ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Rapid Prototyping Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowmadics

Rapid Prototype Engineer II

Wichita, KS · On-site

$32 - $35.75/hr

Maintain a safe, clean, and organized prototyping and production environment. * Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support rapid development cycles. * Complete other duties as ...

Knowmadics, Inc

Rapid Prototype Engineer II

Wichita, KS · On-site

$32 - $35.75/hr

Maintain a safe, clean, and organized prototyping and production environment. * Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support rapid development cycles. * Complete other duties as ...

Knowmadics

Rapid Prototype Engineer II

Wichita, KS

$32 - $35.75/hr

Maintain a safe, clean, and organized prototyping and production environment. * Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support rapid development cycles. * Complete other duties as ...

Apple

Prototyping System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$147K - $272K/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 ...

Roc Search

Mechanical Engineer

Newark, NJ · On-site

Support prototyping, engineering builds, and pilot production activities * Drive DFM/DFA ... Startup or early-stage company experience * 3D printing and rapid prototyping experience

Higharc

Prototype Engineer

$36.50 - $41/hr

Higharc is seeking a Prototyping Engineer to join our rapidly growing Special Projects team. In ... Build frameworks for rapid evaluation, iteration, and promotion of prototypes. * Operate in lock ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRapid Prototyping Engineer Jobs

Rapid Prototyping Engineer information

See salary details

$26K

$101.9K

$169K

How much do rapid prototyping engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for rapid prototyping engineer in the United States is $101,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Rapid Prototyping Engineer do?

A Rapid Prototyping Engineer specializes in quickly designing, fabricating, and testing prototypes of new products or components. They use various technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and additive manufacturing to bring concepts to life. Their primary goal is to validate designs, identify improvements, and accelerate product development cycles. They often collaborate with designers, engineers, and product managers to refine ideas and ensure feasibility. This role requires expertise in CAD software, materials science, and manufacturing techniques to create functional prototypes efficiently.

What does a typical project look like for a Rapid Prototyping Engineer?

A typical project for a Rapid Prototyping Engineer involves collaborating with design, engineering, and product teams to translate initial concepts into physical prototypes. This usually includes interpreting design specifications, selecting appropriate materials and fabrication methods, creating detailed CAD models, and using rapid manufacturing machinery to build and refine parts. The role often requires swift iteration—testing, analyzing, and improving prototypes based on feedback or testing results. As a Rapid Prototyping Engineer, you’ll juggle multiple projects at once and be expected to adapt to changing requirements and tight deadlines while ensuring high-quality, functional prototypes are delivered on time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rapid Prototyping Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rapid Prototyping Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical or electrical engineering, CAD design, and familiarity with rapid manufacturing processes, supported by a relevant engineering degree. Hands-on experience with tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and proficiency in software such as SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor is highly valued. Creative problem-solving, adaptability, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for success in this fast-paced, collaborative field. These abilities enable quick iteration and effective teamwork, ensuring novel concepts are efficiently turned into functional prototypes that meet design requirements.

More about Rapid Prototyping Engineer jobs
What states have the most Rapid Prototyping Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Rapid Prototyping Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rapid Prototyping Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rapid Prototyping Engineer jobs are:
Rapid Prototyping Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rapid Prototyping Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,916 per year, or $49 per hour.
Rapid Prototype Engineer II

Rapid Prototype Engineer II

Knowmadics

Wichita, KS • On-site

$32 - $35.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Candidate should live within driving distance of the following areas: Wichita, KS; Lawton OK; or Round Rock, TX
Job Purpose/Summary
This role is for a Rapid Prototype Engineer II to design, fabricate, assemble, and validate hardware prototypes supporting research and development efforts across mechanical, electrical, and integrated systems.
You will work alongside hardware, electrical, and software engineers to rapidly translate concepts into functional prototypes using a combination of in-house production capabilities and external manufacturing partners. This role includes hands-on ownership of fabrication, assembly, wiring, and system integration, while coordinating outsourced production and finishing processes as needed.
This is an individual contributor role with responsibility across prototype development, vendor coordination, and build/test execution in fast-paced, iteration-driven environments.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Design, fabricate, and modify prototype components using variety of tools (e.g., 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and hand tools).
  • Evaluate designs and select appropriate materials, fabrication methods, and finishing processes (e.g., anodizing, painting, coating, polishing).
  • Build and assemble mechanical and electro-mechanical systems, including structural, enclosure, and mounting solutions.
  • Design and fabricate wiring harnesses and cables, including cutting, crimping, soldering, labeling, and routing for prototype systems.
  • Integrate electrical components, connectors, and subsystems, ensuring reliable and serviceable wiring practices.
  • Coordinate with third-party vendors for outsourced manufacturing (e.g., machining, PCB fabrication, cable assemblies, finishing services).
  • Manage vendor relationships, including sourcing, quoting, scheduling, and quality verification of delivered parts.
  • Perform functional testing and quality assurance on prototypes to validate performance, reliability, and design intent.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues, and iterate on designs based on test results and team feedback.
  • Support system integration efforts across mechanical, electrical, and embedded subsystems.
  • Document build processes, wiring diagrams, bill of materials (BOMs), and vendor selections.
  • Source tools, materials, and equipment required to support prototyping and fabrication efforts.
  • Package and ship prototypes to internal teams and partners, ensuring proper handling, protection, and documentation.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized prototyping and production environment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support rapid development cycles.
  • Complete other duties as requested.

Qualifications
  • Eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance - U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Formal education in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field, or a suitable mix of education and hands-on experience.
  • Professional experience working in prototyping labs, machine shops, or makerspace environments.
  • Hands-on experience with fabrication tools and processes (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, manual fabrication).
  • Experience building and assembling mechanical and electro-mechanical systems.
  • Experience designing and fabricating wiring harnesses and cables, including crimping, soldering, connector selection, and cable management.
  • Strong understanding of materials (plastics, metals, composites) and finishing processes.
  • Experience coordinating with external vendors and managing outsourced manufacturing.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD models, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple prototype efforts in parallel in fast-paced environments.
  • Strong communication skills for collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar).
  • Experience with basic electronics prototyping and integration (PCB handling, power systems, connectors).
  • Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
  • Experience working with rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing vendors.
  • Knowledge of cable standards, harness best practices, and environmental considerations (strain relief, shielding, routing).
  • Experience supporting early-stage product development or research programs.

Working conditions
  • Employees may be called upon to participate in in-person meetings, trainings, or company functions at Knowmadics offices or other designated locations. Travel in support of business operations may also be required, and employees are expected to comply with these obligations as part of their position.

Physical requirements
May include standing for extended periods, working with tools and machinery, lifting or moving materials or tools, and handling small components.
Direct reports
None

Apply