ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Prototyping Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ellaway Blues Consulting

Be Seen First

Prototyping Technician

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

Fort Worth, TX A leading advanced manufacturing organization is seeking a Prototype Technician to support the development and scale-up of innovative manufacturing processes within a state-of-the-art ...

Apple

CNC Prototyping Manager

Sunnyvale, CA

$176K - $313K/yr

At the PRL, we take pride in building high-quality models, prototypes, and manufacturing solutions that support the development of future Apple products. We have a world-class team and a ...

Ellaway Blues Consulting

Be Seen First

Prototyping Technician

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

Fort Worth, TX A leading advanced manufacturing organization is seeking a Prototype Technician to support the development and scale-up of innovative manufacturing processes within a state-of-the-art ...

Kohler

Manager, Prototyping Lab

Kohler, WI · On-site

$107K - $166K/yr

Manager, Prototyping Lab Work Mode: Onsite Location:  Onsite - Kohler, WI Opportunity For over 150 years, Kohler Company has been a global leader in boldly reimagining the spaces where people live ...

Kohler

Manager, Prototyping Lab

Kohler, WI · On-site

$107K - $166K/yr

Manager, Prototyping Lab Work Mode: Onsite Location:  Onsite - Kohler, WI Opportunity For over 150 years, Kohler Company has been a global leader in boldly reimagining the spaces where people live ...

Kohler

Manager, Prototyping Lab

Kohler, WI · On-site

$107K - $166K/yr

Manager, Prototyping Lab Work Mode: Onsite Location:  Onsite - Kohler, WI Opportunity For over 150 years, Kohler Company has been a global leader in boldly reimagining the spaces where people live ...

Rivian

Prototyping Manufacturing Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$78K - $97K/yr

Role Summary The Prototype Manufacturing Engineer role will be responsible for design optimization and manufacturability of all Prototype Requests at Rivian. They will collaborate daily with ...

Corning

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Deliver prototype design to Technology Teams for further development and testing or to manufacturing operations for higher volume production. Create and leverage large network of suppliers ...

Corning

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Scope of Position: • Project and Design engineer focused on designing, building, or coordinating prototypes for optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks. • Develop knowledge of ...

Apple

CNC Prototyping Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

At the PRL, we take pride in building high-quality models, prototypes, and manufacturing solutions that support the development of future Apple products. We have a world-class team and a ...

Kohler Co.

Manager, Prototyping Lab

Kohler, WI · On-site

$107K - $166K/yr

Manager, Prototyping Lab Work Mode: Onsite Location: Onsite - Kohler, WI Opportunity For over 150 years, Kohler Company has been a global leader in boldly reimagining the spaces where people live and ...

Kohler Co.

Manager, Prototyping Lab

Kohler, WI

We are seeking a Manager - Wisconsin Prototyping to lead our cutting-edge Model Shop operations. In this role, you will be at the heart of product innovation, guiding a highly skilled team of project ...

Corning

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Scope of Position: • Project and Design engineer focused on designing, building, or coordinating prototypes for optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks. • Develop knowledge of ...

KOHLER

Manager, Prototyping Lab

Kohler, WI

We are seeking a Manager - Wisconsin Prototyping to lead our cutting-edge Model Shop operations. In this role, you will be at the heart of product innovation, guiding a highly skilled team of project ...

Rivian

Prototyping Manufacturing Engineer

Plymouth, MI

$78K - $97K/yr

Role Summary The Prototype Manufacturing Engineer role will be responsible for design optimization and manufacturability of all Prototype Requests at Rivian. They will collaborate daily with ...

Corning

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Scope of Position: • Project and Design engineer focused on designing, building, or coordinating prototypes for optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks. • Develop knowledge of ...

Kohler Co.

Manager, Prototyping Lab

Kohler, WI

We are seeking a Manager - Wisconsin Prototyping to lead our cutting-edge Model Shop operations. In this role, you will be at the heart of product innovation, guiding a highly skilled team of project ...

Apple

Prototyping System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Description As a Home Prototyping System Engineer, you will be responsible for the electrical definition and rapid realization of early-stage concepts. Your day-to-day work will span high-level ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrototyping Jobs

Prototyping information

See salary details

$14

$26

$41

How much do prototyping jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototyping in the United States is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prototyping?

Prototyping is the process of creating an early sample, model, or release of a product to test and validate ideas before full-scale production or development. It allows designers, engineers, and stakeholders to explore concepts, identify potential issues, and gather user feedback in the early stages of a project. Prototypes can range from simple paper sketches to interactive digital models or functional physical items, depending on the project's needs. This iterative approach helps save time and resources by uncovering improvements and reducing risks before committing to final designs.

What is the difference between Prototyping vs UX Designer?

AspectPrototypingUX Designer
Primary FocusCreating interactive models of products or featuresResearching, designing, and improving user experiences
Skills & ToolsPrototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD), UI designUser research, wireframing, usability testing
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, product developmentDesign teams, user research teams
CredentialsDesign background, proficiency in prototyping toolsDesign or psychology background, UX certifications

Prototyping involves creating interactive models to test ideas, while UX Design encompasses the broader process of understanding user needs and designing overall user experiences. Both roles often collaborate but focus on different stages of product development.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Prototyping roles in industries like software development, product design, or engineering can sometimes pay $10,000 or more monthly, especially for experienced professionals or freelancers with specialized skills in CAD, 3D modeling, or UX/UI design. High-paying opportunities often require strong portfolios, technical proficiency, and industry experience rather than formal degrees.

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

In the field of prototyping, high-paying roles such as senior product designers, lead engineers, or executive positions in technology companies can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often involve leadership responsibilities or specialized expertise in areas like hardware or software development.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In the field of prototyping, highly experienced product designers, lead engineers, or entrepreneurs involved in successful startups can earn over $1 million annually through salaries, bonuses, and equity. Such roles often require advanced skills, extensive industry experience, and involvement in high-growth or innovative projects.

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

To thrive as a Prototyping Specialist, you need a solid background in design principles, engineering fundamentals, and hands-on fabrication, often supported by a degree in industrial design or engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printing technology, CNC machines, and rapid prototyping tools is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication distinguish standout professionals in this role. These skills are crucial for efficiently translating ideas into tangible models, iterating designs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams in product development.

What are some common challenges faced in a prototyping role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in prototyping often encounter challenges such as rapidly iterating ideas within tight deadlines, balancing functionality with available resources, and effectively communicating design intent to cross-functional teams. To overcome these, it's helpful to prioritize clear documentation, maintain open communication with engineers and designers, and use agile methodologies to adapt quickly to feedback. Embracing a collaborative mindset and being comfortable with ambiguity are key to navigating the dynamic nature of prototyping work.

What is a prototype job?

A prototype job involves creating early models or samples of products, designs, or systems to test concepts and functionality. Professionals in this role often use tools like CAD software or 3D printers and work closely with designers and engineers to refine ideas before mass production.
More about Prototyping jobs
What cities are hiring for Prototyping jobs? Cities with the most Prototyping job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototyping jobs? The most popular types of Prototyping jobs are:
What states have the most Prototyping jobs? States with the most job openings for Prototyping jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prototyping jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prototyping jobs are:
Prototyping jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototyping job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,867 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Prototyping Engineer

Prototyping Engineer

University of California, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

University Of California Santa Barbara rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

181st of 541 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Prototyping Engineer


Electrical & Computer Engineering

University of California, Santa Barbara


Summary of Job Details  

The Protofab Packaging Engineer supports operation, development, and growth of the OASIS advanced packaging and prototyping facility (Protofab). The position provides technical expertise in microelectronics, photonics, and optoelectronic device packaging, enabling researchers and external users to translate device concepts into functional packaged prototypes. Responsibilities include process development, hands-on operation of advanced packaging equipment, user support and training, equipment maintenance, documentation, and continuous improvement of facility capabilities.


Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

• 1-3 years Semiconductor packaging, microfabrication, device prototyping, or closely related engineering environment.

• Knowledge of engineering principles and methods for prototype development and process optimization.

• Ability to independently troubleshoot tools, processes, and assembly challenges.

• Experience developing SOPs, recipes, training materials, and technical documentation.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with technical and non-technical users.

• Ability to train users and communicate safe operating practices.

• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize multiple projects.

• Collaborative mindset with faculty, students, startups, vendors, and industry partners.

• Familiarity with laboratory safety, hazardous materials handling, ESD controls, and quality systems.


Special Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory criminal history background check.

• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.


Hiring/Budgeted Salary: $100,000 to $130,000/yr.

Full Salary Range: $85,400 to $156,800/yr.

Working Days and Hours: M - F, 8am-5pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits 


The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 


Application review begins 6/15/26. 

Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu

Job # 86485


Company Description

UC Santa Barbara is the largest employer in Santa Barbara County. We’ve also been voted its best place to work. Our inspirational environment — from our oceanside location to our vibrant campus culture — plays no small role in that. What role will you play? Peruse our current job openings!

Apply