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Prototyping Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Candidates will collaborate with multi-disciplined design teams across multiple projects to bring design concepts to fruition, providing rapid engineering, fabrication, and prototyping solutions ...

This hands-on role combines prototype assembly, testing, and troubleshooting with disciplined control of bills of materials, engineering changes, schematics, test records, work instructions, and ...

This hands-on role combines prototype assembly, testing, and troubleshooting with disciplined control of bills of materials, engineering changes, schematics, test records, work instructions, and ...

This role focuses on physical prototyping and experimental development: the fixtures, rigs, loops, setups, instrumentation, procedures, and test campaigns that turn engineering questions into real ...

Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

This role focuses on physical prototyping and experimental development: the fixtures, rigs, loops, setups, instrumentation, procedures, and test campaigns that turn engineering questions into real ...

Showing results 21-40

Prototyping Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$27.3K

$96.9K

$138.5K

How much do prototyping engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for prototyping engineer in Texas is $96,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,191.00 and $120,042.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prototyping engineer?

A Prototyping Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing prototypes of new products or components. They work with design teams to refine concepts, select materials, and ensure that prototypes meet functional and performance requirements. This role involves using various fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and electronics assembly. Prototyping Engineers collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to iterate and improve designs before full-scale production. Their goal is to validate ideas quickly and efficiently, reducing development time and costs.

What does a prototyping engineer do?

A typical day for a Prototyping Engineer often involves collaborating with design and development teams to translate concepts and sketches into working physical models. You may spend time using CAD software, operating fabrication equipment like 3D printers, and assembling or testing prototypes for functionality. Troubleshooting issues and iterating designs based on test results are frequent tasks. This role requires consistent teamwork with engineers, designers, and sometimes clients to ensure the prototyping process aligns with overall project goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototyping engineer?

To thrive as a Prototyping Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical or electrical engineering, rapid prototyping, and CAD design, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Knowledge of 3D printing, CNC machining, and prototyping software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD) is typically essential, along with familiarity with relevant safety standards. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities enable engineers to quickly turn ideas into functional prototypes, ensuring efficient product development and iterative testing.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Prototyping Engineer jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Prototyping Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Prototyping Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,884 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Lead Prototype Technician (R5476)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX • On-site

$43 - $64/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
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 establishes the manufacturing foundation that enables scalable production. Every prototype directly influences the future of our products and the capabilities delivered to our customers.
We are seeking an experienced Lead Prototype Technician (Level 5) to join our Prototype & New Product Launch team. This is not a traditional aerospace technician role. You will build first-of-kind autonomous aircraft, develop manufacturing processes, solve challenging technical problems, influence product design through Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and help define how our products transition from prototype to production.
As a Lead Prototype Technician, you will serve as the technical cornerstone of Prototype Manufacturing by transforming engineering intent into flight-ready hardware while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. You will partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to ensure our prototype builds are successful today and scalable for tomorrow.
What you'll do:
  • Build prototype, developmental, and first article aircraft from engineering concept through flight-ready hardware.
  • Perform precision drilling, reaming, countersinking, riveting, fastening, torqueing, safety wiring, structural assembly, and mechanical integration.
  • Execute advanced composite manufacturing including wet layup, bonding, trimming, machining, vacuum bagging, structural repairs, finishing, and final assembly.
  • Perform complex aircraft modifications and structural repairs.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Partner with Design Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback.
  • Develop and improve manufacturing work instructions, build sequences, tooling concepts, fixtures, and standardized assembly methods.
  • Support engineering validation, qualification builds, and flight test campaigns.
  • Fabricate custom brackets, tooling, fixtures, and prototype hardware.
  • Mentor Prototype Technicians while establishing best practices and craftsmanship standards.

Key responsibilities:
  • Prototype Manufacturing Excellence
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
  • Manufacturing Process Development
  • Cross Functional Leadership
  • Technical Leadership

What success looks like:
  • Deliver complex prototype hardware with exceptional quality.
  • Solve manufacturing challenges before they become production issues.
  • Influence engineering through practical manufacturing expertise.
  • Develop repeatable manufacturing processes.
  • Mentor technicians and elevate team capability.

Required qualifications:
  • 10+ years of aerospace manufacturing or prototype experience.
  • Extensive aircraft structural assembly experience.
  • Advanced composites experience including wet layup and structural repair.
  • Experience with engineering development builds.
  • Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Military aircraft, UAV, eVTOL, or rotorcraft experience.
  • Prototype-to-production transition experience.
  • AS9100 experience.
  • A&P License or equivalent.
  • Military aviation maintenance experience.
  • Leadership or mentoring experience.

Why join Shield AI:
Unlike traditional aerospace manufacturing, our Prototype Manufacturing team works directly alongside Engineering to create the next generation of autonomous aircraft. You'll influence design decisions, define manufacturing processes, mentor other technicians, and build technology that protects those who serve.
Shield AI offers competitive compensation, equity participation, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k), generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on some of the world's most advanced autonomous aircraft systems.
$43 - $64 an hour
#LI-JM1
#LE
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.