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Prototype Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amazon

iOS Software Development Engineer, Key

Austin, TX

$138.80K/yr

Key job responsibilities - Design, develop and maintain our iOS mobile applications - Work with team members to investigate design approaches, prototype technology and evaluate technical feasibility ...

Amazon

iOS Software Development Engineer, Key

Austin, TX · On-site

$138.80K/yr

Key job responsibilities - Design, develop and maintain our iOS mobile applications - Work with team members to investigate design approaches, prototype technology and evaluate technical feasibility ...

SCEYE INC

Prototype Machinist

Moriarty, NM · On-site

Prototype Machinist Status: Full Time, exempt Location: Moriarty, NM Who Are We ... Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications ...

burton

Craigs - Prototype Shop Technician I

Burton, MI · On-site

Burton's Prototype Shop Technicians are key team members of our Advanced Concept and Development ... You will have the opportunity to embrace and drive new manufacturing technologies and share your ...

Nikon Corporation

Prototype Machinist

Long Beach, CA

... of AM technology. As a part of the Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem, we leverage our ... Prototype Machinist The Prototype Machinist is responsible for programming and operating machinery ...

Omniscius Consulting

Technical Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

Support Modeling and Simulation activities associated with experimentation and prototype technology assessments. * Support Wargaming, Technology Innovation Games (TIG), and other analytical ...

burton

Craigs - Prototype Shop Technician I

Burton, MI · On-site

Burton's Prototype Shop Technicians are key team members of our Advanced Concept and Development ... You will have the opportunity to embrace and drive new manufacturing technologies and share your ...

Eosenergystorage

Prototype Technician

Edison, NJ · On-site

... t is safe, scalable, efficient, sustainable, manufactured in the U.S., and the core of our ... All prototype lab team members are responsible for producing the required number of cells and ...

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Prototype Tech information

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$15

$26

$50

How much do prototype tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype tech 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 as a Prototype Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Tech, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience with fabrication processes, and a background in engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, CNC machines, 3D printers, and related prototyping tools is typically required, and certifications in manufacturing or machining are advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you excel in building and refining prototypes. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient prototype development and successful collaboration with engineering teams.

What are some typical challenges a Prototype Tech may face when transitioning from design concepts to physical prototypes?

Prototype Techs often encounter challenges when translating digital designs into tangible prototypes, such as interpreting incomplete specifications, sourcing appropriate materials quickly, and troubleshooting unexpected technical issues during fabrication. The role requires adaptability and strong problem-solving skills to iterate and refine prototypes efficiently, often under tight deadlines. Effective communication with engineers and designers is essential to clarify requirements and ensure the final prototype meets functional expectations.

What does a Prototype Tech do?

A Prototype Tech, short for Prototype Technician, is responsible for building, testing, and refining prototypes of new products or components. They work closely with engineers and designers to turn concepts into physical models, using various tools, materials, and fabrication techniques. Their work often involves troubleshooting, making modifications, documenting processes, and ensuring that prototypes meet design and safety standards. Prototype Techs play a crucial role in product development by helping identify potential issues before full-scale production.

What is the difference between Prototype Tech vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPrototype Tech
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications, associate degrees, or relevant technical training
Work EnvironmentHands-on, lab or workshop settings focused on building and testing prototypes
Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing, product development, and R&D teams
Primary FocusCreating, assembling, and testing prototypes based on design specifications

Mechanical Engineers often hold a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, focus on design, analysis, and overseeing manufacturing processes. While Prototype Techs focus on hands-on prototype creation and testing, Mechanical Engineers are involved in the broader design and engineering process. Both roles are essential in product development but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

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Prototype Tech jobs near you

Prototype Technician IV (Innovation Lab)

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
About Gloworks
The Gloworks Innovation team is located within the Firefly CTO office and seeks to advance novel technology to TRL>5 so that it can be deployed to Engineering, as well as owns small technology and vehicle programs that fall beyond the scope of the Elytra, Blue Ghost, Alpha, and Eclipse program focus.
SUMMARY
Firefly is looking for experienced builders with a background in manufacturing launch vehicles and spacecraft to collaborate with Innovation engineers to build prototype hardware within our Gloworks Innovation Lab. You will be part of a small, lean, highly skilled and dynamic team that will involve you in all aspects of prototype manufacturing, from machining, composites, manufacturing-engineering support, design-for-manufacturing, assembling and testing mechanisms, fabrication, and testing. Excellent collaboration and communication skills, along with a positive attitude are critical.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities
Composites Workcell
  • Lead the setup and operation of a composites work cell within the Gloworks lab
  • Lead and execute key decision non equipment, processes, and methods to ensure successful operation of the composites work cell.
  • Develop and lead the building of necessary tooling and fixturing to enable successful composite prototype production within Gloworks

Manual Machining
  • Set up and operate manual mills and lathes for one-off prototype features, secondary operations, and rapid design iterations.
  • Apply sound machining practice and craftsmanship to maintain tight tolerances on manual equipment.

Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Advisory
  • Engage with engineers early in the design process to provide DFM guidance that reduces lead time and cost without compromising design intent.
  • Identify manufacturability risks and propose alternative geometries or processes to accelerate the prototype cycle.
  • Participate in design reviews and engineering meetings as the manufacturing subject matter expert.

Inspection & Quality
  • Perform first-article and in-process hand inspection using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other standard metrology tools.
  • Verify parts to engineering drawings and models, document non-conformances and support engineering dispositioning of deviations.

Prototype Assembly Support
  • Collaborate with engineers on the assembly of prototype hardware, providing machining expertise during fit-up and integration.
  • Perform minor modifications and rework during assembly as required to meet design intent.

Training & Knowledge Transfer
  • Train engineers and Innovation Lab staff on the safe and effective use of composite materials, tools, and methods
  • Support a parallel-pathing culture where engineers can contribute to prototyping tasks under supervision, increasing prototype throughput.
  • Develop best-practice documentation for Lab manufacturing projects.

Required Qualifications
  • Minimum 7 years of hands-on composites or machining experience, with significant time in a prototype, R&D, or job-shop environment.
  • Demonstrated experience operating manual mills and lathes to produce precision prototype parts.
  • Ability to independently create workholding solutions, write offset sheets, and develop setups.
  • Proficiency reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and 3D CAD models.
  • Proficiency with hand inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges).
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable working alongside engineers and technical staff daily.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in an R&D, aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing innovation environment.
  • Exposure to 5-axis mill or mill-turn programming in Mastercam or equivalent CAM system.
  • CMM operation or other advanced metrology equipment experience.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position is performed on-site in an active machine shop within the Innovation Lab. The role requires prolonged standing, lifting of workpieces and tooling (up to 50 lbs), and the use of personal protective equipment at all times. The environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative; flexibility to support shifting program priorities and accelerated prototype timelines is essential to success in this role.
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status

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