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Prototype Shop Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Axon's San Francisco office currently houses a mechanical engineering team and prototype shop which augments the engineering teams and prototyping facilities at our headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ.

Prototype Machinist

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$38 - $50/hr

Our prototyping cell is built around a 5-axis Okuma mill and a CNC lathe, and it runs separately from the production shop -- giving this role the time and autonomy to make new parts the right way the ...

CNC Machinist

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Prototype shop looking for experienced CNC Machinist. Prefer certification from a technical school and 2+ years of experience. Requires a motivated, self-starter, type of person. Candidates should be ...

CNC Machinist

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Prototype shop looking for experienced CNC Machinist. Prefer certification from a technical school and 2+ years of experience. Requires a motivated, self-starter, type of person. Candidates should be ...

Prototype Machinist

Allendale, NJ ยท On-site

$36.05/hr

Prototype Machinist Location: Allendale, NJ Company: VB Spine Looking for a career where your work ... manual machine shop equipment * Work from engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, and verbal ...

Senior Machinist / Shop Manager

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$25.50 - $35/hr

Axon's San Francisco office currently houses a mechanical engineering team and prototype shop which augments the engineering teams and prototyping facilities at our headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ.

Assembly Technician

Plymouth, MI ยท On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

The Prototype Shop Assembly Technician will work within the American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV) engineering team focused on performing vehicle assembly tasks on prototype vehicles and systems to meet ...

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Prototype Shop information

See salary details

$15

$26

$50

How much do prototype shop jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype shop in the United States is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Prototype Shop role, and why are they important?

To excel in a Prototype Shop role, you need strong mechanical aptitude, proficiency in fabrication techniques, and experience with blueprint reading, often supported by technical training or a relevant degree. Familiarity with CNC machines, 3D printers, hand tools, and CAD software is typically required, along with safety certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this environment. These abilities ensure that prototypes are built accurately, efficiently, and safely, supporting innovation and product development.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a prototype shop, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a prototype shop often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, evolving project requirements, and the need to quickly adapt to new materials or fabrication techniques. Communication and collaboration with design, engineering, and production teams are essential to ensure prototypes meet specifications and are delivered on time. Staying organized, being proactive in problem-solving, and continuously updating technical skills can help address these challenges and contribute to successful prototype development.

What is a Prototype Shop?

A Prototype Shop is a specialized facility where early versions of products or components are designed, fabricated, and tested. These shops are equipped with a variety of tools and equipment to create prototypes using different materials and manufacturing methods. The main goal is to quickly turn design concepts into physical models for evaluation, testing, and improvement before mass production. Prototype Shops are commonly used in industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer products.

What is the difference between Prototype Shop vs Product Designer?

AspectPrototype ShopProduct Designer
Required credentialsTechnical skills, prototyping toolsDesign background, UX/UI skills
Work environmentManufacturing, R&D labsOffice, collaborative teams
Industry usageProduct development, hardware/software prototypingDigital products, user experience design

Prototype Shops focus on creating physical or digital prototypes for testing and development, often requiring technical and prototyping skills. Product Designers concentrate on designing user-centered digital products, emphasizing UX/UI skills. While both roles involve design and development, Prototype Shops are more technical and manufacturing-oriented, whereas Product Designers focus on user experience and visual design.

More about Prototype Shop jobs
Infographic showing various Prototype Shop job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Scale Prototyping Shop Intern - Innovation Works, Inc.

Scale Prototyping Shop Intern - Innovation Works, Inc.

Innovation Works, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Scale Prototyping Shop InternInternship, 16-29 hours/week UpdatedJob Summary:

The Robotics Factory (RF), led by Innovation Works, facilitates the formation, launch, and growth of robotics startups through three programs: Create, Accelerate, & Scale. This position falls under the Scale program and supports Robotics Factory users in product development from idea through prototyping to manufacturing at scale. The Scale Prototyping Shop Intern will report to the Manufacturing Program Manager and work closely with other members of the manufacturing team.

This is a unique opportunity to help bring a variety of new technologies to life. Youโ€™ll be working in an exciting new prototyping facility, the Scale Shop, and you will also have the opportunity to help select, purchase, operate, and maintain the shopโ€™s equipment.

The Scale Prototyping Shop Intern will use their skills to support the prototyping of robotic systems and ensure the RF Scale Shop is a clean, safe, and well-organized prototyping shop. Theyโ€™ll also ensure the shop has the equipment and supplies necessary for robotics startups to rapidly iterate on their design. The goal is to reduce their product development costs, time, and connect these entrepreneurs to the regional supply chain options.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Set up, maintain, and implement equipment preventative maintenance and repair procedures; organize equipment manuals and technical documentation
  • Maintain a culture of safety for themselves and others while working in a shared shop.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose technical issues with prototyping equipment
  • Fabricate electrical and mechanical systems based on technical documentation provided by RF-users or RF Scale teammates
  • Support Robotics Factory Residents in fabricating their prototypes
  • Ensure the shop stays clean, safe, and well-organized by checking inventory, tidying up, and inspiring Residents to follow shop procedures
  • Support the addition of new supplies, equipment, and software needed to assist startup companies.
  • Communicate effectively with RF-users & IW staff that possess a wide range of skills & experience.

Secondary Responsibilities

  • Use the Scale Shop resources to assist startup companies with mechanical fabrication, testing, and design for manufacturability.
  • Support the Manufacturing team in providing Level 1 & Level 2 Safety Training
  • Support the Manufacturing team in regular preventative maintenance and repair of the Scale Shop equipment.
  • Assist in selecting prototyping equipment
  • Support Innovation Works events, particularly RF Scale community building events like Tear Downs, First Thursday, and open shop Build Nights
  • Review and provide feedback on design and technical documentationย 
  • Assist RF-users in electrical and mechanical component selection and procurement.
  • Create training and educational materials for design and fabrication techniques that utilize Scale Shop equipment.

Qualifications & Skills, Required

  • Academic background in mechanical, electrical, or mechatronics engineering (or related fields)
  • Hands-on experience with basic prototyping tools: soldering, breadboarding, 3D printing, CAD, etc.
  • Familiarity with microcontrollers (Arduino, etc.) and simple circuits
  • Interest in sharing knowledge and helping others troubleshoot technical challenges
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
  • Ability to work flexible hours as needed

Qualifications & Skills, Preferred

  • Experience with circuit design software (e.g., KiCad, Eagle)
  • Programming experience in Python or C/C++
  • Robotics or automation projects (coursework or personal)
  • Prior experience in a makerspace, lab, or shared workshop
  • Experience using electronic testing and analysis equipment (e.g., digital storage oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers) for performing signal analysis and data interpretation
  • Experience analyzing, selecting, and sourcing electronic components for custom electromechanical systems and PCBs
  • Entrepreneurial experience; ability to work with budgets, estimate costs, and lead time
  • Experience working directly with external customers in a service capacity
Work Environment:
  • Must be able to lift to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
  • Must be able to work in a prototyping environment with exposure to noise, machinery, electrical, and other related hazardsย 
  • May require occasional evening and weekend shifts based on project demands.
Benefits:
  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Opportunities for career growth and continued training.

And any other duties assigned.

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