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Prototype Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Neros Technologies

Prototype Shop Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/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

$120K - $180K/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 ...

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 ...

Apple

CNC Prototyping Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

In this role, you will manage a team of highly skilled CNC machinists, partnering with external ... with prototype CNC programming and machining, and ability to learn, absorb, and master new ...

Protingent

Prototype Build Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Prototype Build Technician Position Description : Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire ... Manage procurement of key components and maintain relationships with suppliers * Collaborate ...

Droyd Robotics

Prototype Team Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

About the role As the Prototype Team Lead at Droyd, you will manage day-to-day operations for the prototype lab while directing the workflow, capacity, and priorities of the technician team. In this ...

Apple

CNC Prototyping Manager

Sunnyvale, CA

$183K - $319K/yr

In this role, you will manage a team of highly skilled CNC machinists, partnering with external ... Triage and prioritize incoming prototype requests, balancing urgency, complexity, and team capacity ...

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Prototype Manager information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$58.7K

$114.5K

How much do prototype manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for prototype manager in California is $58,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Engineering roles such as senior software engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-paying positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities in specialized industries.

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.

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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Prototype Manager or similar senior roles, annual salaries of $300,000 or more are typically found in industries like technology, aerospace, and automotive, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High-paying positions often require specialized knowledge, project management expertise, and sometimes advanced certifications or degrees. Executive-level roles such as Director or VP of R&D may also reach or exceed this salary level.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

Prototype Managers in industries such as technology, automotive, and consumer products often earn around $100,000 annually, especially with experience and advanced skills in design, engineering, and project management. Other roles like software engineers, product designers, and senior engineers can also reach this salary level, particularly in high-demand sectors or with specialized certifications. Salary ranges vary based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What is a prototype job?

A prototype job involves designing, developing, and testing prototypes to evaluate concepts, functionality, and usability before full-scale production. Prototype managers oversee these processes, coordinate teams, and ensure that prototypes meet project specifications using tools like CAD software and rapid prototyping techniques.
What are popular job titles related to Prototype Manager jobs in California? For Prototype Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Prototype Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Prototype Manager job openings:
Prototype Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,746 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Prototype Shop Manager

Neros Technologies

Torrance, CA • On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Who we are
Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.
As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.
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 engineers to deliver high-quality prototype parts on aggressive timelines, with a strong emphasis on CNC machining, 3D printing, and precision prototype assembly/finish. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment: you will run the queue, build parts, keep the shop safe and organized, and expand capability over time through smart tooling/equipment decisions and expanding your team as demand grows.
Responsibilities
  • Own daily shop execution: job intake, prioritization, scheduling, and delivery of prototype parts for engineering
  • Machine and fabricate prototype parts; CNC (metals & composite materials) and 3D printing, including post-processing and basic assembly/finish
  • Partner with engineers on DFM: optimize designs for manufacturability, lead time, cost, and repeatability
  • Build and enforce a safety-first shop culture (PPE, dust/fume control for composite machining, machine guarding, training)
  • Own shop readiness: tooling and consumables, calibration, and preventative maintenance scheduling
  • Develop the equipment/tooling roadmap: select, justify, commission, and maintain machines, work holding, cutters, and inspection equipment
  • Hire, train, and mentor technicians as the shop grows; define roles, training plans, and performance expectations

You should have the following
  • 8+ years in a prototype, R&D, or high-mix fabrication environment (aerospace, robotics, motorsports, consumer hardware, job shop, etc.)
  • Strong hands-on capability in manual and CNC machining (setup, workholding, tool selection, feeds/speeds) and comfort machining both metals and composite materials
  • CAM experience (Mastercam, NX CAM, CATIA CAM, SolidCAM, etc.) and fixture/workholding design experience
  • Experience running or owning a shop queue: prioritization, estimating, and communicating timelines/tradeoffs with engineering teams
  • Practical metrology experience (calipers/mics/indicators, datum thinking, basic inspection planning)
  • Experience with procurement, vendor management, and make-vs-buy decisions
  • Strong safety discipline (including composite dust control and shop best practices)

Nice to Have
  • Experience with CNC routers for composites, dust collection systems, and composite-specific tooling/workflows
  • Additive manufacturing depth (SLA/FDM tuning, material selection, consistent post-processing)
  • Metal fabrication experience including weldments and sheet metal work
  • Advanced metrology, deeper GD&T, or functional gage design
  • Experience commissioning equipment (layout, utilities, acceptance testing, training plans)
  • Experience scaling a shop: hiring, training programs, inventory systems, or light ERP/MES tools

US Salary Range
$120,000 - $180,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.
We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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