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Prototyper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VIRA Insight

Prototype Assistant

Lewisville, AR · On-site

The Prototype Assistant is responsible for supporting the Prototype Supervisor in creating prototypes with an emphasis on metal fabrication. In this role, they will play a crucial part in the ...

JTEKT North America

Prototype Engineer - PLY

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$34 - $38/hr

The Prototype Manufacturing Engineer will help lead and perform all activities for building prototype systems in North America with a specific focus on Electric Power Steering products. This includes ...

RivCut

Prototype Machinist

Union City, CA · On-site

The company focuses on rapid prototyping and low-volume production to support R&D and new product development. RivCut provides full material sourcing, finishing, and quality inspection, ensuring ...

Weiss-Aug Group

Prototype Machinist

Fairfield, NJ · On-site

The Prototype Machinist will work closely with Engineering, Product Development, and Manufacturing teams to fabricate one-off and low-volume components while maintaining exceptional attention to ...

Physical Intelligence

Prototype Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$42 - $47.25/hr

We're looking for a Prototype Engineer, an engineering generalist who sits at the intersection of enabling research and deloying into real-world applications. You'll work closely with our research ...

Weiss-Aug MedPharma

Prototype Machinist

Fairfield, NJ · On-site

The Prototype Machinist will work closely with Engineering, Product Development, and Manufacturing teams to fabricate one-off and low-volume components while maintaining exceptional attention to ...

KFORM Defense

Prototype Machinist

Sterling, VA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

We are recruiting prototype machinists who want to build real hardware, solve practical manufacturing problems, and work on products that matter. The battlefield waits weeks, not years. The right ...

SNAP Diagnostics

Prototype Machinist

Anderson, SC · On-site

The Prototype Machinist is an entry-level position responsible for learning and developing machining skills while assisting in the fabrication of prototype components, fixtures, gauges, tooling, and ...

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 ...

Apple

Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrototyper Jobs

Prototyper information

See salary details

$28.5K

$72.8K

$119K

How much do prototyper jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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 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.

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 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 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.

How much does a prototyper make?

Prototypers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced prototypers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in tech or industrial design fields.
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?

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What job categories do people searching Prototyper jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototyper jobs are:

Prototyper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototyper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,781 per year, or $35 per hour.

Prototype Assistant

VIRA Insight

Lewisville, AR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Prototype Assistant is responsible for supporting the Prototype Supervisor in creating prototypes with an emphasis on metal fabrication. In this role, they will play a crucial part in the manufacturing process, ensuring all prototypes meet quality requirements and are completed on time.They work closely with the Prototype Lead and Prototype Engineering Manager to lead metal fabrication of samples and all department jobs. This person will also need to utilize other techniques outside of metal including painting, wood, and plastics fabrication.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responsible for spending 50% of time in metal manufacturing and 50% in other areas including general assembly, painting, wood, and plastic fabrication.
  • Operates metal equipment including a laser, brake press and welder. Mig and tig welding experience in stainless and cold rolled steel materials.
  • Reads job bills of material to understand what's needed for each prototype, such as wood, plastic, metal, hardware, and other miscellaneous materials.
  • Reads technical drawings to execute fabrication techniques.
  • Understands and supports the sample SOP.
  • Continuously develops necessary skills to successfully back up Prototype Supervisor when not available.
  • Works alongside sample QC to make edits upon review.
  • Ability to be self-sufficient in taking guidance from the Prototype Supervisor and executing the tasks at hand.
  • Maintains a safe and clean sample area.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has no direct reports.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to read assembly prints, understand engineering drawings and documents to carry out the instructions according to specifications.
  • Ability to operate a forklift.
  • Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet very time sensitive deadlines.
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a team.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • A keen eye for quality

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • 6+ months of hands-on experience in a metal manufacturing environment combined with formal training from technical/trade school or equivalent educational background.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work in a non-climate-controlled facility in both hot and cold climates.
  • Varying work schedules based on business needs is sometimes required.
  • Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
  • Ability to read drawings and blueprints.
  • Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to carry and lift materials up to 100 lbs.
  • Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

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