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Prototype Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ford Motor Company

Senior Prototype Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$98K - $186K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

Project manage and source components from internal and external vendors of waterjet and laser cutting, rapid prototyping, CNC machining, and composite layup. What you'll be able to do: Senior ...

Mytra

Engineering Technician II - Bot Prototype

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Have solid harnessing fundamentals: wire soldering, connector crimping, cable management, and ... Bot Prototype is a high-leverage seat. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with Design, Systems, and ...

Magna

Engineer II, Product Integration

Goleta, CA · On-site

You will lead manufacturing alignment, prototype and component risk management, and hands-on support for DFM, lean line readiness, and validation activities. The position also plays a key role in ...

New

Mytra

Senior Engineering Technician - Bot Prototype

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$42 - $48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the role As a senior Engineering Technician on Mytra's Bot Prototype team, you'll own our ... Have strong harnessing fundamentals: wire soldering, connector crimping, cable management, and ...

Eight Sleep

Hardware Prototype & Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Build physical prototypes, bring up hardware, run through experiments that stresses our state of the art products and sensors to generate test data, then manage data to create actionable information ...

Eight Sleep

Hardware Prototype & Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Build physical prototypes, bring up hardware, run through experiments that stresses our state of the art products and sensors to generate test data, then manage data to create actionable information ...

Magna

Engineer II, Product Integration

Goleta, CA · On-site

You will lead manufacturing alignment, prototype and component risk management, and hands-on support for DFM, lean line readiness, and validation activities. The position also plays a key role in ...

Mytra

Engineering Technician I - Bot Prototype

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$32 - $37/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the role As an Engineering Technician I at Mytra, you'll join our Bot Prototype team and ... Any exposure to ticketing or project-management tools (e.g., Linear, JIRA). A Final Note: If this ...

Apple

AI Product Development Lead

Cupertino, CA · On-site

This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on leader who can build prototypes, manage a team, and navigate the path from concept to production. You will be the connective tissue between what AI can do ...

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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 Aug 15, 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Prototype jobs in California?

The most popular types of Prototype jobs in California are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,746 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Prototype and Development Manufacturing Supervisor

Zone 5 Technologies

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$104K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.
We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.
The Prototype and Development Supervisor leads day-to-day execution across prototype build and systems integration activities, ensuring development work is safe, disciplined, coordinated, and learning-focused.
This role owns people leadership, daily priorities, and execution flow across Development and Systems Integration technicians, while respecting technical risk authority held by senior technical staff.
This role involves working closely with various engineering disciplines, production staff as needed, and operations teams to support expected outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Development & Integration Execution
• Own daily execution across prototype build and systems integration work
• Coordinate priorities across Development and Integration to maintain a tight learning loop
• Ensure smooth handoff from prototype build → system integration → test
• Balance competing demands across multiple programs and value streams
People Leadership
• Directly manage Development and Systems Integration Technicians
• Set clear expectations, provide coaching, and address performance issues
• Support skill development and readiness for promotion
• Ensure staffing and coverage align with development priorities
Safety & Discipline
• Enforce safety procedures during powered, integrated, and flight-capable work
• Ensure development discipline (documentation, configuration awareness, escalation)
• Support stop-work decisions when safety or risk thresholds are exceeded
Cross-Functional Coordination
• Partner with Engineering to align execution with design intent
• Coordinate with Flight Test for readiness and scheduling
• Work with Manufacturing to support clean prototype → production transitions
Continuous Improvement
• Improve development execution cadence and predictability
• Identify friction in handoffs and remove blockers
• Support standardization without suppressing learning
Decision Authority
• Sets daily priorities and task sequencing
• Assigns work across Development and Integration teams
• Escalates technical risk decisions appropriately
• Recommends staffing and development actions
Required Qualifications:
• 5-8+ years in aerospace, UAV, robotics, or advanced development environments
• Prior experience leading technical teams (supervisor or lead)
• Strong understanding of prototype build, integration, and test workflows
• Proven ability to lead in ambiguous, fast-changing environments
• Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills
• Safety-first mindset
Pay range for this role
$104,000-$118,000 USD
What's in it for you:
Benefits:
  • Competitive total compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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