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Prototyper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

siffron

Prototype Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Work with Engineering to keep Prototype list up-to-date with projects, priorities, and due dates. Engineering collaboration. Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and sketches to plan ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

Prototype Machinist

Troy, AL · On-site

Job Title: Prototype Machinist Location: Troy, AL SUMMARY The Prototype Machinist position requires a highly motivated individual with extensive experience working in a prototype machining ...

VB Spine

Prototype Machinist

Allendale, NJ · On-site

$36.05/hr

Prototype Machinist Location: Allendale, NJ Company: VB Spine Looking for a career where your work truly matters? At VB Spine, you'll be part of a mission-focused team that supports surgeons during ...

Teak Isle Manufacturing Inc.

Prototype Engineer

Ocoee, FL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Prototype Engineer About the Company: Teak Isle Manufacturing, located in Ocoee, Florida and is the leader in the design and fabrication of custom OEM and Retail parts for the Marine and other ...

PV and Coho

Prototype ModelMaker

Fairfield, CT · On-site

$32 - $45/hr

Prototype ModelMaker (Part Time/Freelance) WovenWorks Global is a forward-thinking, design-driven agency where strategy, creativity, and ambition unite to fuel remarkable growth. Joining our team ...

Therm-x of California

Prototype Machinist

Hayward, CA · On-site

$38 - $50/hr

The Prototype Machinist / NPI Technician works alongside Therm-x's NPI Engineering team to bring new heater, sensor, source, and cathode designs from drawing to first working part. Our prototyping ...

A5 Labs

$151K - $181K/yr

What you'll do (core responsibilities) • Design + build interactive product experiences end-to-end (from concept → prototype → working demo). • Prototype AI-first UX for poker learning ...

Apple

Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA

$50.19 - $88.08/hr

Because our prototypes serve internal research rather than production pipelines, the emphasis is on speed, fidelity to intent, and creative problem-solving rather than volume or process ...

Knowmadics

Rapid Prototype Engineer II

Wichita, KS

$32 - $35.75/hr

Lawton OK; or Round Rock, TX Job Purpose/Summary This role is for a Rapid Prototype Engineer II to design, fabricate, assemble, and validate hardware prototypes supporting research and development ...

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All JobsPrototyper Jobs

Prototyper information

See salary details

$28.5K

$72.8K

$119K

How much do prototyper jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for prototyper in the United States is $72,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Prototyper vs UX Designer?

AspectPrototyperUX Designer
Required CredentialsTypically a background in design, UI/UX, or related fields; proficiency in prototyping toolsDegree in design, psychology, or human-computer interaction; strong research and design skills
Work EnvironmentCollaborates closely with designers and developers; focuses on creating interactive prototypesConducts user research, creates wireframes, and designs user experiences
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, software, and product development companiesCommon in digital agencies, tech firms, and product teams

While both roles involve design skills, a Prototyper primarily focuses on building interactive prototypes to test ideas, whereas a UX Designer handles the overall user experience design, including research, wireframing, and user testing. The roles often overlap but serve different stages of the product development process.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Prototypers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized consultants, or entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs in the US often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of a successful business. Salary levels above $500,000 are rare for standard prototyping positions and are more common in executive management or highly profitable industries.

What are some common challenges Prototypers face when balancing speed and quality in their work?

Prototypers often work under tight deadlines to quickly bring concepts to life, which can make it challenging to balance rapid iteration with the need for polished, functional prototypes. It’s important to prioritize core features and user flows to ensure prototypes are both testable and informative, without getting bogged down in perfectionism. Collaboration with designers and engineers is key to maintaining this balance, as clear communication helps set realistic expectations for what the prototype should achieve within the given timeframe.

What does a prototyper do?

A prototyper designs and creates prototypes of products, such as software, hardware, or physical objects, to test concepts and functionality. They often use tools like CAD software, 3D printers, or coding skills to develop models that help evaluate design ideas before full production. Prototypers work closely with designers and engineers to refine concepts and ensure feasibility.

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

To thrive as a Prototyper, you need strong skills in design thinking, rapid prototyping, and user experience principles, often supported by a background in industrial design, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, 3D modeling software, and sometimes hardware platforms like Arduino is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication are essential soft skills that help bring abstract concepts to life and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities enable Prototypers to quickly iterate and refine ideas, ensuring that innovative solutions are effectively tested and validated before full-scale production.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A prototyper can potentially earn $10,000 a month through freelance or contract work designing prototypes for products, especially if they have strong skills in CAD, 3D modeling, or user experience design. Success depends on experience, portfolio quality, and client demand, often requiring self-education or certifications rather than a formal degree.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, and aerospace can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and bonuses. High-level roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

What is a Prototyper?

A Prototyper is a professional who creates early models or mock-ups of products, interfaces, or systems to test and refine concepts before full-scale development. Prototypers use various tools and materials to quickly build and iterate on designs, helping teams visualize ideas, gather feedback, and identify potential issues early in the process. Their work is essential in product development, UX/UI design, and engineering, as it saves time and resources by revealing challenges before final implementation.
More about Prototyper jobs
What cities are hiring for Prototyper jobs? Cities with the most Prototyper job openings:
What states have the most Prototyper jobs? States with the most job openings for Prototyper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prototyper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prototyper jobs are:
Prototyper jobs near you
Prototype Technician

Prototype Technician

siffron

Rockford, IL • On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Siffron rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

About siffron:

siffron is a leading provider of retail merchandising solutions, specializing in designing and manufacturing innovative display and signage systems. We partner with top brands and retailers across various industries to enhance their product presentation and optimize customer experiences.


Our company values innovation and encourages creativity, offering a collaborative work environment that fosters growth and professional development. siffron continues to push boundaries and set new standards in the retail market, establishing itself as an industry leader. 


siffron Benefits:

The salary range for this role is $24.00 - $29.00 per hour. siffron considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.  

  • 401(k) match (up to 50% of 6%)
  • Annual siffron profit share/safe harbor match
  • Tuition reimbursement program for eligible employees
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance after 30 days of employment
  • Flexible spending account and/or health savings account
  • Vacation/Personal/Bereavement leaves
  • Paid parental leave
  • Short- & long-term disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • siffron Shared Ownership Works Program
  • 10 paid holidays

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the supervisor, this individual will be responsible for fabricating custom prototypes to engineering specifications for any potential new products or customer projects.


Schedule: 5:00am - 3:30pm, Monday - Thursday (Overtime possible on Friday/Saturday)

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Read and understand technical drawings

Set up and operate shop equipment and machine tools such as lathes, mills, CNC, and press brake as well as hand tools such as grinders.

Perform welding/metal fabrication to specification

Build custom prototypes and standard samples to specifications using CNC or manual equipment.

Determine materials, tools, and equipment requirements for each prototype request.

Work with Engineering to keep Prototype list up-to-date with projects, priorities, and due dates.

Engineering collaboration. Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and sketches to plan, lay out, and determine the sequence of operations.

Assessment of designs and ability to design improvements.

Maintain accurate project records of the fabrication process and any modifications while documenting through hand notes and photos. 

Adhere to workshop safety protocols, maintaining a clean and safe work environment. 

Packaging and shipping of prototypes.

Part and Material currier.

Work on multiple projects at the same time.

Performs other duties as assigned.


PERFORMANCE MEASURES

 siffron performance plan

On time completion of prototypes

Accuracy of finished prototypes

Compliance with Company Policies (i.e. Safety, Attendance, etc.).


SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

None


POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

Non-Exempt

40 hours per week


EDUCATION, LICENSES, AND EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent.

Formal training or apprenticeship a plus.

3-5 years of fabrication, machining, welding is preferred.


SKILLS (Language, Mathematical, Reasoning, Other)

  • Good trouble shooting and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
  • Good mechanical background with strong math skills (Basic, Geometry, Trig).
  • Able to work with limited supervision in a fast-paced environment.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Computer literate with working knowledge of software such as Microsoft Office.
  •  Knowledge of Solidworks, CAD 3-D graphic and manufacturing drawings.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

The ability to stand, walk, bend, & twist for long period of time.

Close Vision: Must be able to read small words, numbers, and pictures (examples: Blueprint, micrometer).

Able to handle last minute interruptions.

Managing multiple tasks.

The employee is frequently required to stand and walk or move to other locations within or outside the facility.

The employee may be required to travel to vendors or customers including overnight trips.

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