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Prototype Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Observable Space

Prototype Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Prototype Engineer to join our Los Angeles-based state-of-the-art prototyping facility. We're building a state of the art prototyping facility to machine some of the ...

Ampa, Inc.

Sr. Prototype Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

This role sits between prototype engineering, lab operations, quality, and manufacturing support. The ideal candidate is hands-on, organized, reliable, and comfortable moving between bench testing ...

Ampa Inc.

Sr. Prototype Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Role Overview: We're seeking a hands‑on Sr. Prototype Engineer to support the development, testing, and validation of next‑generation transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices. You'll work ...

FWG Solutions, Inc.

Prototype Engineer

Panama City Beach, FL · On-site

$31.75 - $35.50/hr

This position is for the LCAC 100 Program The Prototype Engineer will be responsible for the planning and test support of the U.S. Navy's Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) Amphibious Combat Vehicle ...

Marks, an sgsco company

Prototype Technician

Butler, PA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

The Prototype Technician builds prototypes for clients based on direction provided by engineering. The purpose of these prototypes is to validate to form, fit and function of the industrial design ...

JURMAN METRICS INC

Prototype Machinist

Monroe, CT · On-site

$20/hr

The ideal candidate will be capable of single piece jobs, small run prototype and secondary operation production. Experience in turning, milling, blue print comprehension and inspection equipment is ...

Etched

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$180 - $260/hr

Job Summary We are standing up an in-house prototyping division at our 80,000 square foot Milpitas facility: a quick-turn machine shop and sheet metal cell, a system assembly and integration area ...

The Consensus

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160 - $220/hr

Job Summary We are standing up an in-house prototyping division at our 80,000 square foot Milpitas facility: a quick-turn machine shop and sheet metal cell, a system assembly and integration area ...

JURMAN METRICS INC

Prototype Machinist

Monroe, CT · On-site

$20/hr

The ideal candidate will be capable of single piece jobs, small run prototype and secondary operation production. Experience in turning, milling, blue print comprehension and inspection equipment is ...

MARS Solutions Group

Prototype Assembler

Twinsburg, OH · On-site

MARS Solutions Group is looking for an experienced Prototype Assembler located in Twinsburg, OH. Our client is an automation industry Leader looking for high-quality talent to make a difference. They ...

Exact

Prototype Technician

Brooksville, FL · On-site

Assists with the manufacturing of Prototype Assemblies of new products or new revision of existing products. The primary goals will be high quality/craftsmanship and keeping to the assigned schedule ...

FWG Solutions, Inc.

Prototype Engineer

Panama City Beach, FL · On-site

$31.75 - $35.50/hr

This position is for the LCAC 100 Program The Prototype Engineer will be responsible for the planning and test support of the U.S. Navy's Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) Amphibious Combat Vehicle ...

Shield AI

Lead Prototype Technician (R5476)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$43 - $64/hr

At Shield AI, Prototype Manufacturing is where engineering becomes reality. Our team builds the first aircraft, develops the manufacturing processes, solves complex technical challenges, and ...

Emerson Group

Prototype Technician

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$50K - $64K/yr

Emerson is looking for a Prototype Technician to join our team in Shakopee, MN . In this role, you'll play a key part in supporting new product development by programming, operating, and maintaining ...

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All JobsPrototype Jobs

Prototype information

See salary details

$15

$26

$50

How much do prototype jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype 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 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.

More about Prototype jobs

What cities are hiring for Prototype jobs?

Cities with the most Prototype job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype jobs?

The most popular types of Prototype jobs are:

What states have the most Prototype jobs?

States with the most job openings for Prototype jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Prototype jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype jobs are:

Prototype jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Prototype Engineer

Observable Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate a wide range of fabrication tools including 3D printers, CNC mills and lathes, lasers, waterjets, wire EDM, and manual tools.

  • Participate in engineering design reviews to evaluate manufacturability and collaborate with engineering teams to iterate on part designs in real time.

  • Help develop custom machining processes, prepare CAM programs, and produce high-tolerance parts from SolidWorks models and technical drawings.

Job description

About Observable Space
At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners.
We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. From advanced ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.
Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space.
About the Role
We are seeking a Prototype Engineer to join our Los Angeles-based state-of-the-art prototyping facility. We're building a state of the art prototyping facility to machine some of the world's most challenging materials from glass, titanium, to exotic wire EDM'd parts; this is not a standard machine shop position.
This role is ideal for a highly adaptable, technically-minded individual who thrives in fast-paced environments. We're looking for someone to sit with the team day in and day out to help push back on the team's wild unmanufacturable designs. While this is a full time position, the job has an on-call component - when a part is urgently needed, day or night, you may be the one called to make it. On the flip side, your day-to-day schedule is extremely flexible, and you'll often have lighter periods or ad-hoc time off when the schedule allows.
What You'll Do
  • Operate a wide range of fabrication tools including:
    • 3D printers
    • 5-axis CNC mills and lathes
    • Tube and flat-bed lasers
    • Waterjets, wire EDM, and high-precision manual tools
  • Participate in engineering design reviews to evaluate manufacturability
  • Collaborate closely with engineering teams to iterate on part designs in real time.
  • Help design novel machining processes and methodologies that will be used in our Michigan production facility
  • Work from SolidWorks models and technical drawings to produce high-tolerance parts.
  • Prepare CAM programs in Mastercam, Fusion 360, or similar tools.
  • Help develop custom fixturing, jigs, and one-off assemblies for rapid prototyping.
  • Assist in maintaining, upgrading, and tuning machines and shop infrastructure.
  • Participate in design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews and provide direct feedback to engineers.
  • Occasionally assist with integration or test setups when needed.
Basic Qualifications
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in an engineering prototyping shop or machine shop environment.
  • Working knowledge of SolidWorks (or similar CAD tools).
  • Significant experience with CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion CAM.
  • Proficient with modern CNC machine operations and part inspection.
  • Ability to interpret and execute mechanical drawings and GD&T.
  • Familiarity with common materials (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, plastics, etc.) and their machining characteristics.
  • Comfortable with occasional non-standard hours, including occasional late-night or weekend requests.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with light duty fabrication - TIG welding, laser cell operation, slip rolling, fixturing and fit-up. "A grinder and paint make me the welder I aint" is our moto in a prototype environment
  • Experience designing test fixturing and metrology
  • Willing to shoot paint - grab the hvlp and step into the booth. Doesn't have to be pretty, just can't be boogers.
  • Deep knowledge of multi-axis milling, fixturing, and workholding strategies.
  • Experience building parts for aerospace, robotics, or optics applications.
  • Familiarity with vacuum-compatible fabrication.

What We Offer
Competitive Compensation - A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.
Equity Opportunities - Take part in our success with stock options.
Flexible Work Environment - Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)
Unlimited PTO (exempt only) - Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.
Health & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.
Cutting-Edge Tools - Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.
Mission-Driven Culture - Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.
Inclusive Team - We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.
Observable Space is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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