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Prototyping Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Data & AI Strategy

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$122K - $143K/yr

Use prototypes and demos to inform decision-making, de-risk initiatives, and strengthen client confidence Team Leadership & Mentorship * Direct and mentor Consultants, providing clear guidance ...

This role involves building prototypes, evaluating tools, and delivering solutions that enhance software development, testing, and delivery processes. This is a one-year contract position. Key ...

Design, prototype, and run lab-based testing and simulations to verify device function, safety, and reliability. * Identify and drive mitigation for technical, manufacturing and regulatory risks.

Rapid Prototyping and Demo Development Quickly build proof-of-concept demos and prototypes to validate approaches and drive stakeholder alignment before committing to a full build. Solution Delivery ...

Rapid Prototyping and Demo Development Quickly build proof-of-concept demos and prototypes to validate approaches and drive stakeholder alignment before committing to a full build. Solution Delivery ...

Sr. R&D Engineer, New Products

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Design, prototype, and evaluate product concepts using biomechanical models, benchtop methods, and experimental testing * Develop and execute verification and validation activities to assess product ...

AI Solutions Architect

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$61.25 - $80.75/hr

Independently design, prototype, and implement AI-enabled solutions, particularly for LLM-driven and workflow-based use cases * Rapidly develop MVPs and proof-of-concepts to validate solution ...

Design, prototype, and run lab-based testing and simulations to verify device function, safety, and reliability. * Identify and drive mitigation for technical, manufacturing and regulatory risks.

Senior Distributed Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC ยท Remote

$101K - $139K/yr

A Sr. DSE is an experienced technologist adept at systems design, prototyping / proof of concept development, and developing and deploying production quality systems and code. As a Sr. DSE, you will ...

Support of engineering prototypes throughout their usable lifetime including procurement, contract manufacturer support, assembly and rework as needed. * Actively participate with Hardware ...

Support of engineering prototypes throughout their usable lifetime including procurement, contract manufacturer support, assembly and rework as needed. * Actively participate with Hardware ...

Senior NPI Engineer

Durham, NC

$101K - $138K/yr

Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Senior NPI Engineer to support the introduction of cutting-edge products from prototype through to full-scale production. The Role Working at the interface ...

Support of engineering prototypes throughout their usable lifetime including procurement, contract manufacturer support, assembly and rework as needed. * Actively participate with Hardware ...

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Prototyping information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$14

$26

$40

How much do prototyping jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,304 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Innovation Lead - Office of the CTO \u007C AI (10342)

Innovation Lead - Office of the CTO \u007C AI (10342)

Extreme Networks

Raleigh, NC โ€ข Hybrid

$200K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Over 50,000 customers globally trust our end-to-end, cloud-driven networking solutions. They rely on our top-rated services and support to accelerate their digital transformation efforts and deliver unprecedented progress.

Become part of something big with Extreme! As a global networking leader, learn why there is no better time to join the Extreme team.

Position details

Title of position: Innovation Lead - Office of the CTO

Position type:ย Full time - Hybrid

Location:ย  Salem, NH \u007C Morrisville, Raleigh, NC \u007C San Jose, CA \u007C Toronto, Canada

Position reports to: Head of the Office of the CTO

Application deadline:ย Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and this posting will remain open until filled.

Work authorization: Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the country where the role will be performed.

Scope:

Extreme Networks, Inc. (EXTR) is a global leader in AI-powered cloud networking, committed to simplifying and securing IT operations through its unified platform. We empower businesses to connect devices, applications, and users while addressing complex challenges with cutting-edge technology. By leveraging artificial intelligence, analytics, and automation, we drive value creation, innovation, and performance enhancement. Trusted by thousands of customers worldwide, our industry-leading solutions and exceptional support make us a partner of choice for organizations across industries.

At the Office of the CTO, we

  • Have proven over years how to turn ideas into successful products and business models
  • Operate at the intersection of business, customer, and technology
  • Ask questions that are slightly too ambitious for the time
  • Know that the next great invention is already being asked as a question
  • Want the right people in the room when it is
The Role:
  • Innovation Lead โ€“ Office of the CTO (Full-time, Hybrid)

    The Innovation Lead will discover, prototype, and develop transformative ML/AI and edge computing solutions that position Extreme Networks at the forefront of intelligent networking. You will be a hands-on contributor who turns ambitious ideas into real products and validated business cases. Working as an individual contributor within a matrix of cross-functional teamsโ€”data scientists, product managers, engineers, architects, and customersโ€”you

    • Explore emerging technologies and build proofs of concept
    • Drive adoption and help define product roadmaps
    • Help commercialize innovationsโ€”ensuring that innovation without market realization remains just research

    Success is measured by validated ideas that advance to product, launched innovations that expand our market position, customer and partner engagement on breakthrough solutions, and thought leadership that establishes Extreme as the industry voice on networked AI and edge intelligence.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Discovery & Development
    • Identify and evaluate emerging opportunities in ML/AI, edge computing, and adjacent technologies
    • Conceptualize, prototype, and validate innovative solutionsโ€”moving fast from question to proof of concept
    • Maintain awareness of industry trends, standards bodies, and competitive innovation
    Hands-On Prototyping & Implementation
    • Build and architect real solution prototypes, not just advise on themโ€”coding, validating, and documenting as needed
    • Partner with data scientists, engineers, and product teams to turn validated ideas into production-ready features
    • Contribute directly to solution delivery through prototyping, testing, and technical demonstrations
    • Drive continuous improvement by identifying and fixing technical and architectural bottlenecks
    Customer & Partner Co-Innovation
    • Engage customers, partners, and prospects to co-develop solutions and understand unmet needs
    • Translate complex technical ideas into compelling narratives for CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and business executives
    • Build reference and lighthouse accounts by delivering early access to breakthrough capabilities
    • Help commercialize innovationsโ€”market realization is essential for innovation success
    Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence
    • Work effectively in a matrix with product management, engineering, marketing, and field teams
    • Participate in standards bodies and open-source communities to shape industry direction
    • Influence product roadmaps and feature prioritization based on customer insights
    • Champion a culture of critical thinking, experimentation, and calculated risk-taking
    Thought Leadership & Evangelism
    • Author and present on emerging technologies, innovation frameworks, and breakthrough solutions
    • Evangelize our leadership in AI-powered networking and edge intelligence to customers and prospects
    • Build visibility for Extreme's innovation strategy and technical differentiation in the marketplace
Basic Requirements:Experience & Background
  • Proven track, success record of ownership from Ideation to productization with GenAI and Multi Agent solutions either in a large corporationย Or in a startup
  • Proven experience to build engineering team for GenAI and Multi Agent solutions
  • Proven experience with complex AI and data centric projects outside of the networking market
Technical Skills
  • Fluent in at least one programming language; expertise in Python, Java, or Go is highly preferred
  • Deep knowledge of ML/AI principles, emerging architectures, and practical applications in enterprise systems
  • Understanding of edge computing, distributed systems, and cloud networking architectures
  • Knowledge of efficient data structures, query optimization, and analytics technologies
  • Ability to evaluate and integrate third-party technologies and frameworks
Collaboration & Communication
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skillsโ€”able to work effectively across diverse audiences
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear narratives for CTOs, VPs, and executives
  • Proven track record of driving issues to resolution with strong customer satisfaction
  • Thrive working both independently and within high-performing cross-functional teams
  • Comfortable with ambiguity and defining problems before solutions exist
Professional Qualities
  • Ambitious and driven, thriving in a demanding and fast-paced environment
  • Willing to roll up your sleeves, take ownership, and be a proactive team player
  • Excellent critical thinking and business acumen to identify solutions with widespread adoption potential
  • Ability to balance exploration with execution, knowing when to pivot and when to commit
  • Comfortable with occasional travel and significant remote engagement with customers and partners
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, related field, or equivalent professional experience
Nice to Have:
  • 10+ years Experience in networking, security, or cloud platforms (especially cloud-driven networking)
  • Participation in open-source projects or standards bodies
  • Background in product management or go-to-market strategy
  • Published thought leadership or speaking experience at industry conferences
  • Experience with AI operations (MLOps), data platforms, or analytics systems
What Success Looks Like

In your first year, you will

  • Identify and validate 2โ€“3 high-impact innovation opportunities
  • Deliver working prototypes that demonstrate customer value
  • Build relationships with key customers and partners co-innovating with us
  • Contribute to product roadmap decisions that accelerate our leadership
  • Establish thought leadership through speaking, writing, or industry participation
  • Help evangelize our innovation strategy to the market
Why Join the OCTO

At Extreme Networks' Office of the CTO, you will work on problems that matterโ€”networking the edge, securing cloud infrastructure, and bringing intelligence to billions of connected devices. You

  • Be part of a team where critical thinking and human creativity set us apart in the age of AI
  • Have the freedom to define the questions we need to ask
  • Have support to pursue ambitious ideas
  • See your innovations become products that change an industry

If you like being at the intersection of business, customer, and technology; if you have built real things and understand that innovation without commercialization is just research; and if you thrive in ambiguity and are energized by working on the next big questionโ€”we want you in the room.

Equal Employment Opportunity
  1. Extreme Networks, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We are committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans, including disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active-duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans.
  2. Extreme Networks also strives to prevent other, subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (for example, stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our organization. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at Extreme Networks. We encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.
Fair chance and background checks
  • Extreme Networks will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Philadelphia Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance, Illinois Human Rights Act, Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, Seattle Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. An applicant's conviction history will not be considered until after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Following any individualized assessment, applicants will be provided with the opportunity to respond before any adverse action is taken.
  • Extreme Networks does not seek salary history information from applicants and will not rely on salary history in determining whether to offer employment or in setting compensation.
This role offers a marketโ€‘competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range of 220,000 to 230,000 USD. Actual compensation will depend on the selected candidateโ€™s experience, qualifications, skills, and work location. The posted range reflects the amount Extreme Networks reasonably and in good faith expects to pay upon hire. This range is determined using objective, genderโ€‘neutral criteria based on skills, experience, responsibility, and working conditions. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a performanceโ€‘based bonus and the full benefits package described below.
Benefits and total rewards:

Extreme Networks offers a comprehensive benefits package. Specific benefits vary by country and may include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities where role permits
  • Paid time off, including open time off in eligible markets and statutory leave in all markets
  • Paid holidays in accordance with local practice
  • Retirement savings programs, including RRSP matching in the Canada
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program, where eligible
  • Adoption assistance and fertility treatment support, where eligible
  • Flexible spending accounts, where eligible
  • Employee assistance program
  • Tuition reimbursement, where eligible
  • Life and disability insurance

Benefits eligibility is based on country of employment, role, and employment status. Complete benefits details will be provided during the interview process and in the formal offer of employment.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.