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Prototype Model Maker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mattel

Model Maker

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Leads low to medium model making projects and prototype development with basic mechanical features working from drawings, sketches, and verbal instructions. * Receives direction from Leads and ...

Mattel

Model Maker

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Leads low to medium model making projects and prototype development with basic mechanical features working from drawings, sketches, and verbal instructions. * Receives direction from Leads and ...

Mattel

Model Maker

El Segundo, CA

Leads low to medium model making projects and prototype development with basic mechanical features working from drawings, sketches, and verbal instructions. * Receives direction from Leads and ...

Apple

Laser Specialist -Model Maker

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Our specialized focus lies in crafting high-quality models, prototypes, and manufacturing/design ... maker with proven experience and a deep drive to continue learning. At Apple, we truly embrace the ...

LEMO Group

Machinist - Model Maker II

Rohnert Park, CA · On-site

Machinist - Model Maker II Rohnert Park, California USA • Permanent contract • As soon as ... Provides cost and material estimates for prototypes, tooling, and short run production. * Develops ...

Apple

Laser Specialist -Model Maker

Sunnyvale, CA

$50.19 - $88.08/hr

Our specialized focus lies in crafting high-quality models, prototypes, and manufacturing/design ... maker with proven experience and a deep drive to continue learning. At Apple, we truly embrace the ...

Applied Medical

Mold Maker

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

$25 - $40/hr

Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products ... Prepare prototype components by mounting on pallets and ensuring proper fixturing for repeatable ...

Applied Medical

Mold Maker

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

$25 - $40/hr

Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products ... Prepare prototype components by mounting on pallets and ensuring proper fixturing for repeatable ...

Applied Medical

Mold Maker

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products ... Prepare prototype components by mounting on pallets and ensuring proper fixturing for repeatable ...

Serra Manufacturing Corporation

DIE MAKER

Compton, CA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Study and build prototype pieces, die models, and templates based on customer applications ... Requirements= The position requires four years of experience as a tool and die maker or related ...

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All JobsPrototype Model Maker JobsPrototype Model Maker Jobs in California

Prototype Model Maker information

See California salary details

$10

$30

$66

How much do prototype model maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype model maker in California is $30.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $38.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Prototype Model Maker?

A typical day for a Prototype Model Maker involves reviewing design plans or CAD drawings, selecting materials, and using a range of hand and power tools or machines to build physical models of new products or parts. You might spend part of your day operating 3D printers or CNC machines, assembling components, and collaborating closely with engineers and designers to resolve technical challenges. Attention to detail and adaptability are crucial, as you may need to create iterations or make adjustments based on feedback. The role can be both creative and technical, and often includes problem-solving in a hands-on workshop or lab environment.

What does a Prototype Model Maker do?

A Prototype Model Maker creates physical models and prototypes of products to help designers, engineers, and manufacturers test form, fit, and function. They use various materials, tools, and techniques, including CNC machining, 3D printing, and handcrafting, to build accurate representations of product concepts. Their work helps refine designs before mass production, reducing costs and identifying potential design flaws early in the process.

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

To thrive as a Prototype Model Maker, you need a solid background in fabrication, technical drawing interpretation, and hands-on skills with materials such as plastics, metals, and wood, often supported by relevant technical training or apprenticeship. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printers, CNC machines, and other model-making tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial because they allow for precise, innovative, and collaborative creation of functional prototypes that meet design and engineering specifications.

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Model Maker jobs in California? For Prototype Model Maker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototype Model Maker jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Model Maker jobs in California are:
Prototype Model Maker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Model Maker job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 9% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,391 per year, or $31 per hour.
Model Maker / Fabricator

Model Maker / Fabricator

Kelly Services

Foster City, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Model Maker
Aid in the development of rapid first articles and prototypes to support Zoox’s mission to solve autonomous mobility. You’ll be supporting our internal partners with highly dynamic projects that come to the prototyping team. Your support will include interfacing with both prototyping teammates and internal clients to support the rapid iteration for vehicle development. You will both bring and grow a prototyping mindset in addition to various capabilities including but not limited to metalwork waterjet, shear, brake, mill, lathe, welding , composites, and additive manufacturing. Broad experience is not needed but a desire to learn and a customer-focused mindset is a must
Responsibilities
  • Prioritizing and completing work in a timely manner
  • Professional communications regarding project updates, timelines, quality, requirements, risks, etc.
  • Maintain a high level of shop cleanliness and organization at all times
  • CNC operation experience
  • Craftsmanship experience: proficiency in de-burring, hand-tool use, or similar

Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience as a model maker or fabricator
  • Basic ability to use CAD tools such as Solidworks and to read and understand blueprints/engineering drawings
  • Ability to communicate and evaluate a design for fabrication
  • Excellent customer-service mindset

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.

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