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Prototype Machinist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CivicMinds, Inc.

Prototype Machinist

Troy, AL · On-site

Job Title: Prototype Machinist Location: Troy, AL SUMMARY The Prototype Machinist position requires a highly motivated individual with extensive experience working in a prototype machining ...

WAGNER MACHINE COMPANY

Prototype Machinist

Champaign, IL · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Prototype Machinist Wanted Wagner Machine Company is searching for the best of the best as we continue to grow our team! We are excited to find a Prototype Machinist who is as passionate about ...

Dynomax Inc.

Prototype Machinist

Wheeling, IL · On-site

Prototype Machinist Dynomax, Inc is developing and building exciting machines and automation! We are seeking a well-rounded Machinist to work in an R&D environment. This is a great opportunity for an ...

VB Spine

Prototype Machinist

Allendale, NJ · On-site

$36.05/hr

Prototype Machinist Location: Allendale, NJ Company: VB Spine Looking for a career where your work truly matters? At VB Spine, you'll be part of a mission-focused team that supports surgeons during ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

Prototype Machinist

Champaign, IL · On-site

Prototype Machinist Location: Champaign, IL (Onsite, Full-time) At our client's company, Prototype Machinists aren't just another part of the team - they are the backbone of their innovation and ...

Smiths Machine

Prototype Machinist

Quakertown, PA

As a Prototype Machinist- you will work with a variety of manual machines such as Mills and Lathes to create small quantities of custom medical devices. * Making Parts with Conversational CNC and ...

Karman Space & Defense

Prototype Machinist

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$39 - $42/hr

SUMMARY The Protoshop Machinist is responsible for end-to-end fabrication of prototypes and models, including programming, set-up, machining, and hands-on problem solving. This role requires ...

Nikon Corporation

Prototype Machinist

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$52 - $58/hr

Prototype Machinist The Prototype Machinist is responsible for programming and operating machinery to produce parts that conform to blueprints, adhering to GD&T specifications. This role involves ...

Nikon Corporation

Prototype Machinist

Long Beach, CA

$52 - $58/hr

Prototype Machinist The Prototype Machinist is responsible for programming and operating machinery to produce parts that conform to blueprints, adhering to GD&T specifications. This role involves ...

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 ...

Keurig Dr Pepper

Prototype Machinist

Burlington, MA

$33.89 - $45/hr

You will also work with the assembly team and engineering group to assemble Prototype machinery and Test equipment for the Brewer Development Department. Activities include machining parts to ...

ARUNDEL MACHINE

Prototype Machinist

Warsaw, IN

... machine tools including CNC lathes, CNC mills, Wire EDM, and various manual (mill, lathe, surface grinder) equipment. * Identify materials and tooling required to produce prototype parts, tooling ...

Smiths Machine

Prototype Machinist

Warsaw, IN · On-site

... machine tools including CNC lathes, CNC mills, Wire EDM, and various manual (mill, lathe, surface grinder) equipment. * Identify materials and tooling required to produce prototype parts, tooling ...

ARUNDEL MACHINE

Prototype Machinist

Warsaw, IN

... machine tools including CNC lathes, CNC mills, Wire EDM, and various manual (mill, lathe, surface grinder) equipment. * Identify materials and tooling required to produce prototype parts, tooling ...

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Prototype Machinist information

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How much do prototype machinist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype machinist in the United States is $29.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid machinist job?

The highest paid machinist roles are often specialized positions such as CNC programmer or precision machinist, especially those working in aerospace, defense, or medical device manufacturing. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and can offer higher salaries compared to general machinist positions.

What does a prototype machinist do?

A prototype machinist creates and modifies custom parts and components for new product development using precision machining tools such as CNC machines and lathes. They interpret engineering drawings, select appropriate materials, and ensure prototypes meet design specifications through careful measurement and quality control. This role often requires technical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of manufacturing processes.

What does a typical workday look like for a Prototype Machinist?

A typical day for a Prototype Machinist involves interpreting technical drawings, setting up and operating machining equipment, and collaborating closely with engineers or product designers to create one-off or small-batch parts. You’ll routinely measure and inspect components, make adjustments on the fly, and document any design or process improvements. Expect a mix of independent hands-on work and teamwork, often in a prototyping lab or machine shop environment. Tight deadlines and evolving specifications mean flexibility and adaptability are key parts of the job, providing variety and opportunities to solve unique challenges daily.

What is a Prototype Machinist job?

A Prototype Machinist is responsible for creating precise, custom, or experimental parts based on design specifications, often for research and development. They use various machining tools like CNC machines, lathes, and mills to fabricate and modify components. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret technical drawings. Prototype Machinists work closely with engineers and designers to refine designs and ensure functionality before full-scale production.

Is AI taking over machinist jobs?

AI and automation are increasingly used to assist machinists by improving precision and efficiency, but they do not fully replace the need for skilled prototype machinists. Machinists still require technical expertise, manual skills, and problem-solving abilities that current AI cannot replicate entirely. Human oversight remains essential in complex or custom manufacturing tasks.

Can a CNC machinist make 100k a year?

A CNC machinist can potentially earn $100,000 annually with advanced skills, experience, and working in high-demand industries or locations. Achieving this salary often requires proficiency with complex machinery, certifications, and sometimes overtime or supervisory roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Prototype Machinist position, and why are they important?

A Prototype Machinist excels with precision machining skills, blueprint reading, and experience operating both manual and CNC machine tools, usually backed by a technical diploma or apprenticeship. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, measuring instruments, and sometimes relevant certifications like NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) is essential. Strong problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication skills help machinists collaborate with engineers and adapt to unique, evolving projects. These abilities enable the machinist to accurately fabricate custom prototypes and contribute to successful product development within tight deadlines.

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Prototype Machinist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Machinist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,275 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Prototype Machinist

Prototype Machinist

CivicMinds, Inc.

Troy, AL • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title: Prototype Machinist
Location: Troy, AL
SUMMARY
The Prototype Machinist position requires a highly motivated individual with extensive experience working in a prototype machining environment. Strong knowledge of Turning, Grinding, and Milling is essential, with the ability to understand blueprints and GD&T. At least 5 years of experience in general machining and with Haas and Makino Controls. The individual must have the ability to write programs when required. A solid background in manual machining techniques is preferred. Ability to give constructive feedback to design engineers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Under limited supervision, fabricates and modifies novel firearm parts, fixtures, and jigs to drawing specifications.
  • Must be able to work from engineering drawings, sketches, or other written or oral instructions as well as tool design drawings.
  • Maintain, Tooling, Fixturing, Materials, and CNC programs in a systematic way to ensure proper execution of processes.
  • Develop and fabricate tooling, and fixtures to support machining and development of prototype parts and reworking parts.
  • Develop and fabricate prototype tooling for the Engineering lab assembly process for low-volume builds
  • Make advanced program changes without supervision.
  • Assures work areas are organized, clean, and hazard-free; implements 5S practices.
  • Lathe, Mill, Surface Grind, OD Grind, EDM knowledge.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor or team lead.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Interpret technical prints (GD&T)
  • Must know CNC machine "G-Code" and troubleshooting skills
  • Experience maintaining and changing tools
  • Experience determining offsets and adjusting accordingly
  • Working knowledge of measuring equipment(calipers, micrometers, height stand)

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Required:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 5 Years of CNC experience.

Preferred:
  • Vocational/Technical Degree
  • Manual machining experience
  • Lean manufacturing experience
  • Wire EDM experience
  • Die sinker EDM experience
  • Mastercam experience

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