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Prototype Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forgent

Prototyping Manager

Waco, TX · On-site

The Prototyping Manager will play a critical role in bridging engineering and manufacturing ... Oversee hands-on assembly of prototype units, ensuring alignment with engineering intent and design ...

Neros Technologies

Prototype Shop Manager

Torrance, CA

$169K - $237K/yr

What you will be doing As the Prototype Shop Manager for Neros, you will own the day-to-day operation and long-term development of our prototype fabrication capabilities. You will work closely with ...

Neros Technologies

Prototype Shop Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$169K - $237K/yr

What you will be doing As the Prototype Shop Manager for Neros, you will own the day-to-day operation and long-term development of our prototype fabrication capabilities. You will work closely with ...

Brembo

Prototype Engineer

Homer, MI · On-site

$30.25 - $34/hr

Manage prototype build schedules, daily activities of direct reports, prototype programs to ensure all prototypes are delivered correctly and on time. Responsible for processes for all prototypes ...

Neuralink

Prototype & Design Specialist

Austin, TX

You will go beyond managing equipment and facilities; you will be a key enabler of technical and ... Prototyping and Fabrication: * Provide hands-on technical support to engineers and technicians by ...

VIRA Insight

Prototype Assistant

Lewisville, AR · On-site

They work closely with the Prototype Lead and Prototype Engineering Manager to lead metal fabrication of samples and all department jobs. This person will also need to utilize other techniques ...

RivCut

Prototype Machinist

Union City, CA · On-site

The Prototype Machinist will inspect finished components, document measurements, and collaborate with engineers and project managers to refine designs and processes. Responsibilities also include ...

Physical Intelligence

Prototype Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$42 - $47.25/hr

We're looking for a Prototype Engineer, an engineering generalist who sits at the intersection of ... cable management, etc.). * Document designs, test results, and build procedures to support ...

JTEKT North America

Prototype Engineer - PLY

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$34 - $38/hr

Manage overall prototype build schedule and required resources. * Guarantee integrity of prototype builds, using incoming inspection data, control plans/ Process Flow Charts, final inspection methods ...

Manpower

Prototype Operator

Duluth, MN

$23/hr

As a Prototype Operator, you will be part of the Production department supporting engineering and ... managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of ...

siffron

Prototype Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Work with Engineering to keep Prototype list up-to-date with projects, priorities, and due dates ... Managing multiple tasks. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk or move to other ...

Siffron

Prototype Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

PERFORMANCE MEASURES · siffron performance plan · On time completion of prototypes · Accuracy of ... Blueprint, micrometer). · Able to handle last minute interruptions. · Managing multiple tasks. · ...

Siffron, Inc

Prototype Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$24.49 - $36.73/hr

PERFORMANCE MEASURES • siffron performance plan • On time completion of prototypes • Accuracy ... Blueprint, micrometer). • Able to handle last minute interruptions. • Managing multiple tasks ...

The Consensus

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160 - $220/hr

Own the division budget (capex and opex), make build-vs-buy calls, and manage relationships with ... Experience standing up a machine shop, prototype lab, or manufacturing line from an empty floor ...

Etched

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$180 - $260/hr

Own the division budget (capex and opex), make build-vs-buy calls, and manage relationships with ... Experience standing up a machine shop, prototype lab, or manufacturing line from an empty floor ...

FWG Solutions

Prototype Engineer

Panama City Beach, FL · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Manage and be responsible for the testing, trials and evaluations onsite * In charge of all model/prototype fabrication and testing * Ensure and deliver successful shock/vibration testing * Conduct ...

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Prototype Manager information

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How much do prototype manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for prototype manager in the United States is $59,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prototype manager do?

A Prototype Manager oversees the development and testing of product prototypes before mass production. They coordinate with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure prototypes meet technical specifications and business requirements. Their role includes managing timelines, budgets, and quality control while addressing any design or functionality issues. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential in this role.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a prototype manager?

A Prototype Manager typically oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of prototype development projects from concept to completion. This involves managing timelines, allocating resources, and collaborating closely with engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to translate ideas into physical models. They are responsible for troubleshooting design issues, ensuring quality standards are met, and communicating progress to stakeholders. In addition, they may supervise a team of technicians and evaluate new prototyping technologies or processes to improve efficiency. Each day brings a mix of hands-on problem solving, strategic planning, and cross-functional communication.

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

To thrive as a Prototype Manager, you need strong project management skills, experience in product development, and often a background in engineering or industrial design. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools (such as 3D printers and CNC machines), and stage-gate or agile development processes is commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and leadership are critical for coordinating cross-functional teams and driving innovation. These capabilities enable a Prototype Manager to efficiently oversee the creation and refinement of prototypes, ensuring projects meet stakeholder expectations and timelines.

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Prototype Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,525 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Prototyping Manager

Forgent

Waco, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and manage all prototyping activities, including planning, execution, and review of initial product builds.

  • Identify, document, and track build issues, including design gaps, manufacturability challenges, tooling constraints, and quality risks.

  • Partner closely with design engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are applied.

Job description

Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and execution-focused Prototyping Manager to lead the development and initial build of new products through the prototype phase and into early production. This role is responsible for overseeing the first builds of complex systems, identifying design and manufacturing issues, and driving resolutions to ensure scalable, repeatable production.

The Prototyping Manager will play a critical role in bridging engineering and manufacturing—ensuring that lessons learned during prototype builds are systematically captured, documented, and incorporated into design and process improvements. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, scaling environment and brings a strong foundation in manufacturing, quality, and cross-functional leadership.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage all prototyping activities, including planning, execution, and review of initial product builds.
  • Oversee hands-on assembly of prototype units, ensuring alignment with engineering intent and design specifications.
  • Identify, document, and track build issues, including design gaps, manufacturability challenges, tooling constraints, and quality risks.
  • Drive root cause analysis and coordinate resolution of prototype issues with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams.
  • Establish and maintain robust documentation processes, including build logs, work instructions, deviation reports, and engineering change requests (ECRs).
  • Partner closely with design engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are applied.
  • Develop standardized processes to transition prototypes into pilot and full-scale production, reducing variability and rework.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and cost optimization.
  • Build and scale prototyping capabilities, including tools, fixtures, workflows, and team structure, to support company growth.
  • Coordinate with supply chain to ensure timely availability of prototype materials and components, including alternates as needed.
  • Provide regular status updates to leadership, highlighting risks, timelines, and readiness for production transition.
  • Mentor and develop a team of technicians and engineers, fostering a culture of accountability, documentation, and operational excellence.

Qualifications


Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, product development, or prototyping environments.
  • 2+ years of leadership or team management experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with new product introduction (NPI) or prototype-to-production transitions.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and production workflows.
  • Experience with issue tracking, root cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies.

Preferred:

  • Experience in Transformer manufacturing
  • Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience working in a scaling or high-growth organization.
  • Knowledge of PLM systems, ERP systems, and engineering change management processes.
  • Exposure to regulated or quality-driven environments (ISO, UL, etc.).

Skills and Competencies:

  • Strong leadership and team-building skills with a hands-on, execution-oriented mindset.
  • Exceptional problem-solving abilities with attention to detail and process discipline.
  • Ability to translate prototype learnings into scalable manufacturing solutions.
  • Effective cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
  • High sense of ownership and accountability in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
  • Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple builds and priorities simultaneously.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with focus on operational efficiency and quality.




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