1

Prototyping Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Apex, NC ยท On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Lead prototyping of compact, wearable systems that involve electronic components, rigid-flex PCBs, batteries, RF protection, flexible and rigid system casings, optical windows, displays, buttons ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Apex, NC

$80K - $105K/yr

Lead prototyping of compact, wearable systems that involve electronic components, rigid-flex PCBs, batteries, RF protection, flexible and rigid system casings, optical windows, displays, buttons ...

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Projects may span early concept generation, prototyping, engineering development, testing, design for manufacture, and transfer into production. We are looking for someone who can combine strong ...

Create prototypes, wireframes, user flows, journey maps, and interaction designs that clearly communicate product direction. * Support user research, usability testing, and iterative validation ...

Create prototypes, wireframes, user flows, journey maps, and interaction designs that clearly communicate product direction. * Support user research, usability testing, and iterative validation ...

Create prototypes, wireframes, user flows, journey maps, and interaction designs that clearly communicate product direction. * Support user research, usability testing, and iterative validation ...

Create prototypes, wireframes, user flows, journey maps, and interaction designs that clearly communicate product direction. * Support user research, usability testing, and iterative validation ...

Prototyping and validation: Build interactive prototypes using code-adjacent tools and validate them with real users before engineering investment. Use findings to sharpen flows, surface edge cases ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Prototyping information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$14

$26

$40

How much do prototyping jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototyping in Raleigh, NC is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $30.14 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 Raleigh, NC? For Prototyping jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prototyping jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Prototyping jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Prototyping job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,304 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Prototype Machinist/ Tool & Die Maker

Prototype Machinist/ Tool & Die Maker

Voxel Innovations, Inc.

Knightdale, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

About Voxel
Voxel is a growing advanced manufacturing company focused on Pulsed Electrochemical Machining (PECM), a manufacturing process used to create high-value components from difficult-to-machine metal alloys. Our mission is to use PECM and related manufacturing technologies to supply critical parts and manufacturing solutions for aerospace, energy, medical, and other demanding industrial customers.
Voxel is not a high-volume commodity machine shop. We work on hard problems, unusual parts, and manufacturing processes that require precision, curiosity, and follow-through. Much of our work involves creating the electrodes, fixtures, tooling, machine components, and prototype hardware that make our PECM process possible. Attention to detail matters. Our ~30 person team owns every step of the technology life-cycle, translating R&D into production under one roof.
Our core values are: Expect Excellence, Do Right By Others, Always Getting Better, and What Would Happen If...?ย 
The Role
Voxel is seeking a Prototype Machinist/ Tool & Die Maker to help turn complex engineering concepts into real, accurate, working hardware. This role is for someone who can take a drawing, model, sketch, or conversation and figure out how to make the part correctly.
You will program, set up, machine, inspect, and improve complex one-off and low-volume parts used in our internal manufacturing processes. Most of the work will support Voxel's internal needs, including PECM electrodes, tooling, workholding, machine components, test fixtures, and prototype parts. Over time, the role may include precision machining of customer parts.
The ideal candidate does not need to be a 25-year master toolmaker, but they do need real machining experience, strong judgment, and the desire to become excellent. We are open to a strong CNC programmer/machinist who wants to deepen their toolroom and prototype skills, as well as a more experienced tool-and-die or prototype machinist who wants to work on unusual advanced manufacturing problems. This position is full-time based in Knightdale, NC.
About You
You are a strong fit for this role if you:

  • Take pride in making difficult parts correctly, not just quickly
  • Can work from incomplete information and ask good questions before cutting metal
  • Understand that prototype work requires both craftsmanship and disciplined inspection
  • Like solving problems at the machine, not just running someone else's process
  • Are comfortable working in a small company where priorities can change and everyone helps where needed
  • Want to learn new equipment, new processes, new materials, and new inspection methods
  • Have the humility to learn from others and the confidence to suggest better ways of doing the work
  • Align with our culture values
    ย 

Job Description

  • Program CNC parts from scratch using Mastercam, based on prints, models, sketches, or engineering direction
  • Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes, primarily Okuma equipment today, with the ability to learn additional controllers as Voxel adds equipment
  • Machine tight-tolerance components, including features and fits below +/-0.001 inch when required
  • Work primarily with stainless steels, along with titanium, aluminum, tool steels, and other engineering materials
  • Plan machining sequences, workholding, tool selection, inspection approach, and order of operations for prototype and low-volume parts
  • Design and fabricate simple machining fixtures, soft jaws, workholding, setup aids, and gages as needed
  • Use manual equipment such as lathes, mills, grinders, saws, and surface grinders to support prototype and toolroom work
  • Support Mitsubishi wire EDM work, either directly or by helping prepare parts, fixtures, and inspection plans
  • Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspection using manual inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gages, pin gages, height gages, thread gages, surface plates, and related tools
  • Use or learn advanced inspection tools including CMMs, vision systems, and other metrology equipment
  • Read and interpret technical drawings, GD&T, CAD models, setup sheets, and inspection requirements
  • Collaborate with engineers, machinists, technicians, and quality personnel to improve part designs, manufacturability, inspection methods, and shop practices
  • Help diagnose machining issues related to tolerance, surface finish, tool wear, workholding, material behavior, or process sequence
  • Maintain equipment, tooling, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition
  • Support urgent internal or customer-driven projects when needed
  • Take on other hands-on technical work as required in a growing advanced manufacturing business
  • Schedule: Primarily day shift, with some flexibility in start/end times. Occasional overtime may be needed for urgent customer or internal projects and will be paid accordingly.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of CNC machining experience, preferably including prototype, toolroom, mold/die, fixture, aerospace, medical, or other precision work. 10+ years experience preferred.
  • Ability to independently set up and operate CNC mills or lathes, 4/5th axis or EDM work is preferred.
  • Ability to create CNC programs from scratch using CAM software; Mastercam experience preferred
  • Strong print reading skills, including GD&T
  • Experience machining tight-tolerance metal parts, including tolerances below +/-0.001 inch and in materials like stainless steel, titanium, etc.
  • Experience using a variety of inspection tools including manual/hand tools as well as CMM or vision systems
  • Ability to work safely, carefully, and independently with limited supervision
  • Strong attention to detail, integrity, curiosity, and follow-through
  • This position requires access to controlled information under U.S. export control laws. Therefore, applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident).
  • Submittal of a cover letter describing why you are interested in working at Voxel and our mission.
Why This Role Matters
Voxel's PECM process depends on high-quality electrodes, fixtures, machine components, and prototype hardware. If those parts are not right, the process does not work. This role directly affects how quickly we can develop new applications, solve customer problems, and turn advanced manufacturing ideas into repeatable production capabilities. You will not be making commodity parts all day. You will be helping build the tools, fixtures, and systems that make a new manufacturing process possible.
ย 

Voxel Innovations Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The above job description does not constitute a promise or guarantee of employment.

Powered by JazzHR

ZhdrWwtU9Q