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Prototyping Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Apple

Prototyping Specialist (CNC)

Sunnyvale, CA

$51.19 - $89.84/hr

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 ...

MP Materials Corp.

Technician, Prototyping

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Operate and maintain pilot plant equipment for prototyping magnets with occasional support for production operations. * Prepare, handle, and process raw materials, powders, and samples according to ...

Neuralink

Prototyping Lab Engineer & Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$68K - $114K/yr

As our Prototyping Lab Engineer & Manager, you will be instrumental in creating and maintaining an environment that enables our engineering and manufacturing teams to innovate and deliver ...

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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:
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Prototyping jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototyping job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% 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.
Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Prototyping

Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Prototyping

Figure

San Jose, CA • On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA.
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer focused on Thermal Prototyping to rapidly design, prototype, and test thermal solutions that reduce noise and improve system reliability across our robot platform. This role is extremely hands-on: continuously building models, running benchtop experiments, instrumenting components, and helping push the boundaries of silent thermals for humanoid robotics.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, build, and iterate 3D CAD models of thermal components: heat sinks, cold plates, airflow channels, fans, ducts, insulation, and passive/active cooling structures.
  • Prototype concepts using FDM/SLA prints, CNC, sheet metal, foam, gasketing, and rapid thermal mockups.
  • Run experiments that characterize noise sources and thermal loads across heat generating components including motors, gearboxes, electronics, and actuators.
  • Evaluate fan characteristics and system impedance to optimize for minimal acoustic signature
  • Instrument prototypes with thermocouples, microphones, accelerometers, airflow sensors, and DAQ hardware.
  • Perform thermal bench testing, steady-state and transient measurements, and acoustic testing (near-field, far-field).
  • Perform smoke tests, dye flow visualization, and IR thermography to understand heat flow and hotspot mechanisms.

Requirements:
  • 2+ years of experience in mechanical, thermal, or electromechanical hardware development.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar.
  • Strong 3D CAD proficiency
  • Experience building prototypes and running hands-on thermal/acoustic tests.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools (CFD, FEA, or equivalent).
  • Comfort working with fans, heat sinks, interface materials, and general thermal componentry.
  • Ability to design, execute, and document structured experiments.

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Background in acoustic modeling, vibration damping, or noise isolation techniques.
  • Experience with DAQs, IR cameras, sound chambers, hot-wire anemometers, or other instrumentation.
  • CATIA V6 experience.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $120,000 - $180,000 annually.
The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.

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