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Prototyping Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

NextGenEnergyJobs

Senior Prototype Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$125 - $165/hr

Building this technology involves significant rapid prototyping, fabrication, and metalwork. Our shop supports these activities and is critical to the company's success. As our company grows, our ...

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer

Portland, OR

$125K - $165K/yr

Building this technology involves significant rapid prototyping, fabrication, and metalwork. Our shop supports these activities and is critical to the company's success. As our company grows, our ...

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Building this technology involves significant rapid prototyping, fabrication, and metalwork. Our shop supports these activities and is critical to the company's success. As our company grows, our ...

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer

Portland, OR

$125K - $165K/yr

Building this technology involves significant rapid prototyping, fabrication, and metalwork. Our shop supports these activities and is critical to the company's success. As our company grows, our ...

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

That means constant prototyping, welding, fabrication, and iteration. Our shop is not a support function, it is central to the company's success. As a Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding, you will ...

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding

Portland, OR

$110K - $152K/yr

That means constant prototyping, welding, fabrication, and iteration. Our shop is not a support function, it is central to the company's success. As a Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding, you will ...

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding

Portland, OR

$110K - $152K/yr

That means constant prototyping, welding, fabrication, and iteration. Our shop is not a support function, it is central to the company's success. As a Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding, you will ...

LAIKA

Rapid Prototype Production Supervisor

Hillsboro, OR

$58K - $79K/yr

GENERAL SUMMARY The Rapid Prototype Production Supervisor manages the schedules and day-to-day operations of a team of artists and reporting production staff in the Rapid Prototype (RP) Department.

LAIKA

Rapid Prototype Production Supervisor

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

GENERAL SUMMARY The Rapid Prototype Production Supervisor manages the schedules and day-to-day operations of a team of artists and reporting production staff in the Rapid Prototype (RP) Department.

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All JobsPrototyping JobsPrototyping Jobs in Portland, OR

Prototyping information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$28

$44

How much do prototyping jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototyping in Portland, OR is $28.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.40 and $32.84 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 popular job titles related to Prototyping jobs in Portland, OR?

For Prototyping jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prototyping jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototyping jobs in Portland, OR are:

Prototyping jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototyping job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,247 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Technical Manager Footwear Prototyping

Adidas

Portland, OR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Adidas rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

PURPOSE 
Creating footwear prototypes from hand or computer-generated patterns to fabricating and assembling materials and components using various types of machinery and hand tools; including machines form cutting, sanding, buffing, sewing, and lasting. Act as lead maker on a portfolio of projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

  • Construct and assemble footwear samples and prototypes using various methods, processes, materials, and machinery.
  • Manage a portfolio of projects in all creation phases; from prototype pattern making, prototype construction and assembly, to model and mold making.
  • Present prototype method of make ideation to wider team in digital presentation format.
  • Use hands on making knowledge to provide material selection for prototypes.
  • Archive all prototypes, making tools and materials.
  • Maintain record of all materials used on projects.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of shoemaking process required.
  • Hand pattern making or digital pattern making experience.
  • Explore post prototype processes / prototype surface design.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and manage a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Ability to work with solvents, chemicals, polyurethane, epoxy, and silicone.
  • Ability to identify design issues and offer solutions to improve functionality and manufacturability of product.
  • Ability to work independently under a deadline on several projects simultaneously with minimal input.
  • Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot errors with mechanical equipment.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to work in a shop environment and be comfortable working with industrial machinery.
  • Ability to speak effectively and make presentations before small groups of customers or employees of organization.
  • Jevero and Microsoft Office skills.
  • At adidas, employees on the Creative Studios team are expected to work in the office Monday through Friday, five days per week.

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associates degree in related field and/or equivalent high school diploma.
  • 5+ years of experience in shoemaking or related field.
  • Experience working in a shop environment using a variety of tools and machinery.
  • adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • adidas offers robust and progressive medical, including HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, adoption, with surrogate and fertility support, short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage. Employees are able to enroll in adidas' 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match. Full-time employees are eligible for education assistance and generous Leave policies including 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
  • Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance. Employees accrue prorated flexible time off in the amount .4388 hours per day that increases with years of service, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.
  • This position requires a high degree of in-person collaboration, in-office attendance is required Monday through Friday. The working location of this position is Portland, Oregon.
  • Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English.

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