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Prototype Model Maker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Product Design Technologist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$152K - $182K/yr

We would love to have you on our team if you have: * 5+ yrs experience as a prototype engineer, model maker, or in a similar role. * Strong experience in CAD and CAM programming, with deep, practical ...

... Apply prototyping skills to create models, including model making in 2D and 3D formats. • Provide basic production direction, including creating drawings to help a model maker create a 3D ...

... maker mindset to ensure prototypes, materials, and manufacturing strategies meet functional ... test models; strong manual dexterity and spatial awareness. • Proven ability to independently ...

Composite Tool Maker III

Adelanto, CA

$27.50 - $35.50/hr

... designs/drawings, models, tool orders, manufacturing service requests, engineering or shop ... prototype molds and jigs. * Fabricate composite and metal trim & drill fixtures per blueprints.

Composite Tool Maker III

Adelanto, CA

$27.50 - $35.50/hr

... designs/drawings, models, tool orders, manufacturing service requests, engineering or shop ... prototype molds and jigs. * Fabricate composite and metal trim & drill fixtures per blueprints.

Composite Tool Maker III

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

... designs/drawings, models, tool orders, manufacturing service requests, engineering or shop ... prototype molds and jigs. * Fabricate composite and metal trim & drill fixtures per blueprints.

Ability to communicate concepts clearly through sketches, 3D models, and prototypes. * Familiarity ... Hands-on maker mindset with strong attention to detail. * Collaborative and effective communicator.

... modeling, with proficiency in simulation tools like SPICE or MATLAB.Experience with design and ... prototype bring-up, debugging, validation and failure analysis Experience with full ECAD workflow ...

... modeling, with proficiency in simulation tools like SPICE or MATLAB.Experience with design and ... prototype bring-up, debugging, validation and failure analysis Experience with full ECAD workflow ...

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Prototype Model Maker information

See California salary details

$10

$30

$66

How much do prototype model maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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:
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.

Product Design Technologist

Ōura

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$152K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Our mission at Oura is to empower every person to own their inner potential. Our award-winning products help our global community gain a deeper knowledge of their readiness, activity, and sleep quality by using their Oura Ring and its connected app. We've helped millions of people understand and improve their health by providing daily insights and practical steps to inspire healthy lifestyles.
Empowering the world starts with living our values and empowering our team. As a quickly growing company focused on helping people live healthier and happier lives, we ensure that our team members have what they need to do their best work - both in and out of the office.
About the Role
We're looking for a talented Product Design Technologist to join our forward-thinking Industrial Design team in San Francisco. Please note: this is a fully on-site role dedicated specifically to serving the creative needs of the design studio, rather than traditional hardware engineering validation. In this role, you'll be the heartbeat of our physical design process-translating visionary concepts into reality through advanced fabrication, and influencing the studio through your deep technical mastery of making.
What You'll Do
  • Build diverse prototypes: Fabricate a wide array of physical models for the design team-ranging from quick, iterative volumetric shape studies to high-fidelity, presentation-ready aesthetic and functional prototypes.
  • CAD & CAM programming: Partner closely with the team to take CAD models or rough concepts and seamlessly bridge the gap to perfectly executed physical objects. Utilize software (specifically Rhino, Siemens NX, and Fusion 360) to translate complex surfacing and design intent into models and toolpaths.
  • Operate machinery and techniques: Expertly set up and run CNC machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, and manual machine tools. Execute a wide range of hands-on processes, including molding, casting, blasting, and polishing etc.
  • Material exploration: Build models using a vast array of materials and help the design team explore new materials, finishes, textures, colors, and processes.
  • Be an inspiration: Act as the studio's subject matter expert in making. Inspire the team, share your knowledge of manufacturing processes, and foster a strong culture of world-class craftsmanship.

We would love to have you on our team if you have:
  • 5+ yrs experience as a prototype engineer, model maker, or in a similar role.
  • Strong experience in CAD and CAM programming, with deep, practical experience using softwares like Rhino, Siemens NX, and Fusion 360.
  • Strong hands-on experience operating CNC machines, general machining equipment, laser cutters, and various 3D printing technologies.
  • Deep expertise in building high-quality models from a wide variety of materials.
  • An exceptional eye for details and quality.
  • A comprehensive portfolio that showcases your mastery in model making, workflows, and craftsmanship.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills-able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and help the team solve complex physical challenges.
  • A passion for making and the ability to work 100% on-site at our San Francisco location.

BENEFITS
At Oura, we care about you and your well-being. Everyone here at Oura has a ring of their own and we are continually looking to improve employee health and add to our benefits!
What we offer:
  • Competitive salary and equity packages
  • Health, dental, vision insurance, and mental health resources
  • An Oura Ring of your own plus employee discounts for friends & family
  • 20 days of paid time off plus 13 paid holidays plus 8 days of flexible wellness time off
  • Paid sick leave and parental leave
  • Amazing culture of collaborative and passionate coworkers

Oura takes a market-based approach to pay, which may vary depending on your location. US locations are categorized into tiers based on a cost of labor index for that geographic area. While most offers will be closer to the starting range, successful candidates' pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, internal peer equity, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.
  • Region 1: $172,000 - $203,000

A recruiter can determine your zones/tiers based on your US location.
We are not considering candidates residing in the following states: Alaska (AK), Arkansas (AR), Delaware (DE), Iowa (IA), Mississippi (MS), Nebraska (NE), Oklahoma (OK), Rhode Island (RI), South Dakota (SD), Vermont (VT), West Virginia (WV), and Wisconsin (WI)
Oura is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals seeking employment at Oura are considered without regard to age, ancestry, color, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, race, religion (including beliefs and practices or the absence thereof), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
We will work to ensure individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Disclaimer: Beware of fake job offers!
We've been alerted to scammers posing as ŌURA recruiters, especially for remote roles. Please note:
  • Our jobs are listed only on the ŌURA Careers page and trusted job boards.
  • We will never ask for personal information like ID or payment for equipment upfront.
  • Official offers are sent through Docusign after a verbal offer, not via text or email.

Stay cautious and protect your personal details.
To all recruitment agencies: Oura does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Oura employees, or any other organization's location. Oura is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.