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Prototype Tester Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

PinnaclePartners

Power Electronics Engineer

Sterling, VA

$120K - $170K/yr

Support EMI/EMC testing. Support UL/IEC and other applicable safety certification activities. Support prototype development through manufacturing and production. Work cross-functionally with controls ...

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Socket.dev

Expert UI/UX Designer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

Create interactive prototypes and iterate designs based on testing and user feedback. * Use industry-standard design tools including Figma, Sketch, and/or Adobe Creative Suite . * Collaborate closely ...

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Prototype Tester information

What is a prototype tester?

Prototype testers are professionals who evaluate early versions of products, known as prototypes, to identify issues, gather user feedback, and ensure the product meets design and functionality expectations. They play a crucial role in the development process by testing usability, durability, and performance, and providing recommendations for improvements. Their feedback helps companies refine products before mass production or public release, reducing the risk of costly errors and enhancing customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototype tester?

To thrive as a Prototype Tester, you need a solid understanding of product development processes, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities, often supported by a background in engineering, design, or quality assurance. Familiarity with testing tools, data collection systems, and relevant documentation software is typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and adaptability help Prototype Testers collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide clear feedback. These skills ensure accurate evaluation of prototypes, supporting product improvement and successful launches.

What are some common challenges prototype testers face when evaluating new products, and how can they overcome them?

Prototype Testers often encounter challenges such as incomplete documentation, rapidly evolving product designs, or limited testing resources. Navigating these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and clear communication with design and engineering teams. Collaborating closely with developers and providing detailed, constructive feedback helps ensure that potential issues are identified and addressed early in the process. Additionally, staying organized and maintaining thorough testing records can help manage changes and provide valuable insights for future iterations.

What is the difference between Prototype Tester vs Product Tester?

AspectPrototype TesterProduct Tester
Required CredentialsBasic technical skills, sometimes a background in engineering or designMinimal; often no formal credentials needed
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, or client sitesHome, retail stores, or online testing environments
Industry UsageProduct development, engineering, manufacturingConsumer goods, electronics, food products
Common Search IntentTesting prototypes for functionality and usabilityEvaluating finished products for quality and satisfaction

Prototype Testers focus on evaluating early-stage models to identify design flaws, while Product Testers assess finished products for quality and user experience. Both roles involve testing but differ in scope, environment, and credentials required.

How do you become a prototype tester?

To become a prototype tester, you typically need to have good attention to detail, basic technical skills, and the ability to follow instructions. Many companies look for individuals who can provide clear, constructive feedback on product designs and usability, often requiring familiarity with testing tools or software. Some roles may require prior experience or certifications in quality assurance or product testing, and flexible schedules are common for testing sessions.

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For Prototype Tester jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prototype Tester jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype Tester jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Prototype Tester jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Prototype Tester job openings:

Prototype Tester jobs near you

Sr Thermal Test Engineer

Jessup, MD • Hybrid

Baltimore Aircoil Company
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Baltimore Aircoil Companyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Baltimore Aircoil Company rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

POSITION PURPOSE
Baltimore Aircoil Company is seeking a Senior Thermal Test Engineer as a member of the Thermal Support Systems Group.  This engineer is charged with overseeing thermal testing for BAC’s global product lines to support development of thermal models, for regulatory testing, for customer performance testing, and to support new product introduction (NPI) initiatives. This role is tasked with establishing state of the art testing processes and elevating personnel and equipment to a world class degree of efficiency. This role would acquire and deploy expertise in cooling tower, fluid cooler, condenser and hybrid systems, field testing, as well as set up global testing facility standards. This role would lend his/her expertise and be a representative at relevant heat rejection associations and consortiums.
 
NATURE & SCOPE
Reports to the Chief Engineer, Thermal Support Systems Group.  
 
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
  • B.S. degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering with a strong emphasis in thermodynamics, heat/ mass transfer and fluid mechanics.  Graduate degree, graduate course and/ or P.E. is a plus.
  • Good scientific and engineering programming skills. Efficient with Microsoft Excel VBA programming and/or other widely used engineering computation software. Ability to work with or learn to work with CAD software.
  • 6-8 years’ experience in testing of HVAC & refrigeration systems and components.  Graduate degree in related areas could be counted towards experience.
  • Must enjoy a hands-on approach in an open learning, continuous improvement environment.
  • High level of competence with experimental work and laboratory testing.  Good knowledge of flow, pressure, temperature, and velocity measurements.  Familiar with the instrumentation involved and it’s operating principles in a psychrometric testing environment. Familiarity with data acquisition systems (LABVIEW, etc), flow sizing, and fan characteristics is a plus.
  • Knowledge of the concept of test uncertainty and measurement error accumulation is a plus.
  • Effective communication, written and verbal, with a globally diverse audience.
  • Ability to work independently and with others on teams to understand and translate design and process engineering requirements into thermal test plans and thermal models.
  • Ability to understand product/component function, reliability, and quality requirements.
  • Strong time management and project management skills.
  • Independently applies theory and principles to engineering practice. Strong analysis and problem-solving ability.
  • Inquisitive, self-motivated, dedicated and detail-oriented with excellent follow-through skills.
  • Ability to train and successfully interface with laboratory technicians is a must.
 
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
  • Be the point-of-contact with the R&D Laboratory on all thermal testing programs
  • Lead the thermal data testing required to develop theoretical models. Assist to develop performance rating programs. Be intimately involved in critical stages of thermal modeling such as unit selection, scheduling, prototype testing, and data interpretation.
  • Support innovation to identify opportunities for improving thermal performance through performance concept testing and data analysis. Provide analysis, recommendations on concept behavior and enhancement and be responsible for ensuring project reports are written.
  • Provide thermal engineering expertise and support to New Product Introduction. Perform or oversee prototype testing and data reduction. Take initiative to evaluate prototype behavior at NPI stage to identify deficiencies and potential for performance enhancement.
  • Lead the efforts to oversee and complete CTI annual re-certification tests. Schedule test windows, select test units, and co-ordinate CTI tester and lab activities. 
  • Actively represent the organization at the Institute by participating in committees, presentations and product showcases. 
  • Become R&D laboratory continuous improvement icon.  Benchmark thermal testing processes versus other industry leaders.  Optimize testing techniques and processes to drastically scale testing capacity.  Review existing lab processes, lab systems (DAQ, etc) and technical sub-routines to improve the efficiency and quality of data collection and analysis. Enhance the integration of engineering projects with laboratory priorities and personnel. Assist to schedule and plan test matrix to minimize prototype testing burdens while providing enough data to validate theoretical model and/or innovation concept. Provide training and guidance as needed.
  • Support customer thermal performance verification testing (Factory Witness Testing) by setting expectations, setting up the test program, resolving queries, and generating reports
  • Support the field installation, testing and troubleshooting of towers, fluid coolers, condensers, and hybrid equipment.
  • Support the improvement and expansion efforts of global prototype testing facilities to cater to diverse needs.  
  • Prepare reports on complex projects. Make presentations at all levels of organization. Effectively communicate with both internal and external personnel.
  • Provide continuous improvement to laboratory processes and test procedures and develop and refine Standard Operating Procedures.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

  • Travel can be up to 15% of the time
 
BAC Hiring Compensation Range $90,000 - $154,100
 
BAC offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401k, employee stock ownership plan, and more. Please see additional details on the BAC website at www.Baltimoreaircoil.com.  
 
BAC Employees are eligible to participate in an annual bonus incentive program.

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