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Prototyping Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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 ...

watlow

Operator Technician

Hillsboro, OR

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

As a Prototype Manufacturing Technician, you'll set up, program, and run complex equipment and tools used in rapid prototyping, including Juki sewing machines and other automated sewing equipment.

Watlow

Operator Technician

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

As a Prototype Manufacturing Technician, you'll set up, program, and run complex equipment and tools used in rapid prototyping, including Juki sewing machines and other automated sewing equipment.

Taylor Corporation

Industrial Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Lead prototype development from concept through fabrication, testing, refinement, and production release. * Research emerging materials, fabrication technologies, and manufacturing processes.

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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 Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototyping in Portland, OR is $28.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.45 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prototype designer?

A prototype designer is a professional who creates preliminary models of products, interfaces, or systems to test and refine ideas before full development. They often use design tools like CAD or prototyping software and collaborate with engineers, developers, or stakeholders to ensure functionality and usability. This role requires skills in design, user experience, and iterative testing.

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.

Do engineers make prototypes?

Prototyping is a common responsibility for engineers, especially in fields like product design, engineering, and development. They create prototypes to test concepts, refine designs, and demonstrate functionality, often using tools like CAD software or 3D printing. Making prototypes helps engineers identify issues early and improve the final product.

What is a prototype maker job description?

A prototype maker is responsible for designing, building, and testing physical or digital prototypes to demonstrate concepts and functionalities. They often use tools like CAD software, 3D printers, or woodworking equipment and need technical skills in engineering, design, or manufacturing. Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities are essential for creating effective prototypes that meet project specifications.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,247 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Senior Prototype Engineer

Panthalassa

Portland, OR

$125K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the Company

We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.

The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis.

About the Job

We are developing a core technology that will operate in the worst conditions the world's oceans have to offer. 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 organizational capabilities for equipment and hardware will also expand.

Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Virgin Orbit, Virgin Galactic, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries. We are organized as a public benefit corporation and are backed by leading venture capital firms, private investors, philanthropic investors, and endowments.

We strive to be the best technical team on the planet, and we compensate our team members accordingly.

Responsibilities
  • Use a variety of processes (3D printing, manual and CNC machining, welding, etc.) to design and manufacture prototypes and flight hardware
  • Use CAD to design prototypes, fixtures and assemblies
  • Help other engineers with DFM
  • Develop new production processes and shop capabilities
  • Own design/build projects from cradle to grave
  • Do your part to keep the shop clean to ensure that the shop is orderly and well-maintained
  • Support and help enforce safety culture
  • Help other employees with basic shop tasks and finding equipment, including engineers and researchers of varying backgrounds who are not necessarily familiar with hardware and shop organization
  • Order supplies, equipment and materials for projects and to support the shop
  • Use computer software such as word processors and spreadsheets to create, document, and maintain the organizational systems
  • Assist around the shop in other ways as requested
Requirements
  • You will be required to be on your feet for up to 8 hours per day and occasionally lift objects weighing 50 pounds or more. You should be comfortable occasionally working in elevated work areas, including on ladders and platforms, with appropriate safety equipment.
  • You will occasionally be asked to help other teams within the company, such as facilities, office management, and logistics.
Qualifications
  • You will be a strong candidate if you:
  • Have 5+ years of experience on the shop floor making prototypes using processes like machining, welding, laser cutting and 3D Printing.
  • Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree or equivalent work experience
  • Have experience working with a wide variety of manufacturing processes across a variety of materials
  • Have strong CAD skills (NX experience is a plus)
  • Have experience in 5 axis CNC machining (Hypermill experience is a plus)
  • Experience working with industrial controls and fluid systems
  • Work and communicate well with others, especially those who do not share your field of expertise
  • Have a strong, self directed work ethic
  • Have a desire to drive continuous improvement
  • Have significant experience using computer software such as word processors and spreadsheets
  • Are comfortable following instructions as well as pushing back on inadequate instructions
Compensation and Benefits

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

  • Cash compensation of $125,000 - $165,000.
  • Equity in the company. We're all owners and if we're successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
  • A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
    • Flexible paid time off
    • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
    • Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents)
    • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
    • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long term financial support if you become disabled)
    • Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
  • Relocation assistance to help facilitate your move to Portland if needed.
Location

Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon. This position requires daily on-site work.