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Prototype Tester Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Alcon

Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

Supporting medical device development activities such as prototyping, testing, pilot builds, V&V, risk assessment, and ramp-up to production release. * Supporting all aspects of documentation and ...

ALIGN Executive Search

R & D Engineer

Tustin, CA

Design & Prototyping: Build preliminary sketches, 3D models, detailed design concepts, and engineering prototypes. [1] * Testing & Validation: Plan and run benchtop tests, verification and validation ...

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Prototype Tester information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$49

$72

How much do prototype tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype tester in Riverside, CA is $49.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.13 and $58.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Tester jobs in Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Prototype Tester jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype Tester jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Prototype Tester jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Prototype Tester job openings:

Prototype Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Tester job openings in Riverside, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,168 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer

Irvine, CA • On-site

Terran Orbital Corporation
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Terran Orbital Corporationexternal

$107K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system – you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer  to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Structural Engineering Manager, the Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer will support spacecraft structural systems and subsystem design from concept development through design reviews, prototype testing, manufacturing, and verification testing. This role contributes technical expertise, supports testing activities, and collaborates closely with engineers across multiple disciplines.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify structural design constraints and recommend mitigation strategies across concept development, prototyping, production, testing, and launch integration
  • Support planning and coordination of structural analysis tasks for ongoing programs
  • Perform peer reviews of technical analysis material generated within the team
  • Assist in creating detailed finite element models of satellite structures and conduct analyses including static, dynamic, buckling, thermal, linear, nonlinear, and transient
  • Support mechanical test projects, including coordinating with test houses, assisting with logistics, designing and analyzing test fixtures, and documenting decisions and changes
  • Develop test plans, procedures, and reports for mechanical tests such as vibration, shock, acceleration, life, and endurance testing
  • Perform structural vibration testing for spacecraft modules, including data acquisition, digital signal processing, and modal analysis
  • Interpret test data in real time and provide recommendations when necessary
  • Interface with vendors and test facilities to support testing requirements and logistics
  • Participate in team discussions involving vehicle arrangement and structural design for current and future projects
  • Design and analyze test fixtures for mechanical testing
  • Contribute to the development and improvement of tools and processes to enhance structural analysis efficiency
  • Work effectively with program engineering leads to help maintain schedules and ensure technical compliance
  • Support preparation and presentation of Engineering Review Board (ERB) items as needed

Required Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • Minimum of 5 years of direct industry experience performing structural analyses using numerical and analytical techniques in space, aerospace, or similar sectors
  • Experience with Nastran and Patran
  • Experience with vibration and shock testing of aerospace or space-grade equipment and familiarity with relevant military or NASA standards
  • Hands-on experience with test planning and execution
  • Understanding of launch vehicle loads and their implications for spacecraft systems
  • Experience creating detailed or simplified structural models for spacecraft systems or components is a plus
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software
  • Strong communication and presentation skills for interfacing with customers and vendors
  • Highly process‑driven with the ability to contribute to improving structural analysis and testing processes
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Additional Differentiators

  • Master of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus in solid mechanics
  • Experience with vibration (random, sine, SRS) and static load testing, including data acquisition and processing
  • Experience in a production environment within the aerospace or space industry
  • Experience with MSC tools (MSC Apex, Nastran, Patran, Adams, Marc) is a plus
  • Knowledge of HALT or HASS methodologies
  • Familiarity with operating a Data Physics LE‑2016 shaker table
  • Understanding of applicable MIL and NASA test standards

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag! 

Salary Range
$105,000—$155,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital 

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant 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. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.