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Prototyping Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Machine Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

$65K - $89K/yr

Prototyping & Testing: Build, test, and troubleshoot prototypes to evaluate performance, conducting failure analysis to improve designs. Documentation: Generate technical drawings, BOMs (Bill of ...

Machine Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

$65K - $89K/yr

Prototyping & Testing: Build, test, and troubleshoot prototypes to evaluate performance, conducting failure analysis to improve designs. * Documentation: Generate technical drawings, BOMs (Bill of ...

Machine Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

Build, test, and troubleshoot prototypes to evaluate performance, conducting failure analysis to improve designs. • Documentation: Generate technical drawings, BOMs (Bill of Materials), design ...

Tool Maker & CNC Machinist Apprentice

Maryville, TN · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

Manufacture and modify tooling, fixtures, gauges, and prototype components from engineering drawings and concepts * Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications * Use precision ...

In this role, you will focus on injection mold maintenance while utilizing surface grinders, lathes, and mill equipment to create and prototype fixtures, tooling, and gauges. Whether you are coming ...

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Prototyping information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$24

$37

How much do prototyping jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototyping in Tennessee is $24.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $28.12 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.
What are popular job titles related to Prototyping jobs in Tennessee? For Prototyping jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototyping jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Prototyping jobs in Tennessee are:
Automation Prototype Machinist

Automation Prototype Machinist

Assurant, Inc

Mount Juliet, TN • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Machinist is responsible for creating various work tools, fixtures, gages, and other tooling for use in device care centers and automation projects. The person in this role will ensure that custom tooling is manufactured according to engineering drawings; the methods involved in making such work-aids can be machined, fabricated, or assembled. The role will work with the various engineering teams to make necessary process-related equipment (and new automation builds) using various types of machinery. The machinist will schedule and prioritize jobs for the various business sectors and device care centers. The person in this role will support multiple sites and will share responsibility across process and automation teams.

This is an onsite role in our Mt. Juliet TN facility with a schedule of Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM.

What will be my duties and responsibilities in this job?

  • Machine and manufacture tooling using equipment such as, but not limited to, lathes, surface grinders, mills, CNC-controlled vertical milling centers, bandsaws, welders, etc.
  • Serialize and optimize parts builds and process tools used in device remanufacturing and device repair for large-volume builds (such as trays, fixtures, nesting devices, custom automation holders/arms/mechanical parts)
  • Make one-of-a-kind and single-piece prototypes for the construction of new equipment and new process standup
  • Evaluate piece part construction for optimum efficiency and fastest throughput
  • Evaluate and recommend materials for parts builds with the engineering team (example: plastics, composites, metal and their various alloys for hardening, tempering, annealing, malleability, etc)
  • Read and interpret blueprints, design schematics, and CAD drawings
  • Design jigs and templates as work aids when only directional instructions provided
  • Measure and mark metal stock for machining
  • Set up machine tools such as drills, lathes, grinders, and milling machines; create standards and standard work such as material-specific spindle speeds, operating procedure, etc.
  • Fit and assemble tooling as required
  • Inspect finished tooling for defects, smoothness, contour deformities and other surface requirements
  • Conduct trial runs of new tooling when applicable
  • Participate in lean/six sigma process improvement initiatives and Kaizen events centered around process tooling and work aids
  • Recommend material selection and understand the mechanics of materials used in manufacturing various pieces of process tooling
  • Participate and support both the reverse logistics and repairs sides of the business, splitting equal time (approx) between new equipment standup and overall manufacturing need; work with both automation engineering teams and process improvement teams
  • Recommend a repair/replace interval for process tooling and determine lifetime use for items such as jigs, fixtures, tooling and gaging
  • Sharpen, recondition, or rework tooling on a periodic basis, as determined by engineering and process methodology.
  • Ensure tooling is safe for deployment with zero danger of misuse or injury to associates and other personnel.
  • Collaborate with plant and leadership team, customers, suppliers, and production floor personnel to identify and facilitate projects to improve key performance indicators (KPI's)

What are the requirements needed for this position?

  • Associates/Technical/Trade degree with a minimum of 8 years of related industry experience and/or equivalent industry experience (10+ years)
  • Environment/Physical Demands: This position requires incumbents to regularly stand at a machine and operate to manufacture custom tooling and parts. Toolmaker would occasionally lift, carry and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • 5% Travel or less
  • Understanding machine code and the ability to program CNC equipment by extrapolating, manipulating, and generating g-code (offsets, compensation, planes, etc)
  • Ability to multitask in a fast paced, dynamic assembly and logistics environment
  • Proficient with mills, lathes, grinders, welders, cutting saws, etc.
  • Strong understanding of material properties and limitations
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with attention to detail
  • Basic understanding of simple mathematics and some trigonometric functions
  • Advanced understanding and experience using various measurement devices such as, but not limited to, calipers, depth gages, telescopic gages, micrometers, etc

What other skills/experience would be helpful to have?

  • Strong focus with continuous improvement
  • Experience with welding and brazing techniques is a plus
  • Familiarity with Lean manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies is highly desirable
  • Background in reverse logistics, particularly involving consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones, tablets, smartwatches), is beneficial
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
  • Self-motivated with a proactive mindset, deadline awareness, and a focus on achieving key performance indicators

Pay Range:

$27,08 - $45,22

Any posted pay range considers a wide range of compensation factors, including candidate background, experience and work location, while also allowing for salary growth within the position.

If there is no posting end date listed then this is a pipeline requisition, and we will continue to collect applications on an ongoing basis.

Helping People Thrive in a Connected World
Connect with us. Bring us your best work and your brightest ideas. And we'll bring you a place where you can thrive. Learn more atjobs.assurant.com.

For U.S. benefit information, visitmyassurantbenefits.com. For benefit information outside the U.S., please speak with your recruiter.

What's the culture like at Assurant?
Our unique culture is a big reason why talented people choose Assurant. Named a Best/Great Place to Work in 15 countries and awarded the Fortune America's Most Innovative Companies recognition, we bring together top talent around the world. Although we have a wide variety of skills and experiences, we share common characteristics that are uniquely Assurant. A passion for service. An ability to innovate in practical ways. And a willingness to take chances. We call our cultureThe Assurant Way.

Company Overview
Assurant is a leading global business services company that supports, protects, and connects major consumer purchases. A Fortune 500 company with a presence in 21 countries, Assurant supports the advancement of the connected world by partnering with the world's leading brands to develop innovative solutions and deliver an enhanced customer experience through mobile device solutions, extended service contracts, vehicle protection services, renters insurance, lender-placed insurance products, and other specialty products.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Assurant is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not use or consider race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in employment decisions.

Job Scam Alert
Please be aware that during Assurant's application process, we will never ask for personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords. Learn more about what to look out for and how to report a scam here.