: Proven ability to independently source tooling and materials, manage lead times, and deliver parts on schedule.
  • DFM Knowledge: Demonstrated experience providing actionable Design for Manufacturability feedback to engineers.
  • Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills for collaborating with other teams.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal to no supervision while prioritizing multiple projects in a dynamic development shop.
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with NX CAM software.
  • Familiarity with manual machining (Bridgeport mills, engine lathes, surface grinding, etc.).
  • Knowledge of fixturing design and custom tool making.
  • Background in aerospace, medical, automotive, or high-tech product development.

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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