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Prototype Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Jobsbridge

UX Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Sidley

Senior User Experience Designer

Chicago, IL

$94K - $130K/yr

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 ...

360 -Tsg

Front End Developer

Glenview, IL · On-site

$102K - $119K/yr

Rapid prototyping with dedication to iteration and A/B testing * Write frontend code to implement designs, both adding contemporary libraries and integrating with the existing code base * Work ...

Mercury Plastics, Inc

Be Seen First

Production Coordinator - Manufacturing

Chicago, IL · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Seeking a Prototype & Production Coordinator with strong communication skills, who can work collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Assists production and sales with various ...

Supernova Technology™

Product Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

You will define problems with precision, work directly with enterprise clients to translate raw feedback into business problem statements, and prototype your own solutions -- this role owns ...

Supernova Technology

Product Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

You will define problems with precision, work directly with enterprise clients to translate raw feedback into business problem statements, and prototype your own solutions - this role owns ...

Supernova Technology™

Product Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

You will define problems with precision, work directly with enterprise clients to translate raw feedback into business problem statements, and prototype your own solutions -- this role owns ...

US Bank

AI Research Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Prototyping & Solution Development * Rapidly transform research concepts into working prototypes and proof-of-concepts. * Design, develop, and validate AI solutions across the full lifecycle, from ...

EFOR

Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Profile 1 - Mechanical Design & Prototyping Contributes to the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies, working closely with engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing teams.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrototype JobsPrototype Jobs in Chicago, IL

Prototype information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$26

$51

How much do prototype jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype in Chicago, IL is $26.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $28.51 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Prototype jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Prototype jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prototype jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Prototype jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Prototype job openings:

Prototype jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,994 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Title: Mechanical Design Engineer 
Location: Bolingbrook, IL
Pay Rate: $35-50 per hour
Hire Type: Contract to Hire
Position Type: Full-Time
Department: New Product Development Engineering

This is a strong opportunity for a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer who wants to be deeply involved in new product development rather than simply producing drawings. You’ll work on component and assembly design, CAD modeling, prototyping, testing, design for manufacturing, and engineering change releases within a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop 3D CAD component and assembly models to solve engineering problems and translate concepts or hand sketches into finished designs.
  • Design and dimension components with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) considerations for molding, machining, and other manufacturing processes.
  • Create simplified CAD models for 3D-printed prototypes and FEA analysis.
  • Participate in prototype development and functional testing of new designs.
  • Manage assigned engineering tasks independently while meeting established schedule and quality expectations.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to understand design requirements and drive product release and validation activities.
  • Identify root causes and develop solutions to engineering and product-related problems.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and help identify opportunities to improve products and engineering processes.
Qualifications
  • Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Must have 3+ years of experience in a technical engineering role involving CAD.
  • Must have strong 3D CAD experience, ideally with Creo or with the ability to learn quickly.
What You’ll Gain
  • New Product Development: Be involved in products from design concept through prototyping, validation, and release.
  • Hands-On Engineering: Work beyond CAD documentation with prototyping, functional testing, problem-solving, and manufacturing considerations.
  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Application Engineering, Product Development, and Aftermarket teams.
  • Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in DFM, FEA, FMEA, GD&T, DOE, industry standards, and reliability-focused design.
  • Real Engineering Impact: Help identify root causes, improve designs, and influence products and processes rather than simply executing predetermined designs.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.