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Prototyping Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The Specialist will be part of the OXMAN fabrication team and will work out of our world-class Manhattan prototyping shop. If you prefer to spend most of your time in the workshop and want to build ...

Rapid Prototyping and Production Deployment: Lead the prototyping, iteration, and deployment of sophisticated reader experiences powered by LLMs and content embeddings. This work will be conducted ...

Rapid Prototyping and Production Deployment: Lead the prototyping, iteration, and deployment of sophisticated reader experiences powered by LLMs and content embeddings. This work will be conducted ...

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Prototyping information

See New York salary details

$15

$29

$45

How much do prototyping jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototyping in New York is $29.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $33.94 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototyping specialist?

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Prototyping jobs in New York?

The most popular types of Prototyping jobs in New York are:

What are popular job titles related to Prototyping jobs in New York?

For Prototyping jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Prototyping job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 57% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,121 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Mechanical Design & Prototyping Engineer

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 6 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About the Role

The Health Innovations Incubator & Technology Center (HII Tech) at the Center for Disability Services is seeking a hands‑on Mechanical Engineer to help bring innovative ideas to life through prototyping and fabrication. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with tools, designing and building real systems, and transforming early‑stage concepts into functional, manufacturable prototypes.

You enjoy building things that have never existed before, are comfortable working with ambiguity, rapidly learn new technologies, and move ideas from concept to functional prototype. You take ownership, enjoy solving practical engineering problems, and thrive in multidisciplinary environments. You’ll play a key role in developing solutions across healthcare, assistive technology, and experimental engineering projects in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment. You will own mechanical subsystems from concept through prototyping to final validation.

What You’ll Do
  • Translate concepts into functional prototype designs
  • Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies
  • Operate and support shop equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, mills, saws, and drill presses
  • Assist with design, machining, fabrication, assembly, and testing
  • Iteratively refine prototypes based on testing and real‑world constraints
  • Select materials and fabrication methods based on functionality, cost, and manufacturability
  • Collaborate with electrical, software, and multidisciplinary teams
  • Maintain clear documentation and organized fabrication workflows
  • Support transition from concept to prototype to manufacturable and scalable designs
What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 2–7 years of hands‑on engineering and/or fabrication experience
  • Experience with CNC machining and shop equipment
  • Strong background in mechanical prototyping and assembly
  • Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor)
  • Knowledge of materials selection and fabrication methods
  • Experience operating CNC mills, lathes, and prototype fabrication equipment
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
  • Solid documentation and communication abilities
  • Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in rapid prototyping or product development environments
  • Exposure to healthcare, assistive technology, or experimental systems
  • Familiarity with 3D printing and mixed‑material fabrication
  • Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
  • Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles
  • Experience taking products from concept through validation
  • Master’s degree in Engineering
  • 3+ years of experience working with Autodesk Inventor
  • Basic Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Structural Analysis, Design optimization experience
Key Skills & Competencies
  • Strong hands‑on design, fabrication and mechanical assembly expertise
  • Ability to quickly move from idea to working prototype
  • Detail‑oriented with a strong focus on safety and quality
  • Practical understanding of how products are built and refined
  • Adaptability in a fast‑paced, project‑based environment
  • Clear communication of technical concepts, progress, and risks
  • Thrives in a fast‑moving environment
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
  • Fast‑paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines
  • Ability to move efficiently between CAD, fabrication, assembly, testing, and iterative design improvements
  • Workshop and prototyping lab environment
  • Ability to lift up to 15–25 lbs and perform physical tasks such as bending, pushing, and pulling
  • Extended periods working at a computer and with equipment
  • May require travel to off‑site meetings or events
Benefits
  • Work on real‑world innovations in healthcare and assistive technology
  • Highly hands‑on engineering environment
  • Opportunity to build, test, and iterate on meaningful solutions
  • Collaborating with a multidisciplinary, mission‑driven team
  • Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals supported by the Center
  • Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
  • Generous paid time off and paid holidays
  • 401(k) retirement option
Equal Opportunity Employer

At the Center for Disability Services, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any protected class of job applicant or employee in our employment practices.

Compensation Range

$75,000.00 - $95,000.00

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