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Prototype Shop Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United Wheels Inc.

Sample Shop Manager

Miamisburg, OH · On-site

Prototype and sample builds are accurate, complete, and ready ahead of project milestones and customer line reviews. Design, engineering, and product teams can rely on the shop to deliver quality ...

United Wheels

Sample Shop Manager

Miamisburg, OH · On-site

Prototype and sample builds are accurate, complete, and ready ahead of project milestones and customer line reviews. Design, engineering, and product teams can rely on the shop to deliver quality ...

Axon

Senior Machinist / Shop Manager

San Francisco, CA · 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.

suncast

Prototype Technician

Batavia, IL · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

The prototype technician is responsible for supporting the model maker in all aspects of making ... Maintain cleanliness of model shop and model shop storage areas. Conduct twice daily cleaning of ...

Suncast

Prototype Technician

Batavia, IL · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

The prototype technician is responsible for supporting the model maker in all aspects of making ... Maintain cleanliness of model shop and model shop storage areas. Conduct twice daily cleaning of ...

suncast

Prototype Technician

Batavia, IL · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

The prototype technician is responsible for supporting the model maker in all aspects of making ... Maintain cleanliness of model shop and model shop storage areas. Conduct twice daily cleaning of ...

INSPEC MACHINING LLC

CNC Machinist

Camarillo, CA · 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 ...

INSPEC MACHINING LLC

CNC Machinist

Camarillo, CA · 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 ...

Kform

Prototype Machinist

Sterling, VA

$30 - $45/hr

This is a hands-on shop role for someone who can work from CAD models, drawings, sketches, verbal ... Prototype assemblies * Fixtures and tooling * Engineering conversations * Production feedback We ...

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All JobsPrototype Shop Jobs

Prototype Shop information

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$15

$26

$50

How much do prototype shop jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 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 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 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.

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.
More about Prototype Shop jobs
What job categories do people searching Prototype Shop jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Shop jobs are:
Prototype Shop jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Shop job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Sample Shop Manager

Sample Shop Manager

United Wheels Inc.

Miamisburg, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Sample Shop Manager
Location: Miamisburg, OH (HQ)
Department: Product Development / Design
Reports To: Director of Design
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Level: M
Travel: Minimal
Summary
The Sample Shop Manager oversees all aspects of prototype fabrication and sample assembly, ensuring high-quality sample builds that support product development and customer line reviews. This role bridges engineering, product design, and production teams, and leads the sample shop team in delivering accurate, on-time prototype work. The ideal candidate has a background in manufacturing operations, mechanical systems, or bicycle assembly, and a strong understanding of workshop management.
Why This Role Matters
Great products start with great prototypes. The sample shop is where Covation Global’s designs become physical, testable bikes — and where customer line reviews and product decisions are won or lost on the quality and timeliness of the builds. The Sample Shop Manager is the leader who makes that happen: high-quality samples delivered on time, a well-run and safe shop, and a team that operates efficiently and resourcefully. Without this role, sample quality and timelines slip and product development loses momentum.
What Success Looks Like (3 Core Outcomes):
  • High-Quality Samples, Delivered On Time: Prototype and sample builds are accurate, complete, and ready ahead of project milestones and customer line reviews. Design, engineering, and product teams can rely on the shop to deliver quality builds when they need them.
  • A Safe, Well-Run Shop: The sample shop is safe, compliant (OSHA and environmental), and well-organized. Tools, fixtures, and inventory are managed tightly, and safety is part of the culture.
  • Efficient, Resourceful Operations: The shop runs within budget and the team continually finds smarter, more sustainable ways to operate — including reclaiming value from end-of-life bikes and parts and reinvesting it in the team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.
Sample Shop Management
  • Oversee daily operations of the sample and prototype shop, ensuring equipment readiness and adherence to safety standards.
  • Collaborate with product development, design, and engineering teams to fabricate, modify, and assemble prototype bicycles, frames, and components.
  • Maintain inventory of tools, fixtures, raw materials, and consumables.
  • Manage sample timelines to align with project milestones.
  • Ensure quality control and documentation of all prototype builds.
  • Coordinate with suppliers for special materials, machining, and outsourced fabrication needs.
  • Manage the responsible disposal and recycling of obsolete samples, bikes, and parts — including reclaiming metal scrap value and reinvesting proceeds into team engagement initiatives.
Team Leadership
  • Train and supervise sample shop technicians, assemblers, and other support staff.
  • Assign, prioritize, and delegate tasks to direct reports, balancing workload to meet project deadlines.
  • Coach and develop team members, managing performance and day-to-day direction.
Budgeting amp; Planning
  • Collaborate with the Director to develop and implement an annual budget plan for the sample shop, ensuring effective maintenance and adherence throughout the year.
  • Track expenditures, control costs, and identify opportunities for operational efficiency.
  • Support capital planning for new equipment purchases.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes. This role supervises sample shop technicians, assemblers, and support staff — including the Lead Sample Shop Technician — and is responsible for assigning tasks, training, performance, and day-to-day direction.
Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years in workshop, fabrication, or sample shop management — preferably in the cycling, sporting goods, or light manufacturing industry.
  • Experience managing teams.
  • Hands-on mechanical or technical skills (bike assembly, machining, welding, or fabrication experience preferred).
  • Proven analytical and organizational skills; capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Competencies
Covation Global’s competencies are grounded in our Core Values (Integrity, Simplicity, Priority, Agility) and Strategic Pillars (Rider Centricity, Collaborative Innovation, Operational Excellence).
  • Integrity: We do what we say. Operates with honesty, transparency, and accountability at every step; honors commitments to partners, riders, and colleagues, and builds trust through consistent, responsible decisions.
  • Simplicity: Complexity is a tax. Delivers clarity, ease, and purposeful design in everything; streamlines processes, removes unnecessary steps, and focuses on what matters most.
  • Priority: Focus on what matters most. Ruthlessly prioritizes the critical few over the trivial many, concentrating energy and resources where they drive the greatest value and outcome.
  • Agility: Speed is precision in motion. Moves with purpose, speed, and adaptability; embraces change, thinks creatively, acts decisively, and responds quickly to shifting needs and market conditions.
  • Rider Centricity: Keeps the rider at the center of decisions. Anticipates needs and works to deliver best-in-class experience, better quality, and better value across every brand and function.
  • Collaborative Innovation: Develops game-changing solutions inspired by the rider, supported by collective research and shared expertise, and validated by business results; challenges the status quo to drive improvement.
  • Operational Excellence: Delivers results with lean, efficient execution. Drives continuous improvement across products, processes, operations, costs, and service, while maximizing value for the organization.
  • ESG amp; Responsible Growth: Supports sustainable innovation, ethical operations, and positive community impact. Finds resourceful ways to reduce waste and reinvest value — such as reclaiming metal scrap from end-of-life bikes and parts to fund team engagement — ensuring growth is achieved responsibly and with integrity to people and the planet.

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