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Prototyping Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Technical Manager Apparel Prototyping

Portland, OR · On-site

$177K - $204K/yr

Creates proper samples (prototypes) with attention to production feasibility and understands the entire product creation process and its systems. * Conceives and drives smaller projects and workshops ...

New

Technical Manager Apparel Prototyping

Portland, OR · On-site

$177K - $204K/yr

Creates proper samples (prototypes) with attention to production feasibility and understands the entire product creation process and its systems. * Conceives and drives smaller projects and workshops ...

Technical Manager Apparel Prototyping

Portland, OR · On-site

$177K - $204K/yr

Creates proper samples (prototypes) with attention to production feasibility and understands the entire product creation process and its systems. * Conceives and drives smaller projects and workshops ...

New

Technical Manager Apparel Prototyping

Portland, OR · On-site

$177K - $204K/yr

Creates proper samples (prototypes) with attention to production feasibility and understands the entire product creation process and its systems. * Conceives and drives smaller projects and workshops ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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.

Industrial Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site +1

$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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Prototyping information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$28

$44

How much do prototyping jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 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:
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.

Technical Manager Apparel Prototyping

adidas

Portland, OR • On-site

$177K - $204K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Adidas rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 104 rated fashion retailers


Job description

Purpose and overall relevance for the organization

  • Manages the creation process for innovative and complex apparel and accessories pieces in collaboration with all the NAM Creation Studios related departments. 
  • Creates proper samples (prototypes) with attention to production feasibility and understands the entire product creation process and its systems.  
  • Conceives and drives smaller projects and workshops with members of x-functional BU teams and/or external partners. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Transforms ideas or concepts into virtual prototypes, from sample construction and assembly, to model and mold making, to model patterns, for later production and guarantees for its proper documentation 

  • Drives the development of innovative product studies in cooperation with x-functional partners based on market requirements 

  • Works on an on-going basis on new solutions to reach creative product goals, by using new methods and systems and/or new constructions 

  • Creates samples and mockups to support the design and development process. 

  • Operates the latest innovative equipment and machines to create innovative products 

  • Works with supervisor and business counterparts in evaluating new engineering technologies for their applicability and value to the business, i.e. workmanship workshops 

  • Maintain all chemical materials and supplies needed for creation of apparel and accessories samples and mockups. 

  • Organize tool boxes, fill up and prepare material libraries and coordinate capacity/space management under the guidance of Senior Manager 

  • Perform minor maintenance and repair on shop machinery and equipment 

  • Consults and supports creative people/development teams with workmanship solutions regarding industrial production feasibility 

  • Drives creative workshops and leads basic trainings for the creation center teams and/or external partners. 

  • Establishes working relationships with internal and external interfaces to support an creative and innovative product creation process 

  • Mentors new hires in prototype creation 

Key Relationships

  • Creation Center - Design, Marketing, Brand Operations 

  • Innovation teams: Futures, ASL 

  • Global Sourcing 

  • Quality 

  • External CAD and Sample Shop partners 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • Advanced knowledge in product creation, with the ability to provide effective and cost efficient solutions and an understanding of apparel/ accessories construction, material construction and properties related to fit and usage 

  • Ability to interpret and evaluate designs on model level in regards to pattern execution/engineering  

  • Advanced knowledge of materials and trims for the apparel sports good industry 

  • Consulting and training skills 

  • Advanced knowledge of product production, and engineering techniques 

  • Strong team player and communicator with the ability to manage multiple projects under multiple deadlines 

  • Ability to work with diverse groups, motivate or mentor others and a proven skill at problem solving and innovation 

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills 

  • Advanced skills in CAD programs like Gerber or Optitex 

  • Advanced knowledge in Apparel 3D programs CLO3D or Browzwear 

  • Fluent in English (written and spoken)   

  • Advanced IT skills (Illustrator, MS Office) 

  • 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

  • Technical college/design school training in product / engineering, or equivalent education 

  • Bachelor/Apprenticeship as a product designer/ product, machine or industrial engineer  

  • Minimum of 5 years related work experience in product creation industry in comparable role  

  • 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.

What Adidas employees say

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