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Prototyping Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Prototyping System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

Description As a Home Prototyping System Engineer, you will be responsible for the electrical definition and rapid realization of early-stage concepts. Your day-to-day work will span high-level ...

Apple

Prototyping Specialist (CNC)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

The ADL is seeking a CNC Prototype Machinist to join our team. In this role, you will prepare materials, set up CNC milling machines, program toolpaths, and perform spot checks on finished components ...

Apple

Silicon Prototyping Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Description As a prototyping engineer you will be responsible for emulating a complex SOC & are expected to: -Review specifications, develop prototyping plans and specifications. -Work closely with ...

Apple

Sr. Prototyping Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

We are seeking a versatile Sr. Prototyping Software Engineer with end-to-end expertise to accelerate the exploration of new home product concepts. In this role, you will be responsible for the entire ...

Apple

Silicon Prototyping Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Description As a prototyping engineer you will be responsible for emulating a complex SOC & are expected to: -Review specifications, develop prototyping plans and specifications. -Work closely with ...

Apple

Sr. Prototyping Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We are seeking a versatile Sr. Prototyping Software Engineer with end-to-end expertise to accelerate the exploration of new home product concepts. In this role, you will be responsible for the entire ...

Epta

Prototyper

Columbus, GA · On-site

As a Prototyper, you will play a crucial role in our product development process. Your primary responsibilities will include constructing prototype parts and assembling prototype products, utilizing ...

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Prototyping information

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$14

$26

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How much do prototyping jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototyping in the United States is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $31.01 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.
More about Prototyping jobs
What cities are hiring for Prototyping jobs? Cities with the most Prototyping job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototyping jobs? The most popular types of Prototyping jobs are:
What states have the most Prototyping jobs? States with the most job openings for Prototyping jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prototyping jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prototyping jobs are:
Prototyping jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototyping job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,867 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Senior Systems Prototyping Engineer

Senior Systems Prototyping Engineer

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Are you passionate about DGX system connecting multiple ASIC chips together and FPGA prototyping? Are you interested in pushing the boundaries of innovation to make FPGA prototypes faster and more efficient? Can you work in a fast-paced environment that requires coordination between many teams across geographies and resolving sophisticated problems daily? If so, we are looking for hardworking systems engineers who will craft FPGA prototypes of our next generation GPUs, SOCs, NICs, Switches on standard FPGA prototyping platforms. We are now looking for a Senior Systems Prototyping Engineer to join our Emulation team onsite in Santa Clara, CA.

What you'll be doing:

  • Build FPGA prototypes by making RTL FPGA-friendly, partitioning the design and taking it through synthesis and place and route.

  • Improve performance of the prototype, analyze timing and generate bit streams.

  • Bring up the design on FPGA prototyping platforms and indulge in problem solving.

  • Release the prototype to the customers and support them when they face problems.

  • You are expected to understand the design and implementation, define the configurations, develop/modify the bringup and testing infrastructure and verify the correctness of the design.

  • Understand the system topologies with multiple ASICs to realize the DGX systems on prototyping platforms and emulators

  • Good coordination with architects, designers, verification engineers, and SW teams will be needed to accomplish your tasks.

What we need to see:

  • BS (or equivalent experience) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields with 7+ years of experience, or MS with 5+ years of proven experience in FPGA prototyping.

  • Good understanding of FPGA prototyping architecture, devices, flows and tools.

  • Experience in backend flows of FPGA Prototyping - Synthesis, P&R and Timing closure, with emphasis on Synopsys Protocompiler or Synplify Premier and Xilinx Vivado

  • Exposure to ASIC design and verification tools (VCS or equivalent, Verdi, GDB).

  • Knowledge of Verilog, System Verilog and digital design concepts.

  • Understand the industry standard protocols like PCIe, CXL, NVLINK, USB, CHI and CPU-GPU Coherency

  • Good debugging and problem-solving skills.

  • Hands on experience with lab FPGA debug methodologies, tools (Identify or ChipScope), and lab debug equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Scripting knowledge (Perl/shell/Tcl) is desired.

  • Good documentation, communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Experience with memory bring up of Memory (LPDDR5/6, DDR5/6), CXL/PCIE and/or high speed I/F such as USB4/3 is desirable

  • Prior experience with hardware emulation or prototyping (Synopsys HAPS, Zebu, Mentor Veloce) of a high-performance processor or SOC is a plus.

NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a "learning machine" that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities that are hard to solve, that only we can tackle, and that matter to the world. This is our life's work, to amplify human imagination and intelligence. Make the choice to join us today!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD for Level 4, and 196,000 USD - 310,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until March 6, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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