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Prototype Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

AI Product Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $182K/yr

Prototypes validate advisor workflows quickly and reliably * Downstream production engineers can operationalize prototypes with minimal friction * Team moves from idea → evidence → validated ...

Prototypes validate advisor workflows quickly and reliably * Downstream production engineers can operationalize prototypes with minimal friction * Team moves from idea → evidence → validated ...

Working through experimentation and iterative prototyping, they will contribute to reusable solution assets and support scalable future implementations. What Will Help You Be Successful * You are ...

Creating AI-enabled prototypes anddemonstrations, continuouslybuildinganditerating onprototypes to create an extensive portfolio of AI application starters to real-world business problems.

AI Development Engineer

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

Key Responsibilities Build and iterate AI prototypes that can do tens of thousands of financial and pricing calculations to consistently find the best outcomes across PEO workflows including benefits ...

Creating AI-enabled prototypes anddemonstrations, continuouslybuildinganditerating onprototypes to create an extensive portfolio of AI application starters to real-world business problems.

Senior Automation Engineer

Malta, IL

$97K - $128K/yr

This role will lead the design, development, prototyping, and deployment of end-to-end automation systems that drive efficiency, precision, and scalability within Seeds R&D. This hands-on role ...

Work with product engineers to translate prototypes into new products, services, and features and provide guidelines for large-scale implementation. Learn more about the great benefits of working for ...

Work with product engineers to translate prototypes into new products, services, and features and provide guidelines for large-scale implementation. Learn more about the great benefits of working for ...

Work with product engineers to translate prototypes into new products, services, and features and provide guidelines for large-scale implementation. Learn more about the great benefits of working for ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Malta, IL · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

This role will lead the design, development, prototyping, and deployment of end-to-end automation systems that drive efficiency, precision, and scalability within Seeds R&D. This hands-on role ...

Responsibilities Design high-level user interfaces based on wireframes and product requirements Design, sketch, prototype, and collaborate in order to build the best possible product Deliver user ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Malta, IL · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

This role will lead the design, development, prototyping, and deployment of end-to-end automation systems that drive efficiency, precision, and scalability within Seeds R&D. This hands-on role ...

Use AI-powered design and prototyping tools (e.g., Claude Code, Claude, and other code- and AI-based prototyping environments) as a core part of daily practice to rapidly explore concepts, build ...

Moving faster from idea prototype live product * Owning more of the "how it works," not just "how it looks" * Reducing handoffs and increasing accountability * Treating design as a core product ...

Showing results 21-40

Prototype information

See Illinois salary details

$14

$25

$48

How much do prototype jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype in Illinois is $25.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $26.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prototype?

Prototypes are early models or samples of a product built to test a concept or process. They allow designers, engineers, and stakeholders to explore ideas, evaluate functionality, and identify potential issues before full-scale production begins. Prototypes can range from simple sketches or mockups to fully functional models, depending on the stage of development and the goals of the project. Creating a prototype helps teams gather feedback, refine designs, and make informed decisions for the final product.

What is the difference between Prototype vs Product Designer?

AspectPrototype
RoleCreates interactive models to test concepts and functionality
SkillsUI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping tools, user testing
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, product development, user experience departments
CertificationsDesign certifications, UX certifications, proficiency in prototyping tools

While a Prototype focuses on building interactive models to test ideas, a Product Designer oversees the entire product development process, including user experience, visual design, and functionality. Prototypes are tools used within the product design process, making the roles complementary but distinct.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in prototype development roles?

Professionals in prototype development often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, evolving design requirements, and the need to rapidly iterate based on stakeholder feedback. Collaboration between engineers, designers, and product managers is crucial, as prototypes frequently require interdisciplinary input and quick problem-solving. Additionally, balancing innovation with practicality—ensuring the prototype is both creative and feasible for further development—can be demanding but is highly rewarding for those who enjoy dynamic, hands-on work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototype engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, fabrication techniques, and a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printing, CNC machinery, and rapid prototyping tools is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this position. These skills are crucial for efficiently turning design concepts into functional prototypes that drive product innovation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Prototype jobs in Illinois are:

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

The top searched job categories for Prototype jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Prototype jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Prototype job openings:

Infographic showing various Prototype job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,630 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

AI Product Engineer

Morningstar, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$145K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


MorningStar Senior Living rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

62nd of 240 rated social care providers


Job description

About Morningstar
Morningstar's mission is to empower investor success. The Direct Platform team does this by creating products that help financial professionals, and the investors they serve, achieve their financial goals. The Morningstar Direct Platform team is one of the largest business units that strive to give clients access to the data, analytics, and tools that help financial professionals be more efficient, innovative, and connect with their clients in a more meaningful way.
This role is based in our Chicago office, and we follow a hybrid policy of 4 days onsite. Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis.
Role Overview
We are seeking Forward-Deployed AI Engineers to rapidly prototype AI solutions in real-world advisor workflows. This role is embedded in our discovery team, working alongside Product Managers, UX designers, and researchers to translate ideas into functioning prototypes.
Success is measured by speed, feasibility validation, and actionable prototypes that can move downstream.
What Success Looks Like:
  • Prototypes validate advisor workflows quickly and reliably
  • Downstream production engineers can operationalize prototypes with minimal friction
  • Team moves from idea → evidence → validated workflow efficiently
  • Experiments reduce risk and uncertainty for AI product decisions

Why This Role Matters
Product minded forward-deployed engineers collapse the gap between concept and reality, enabling the team to make fast, evidence-based product decisions while reducing wasted effort downstream.
Key Responsibilities
  • Build and iterate AI prototypes for advisor workflows
  • Integrate signals, models, and UX designs into working experiments
  • Test feasibility and performance of AI behaviors in real workflow scenarios
  • Collaborate closely with PMs, UX designers, and Research & Signals Lead
  • Capture technical learnings and provide handoff documentation for production teams
  • Rapidly validate ideas before long-term engineering investment

Required Skills
  • AI prototyping - Ability to build working AI systems quickly
  • Data integration - Connect signals, APIs, and datasets for prototypes
  • Collaboration in cross-functional teams - Work side-by-side with PMs, UX, and researchers
  • Experimentation and iteration - Rapidly test and refine ideas with user feedback
  • Technical documentation - Clearly communicate prototype behavior and limitations

Qualifications
  • 3-5 years of AI engineering experience
  • Expert user of AI Coding tools like Claude Code and/or Cursor
  • Expertise with Python, LLMs, prompt engineering, and AI frameworks
  • Ability to rapidly prototype with limited infrastructure
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills

Total Cash Compensation Range
$145,170-182,820 USD Annual
Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive
Compensation and Benefits
At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That's why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:
  • Financial Health
    • 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
    • Stock Ownership Potential
    • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
  • Physical Health
    • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
    • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
    • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
  • Emotional Health
    • Trust-Based Time Off
    • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
    • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
    • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
    • Adoption Assistance
    • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
    • Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
    • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Social Health
    • Charitable Matching Gifts program
    • Dollars for Doers volunteer program
    • Paid volunteering days
    • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

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