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Prototyping Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Observable Space

Prototype Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

We're building a state of the art prototyping facility to machine some of the world's most ... Participate in engineering design reviews to evaluate manufacturability * Collaborate closely with ...

Socket.dev

Prototype Build Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144 - $204/hr

As a Prototype Build Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the execution of prototype builds from concept through delivery, working closely with internal and external partners to ensure ...

New

Stefanini Group

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$33.75 - $37.75/hr

Stefanini is looking for a Prototype Build Engineer, Auburn Hills, MI For quick apply, please reach out to Lovkesh Bharti at +1 248 727 2506/lovkesh.bharti@stefanini.com The Prototype Build Engineer ...

New

Stefanini Group

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$33.75 - $37.75/hr

Stefanini is looking for a Prototype Build Engineer, Auburn Hills, MI For quick apply, please reach out to Lovkesh Bharti at +1 248 727 2506/lovkesh.bharti@stefanini.com The Prototype Build Engineer ...

New

Meta

Prototype Build Engineer

Redmond, WA

$144K/yr

As a Prototype Build Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the execution of prototype builds from concept through delivery, working closely with internal and external partners to ensure ...

Stefanini

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$33.75 - $37.75/hr

Stefanini is looking for a Prototype Build Engineer, Auburn Hills, MI For quick apply, please reach out to Lovkesh Bharti at +1 248 727 2506/lovkesh.bharti@stefanini.com The Prototype Build Engineer ...

Stefanini Group

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$33.75 - $37.75/hr

Stefanini is looking for a Prototype Build Engineer, Auburn Hills, MI For quick apply, please reach out to Lovkesh Bharti at +1 248 727 2506/lovkesh.bharti@stefanini.com The Prototype Build Engineer ...

New

Brightwing

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$35 - $38/hr

The Prototype Build Engineer will be responsible for managing all prototype build activities including developing and communicating build plans based on vehicle specifications, coordinating ...

Stefanini Group

Prototype Build Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Stefanini is looking for a Prototype Build Engineer, Auburn Hills, MI For quick apply, please reach out to Lovkesh Bharti at +1 248 727 2506/lovkesh.bharti@stefanini.com The Prototype Build Engineer ...

New

Meta

Prototype Build Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $204K/yr

As a Prototype Build Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the execution of prototype builds from concept through delivery, working closely with internal and external partners to ensure ...

Meta

Prototype Build Engineer

Redmond, WA

$40 - $44.75/hr

Meta is seeking an experienced Prototype Build Engineer to join our team. As a Prototype Build Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the executi.

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 ...

42dot

Senior Prototype Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$167K - $230K/yr

Senior Prototype Design Engineer 42dot is a mobility AI company committed to solving mobility ... Rapid Prototyping & Execution * High-Fidelity Modeling: Utilize Figma, Protopie, and vibe coding ...

FWG Solutions, Inc.

Prototype Engineer

Panama City Beach, FL

$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 ...

42dot

Senior Prototype Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$167K - $230K/yr

Senior Prototype Design Engineer 42dot is a mobility AI company committed to solving mobility ... Rapid Prototyping & Execution * High-Fidelity Modeling: Utilize Figma, Protopie, and vibe coding ...

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Prototyping Engineer information

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$31K

$110.2K

$157.5K

How much do prototyping engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for prototyping engineer in the United States is $110,167.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Prototyping Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Prototyping Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Prototyping Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototyping Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Prototyping Engineer jobs are:
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Prototyping Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototyping Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,167 per year, or $53 per hour.

Prototype Engineer

Observable Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly
Clearance: Not required, but must be a U.S. Person
About Us
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 NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD, among others, and power the work of leading research institutions.
We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products. 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, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures.
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.

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.

Bonus 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
  • Build out a team of R&D specialists.
  • High-trust, flexible scheduling.
  • Direct impact on rapid iteration of hardware bound for space, field ops, or high-performance systems.
  • A culture that respects craftsmanship, iteration speed, and creative autonomy.

Apply