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Rapid Prototyping Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

RivCut

Prototype Machinist

Union City, CA · On-site

The company focuses on rapid prototyping and low-volume production to support R&D and new product development. RivCut provides full material sourcing, finishing, and quality inspection, ensuring ...

Apple

Sr. Prototyping Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Preferred Qualifications Proven experience in rapid prototyping - quickly bringing together custom hardware (sensors, actuators, enclosures) and software (firmware, applications, perception) into ...

Apple

Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Ability to program complex 3D parts in CNC or optimize for rapid prototyping. Ability to validate dimensions and critical features using metrology equipment. Experience with work ticketing systems ...

Apple

Sr. Prototyping Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Preferred Qualifications Proven experience in rapid prototyping - quickly bringing together custom hardware (sensors, actuators, enclosures) and software (firmware, applications, perception) into ...

Skild AI

Mechanical Design Engineer

San Mateo, CA

$86K - $117K/yr

Utilize 3D printing and rapid prototyping techniques to develop and test hardware prototypes. * Collaborate with software engineers, mechanical engineers, and other team members to integrate hardware ...

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Rapid Prototyping information

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

To thrive in Rapid Prototyping, you need expertise in design thinking, CAD modeling, materials science, and hands-on fabrication, often supported by a degree in engineering, industrial design, or a related field. Familiarity with rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, adaptability, and effective communication make you stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for efficiently transforming concepts into tangible prototypes, allowing teams to quickly iterate and innovate in fast-paced environments.

What is the salary of prototype developer?

The salary of a prototype developer typically ranges from $60,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced developers with specialized skills in CAD, 3D printing, or electronics can earn higher salaries.

What is rapid prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is a process used in product development and engineering to quickly create a working model or prototype of a design. It involves using tools like 3D printing, CNC machining, or software simulations to test concepts, identify issues, and refine designs efficiently before full-scale production.

What careers can DT lead to?

A career in rapid prototyping can lead to roles such as product designer, mechanical engineer, industrial designer, or R&D engineer. These positions often require skills in CAD software, 3D printing, and project management, and may involve working in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or consumer electronics industries.

What is a Rapid Prototyping job?

A Rapid Prototyping job involves designing, developing, and testing early-stage product models using various techniques like 3D printing, CNC machining, or digital fabrication. Professionals in this role work closely with designers and engineers to create functional prototypes quickly, allowing for iterative improvements before mass production. They must have skills in CAD software, material selection, and manufacturing processes. The goal is to accelerate product development by identifying design flaws and optimizing performance early in the process.

Is rapid prototyping a skill?

Rapid prototyping is considered a skill that involves quickly creating models or prototypes to test ideas and designs. It requires knowledge of tools such as 3D modeling software, CAD programs, or 3D printing technology, and is often developed through training and hands-on experience in engineering, design, or product development roles.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Rapid Prototyping?

A typical day in Rapid Prototyping involves collaborating closely with engineers and designers to translate concepts into physical models using tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, and various design software. You might spend part of your day refining CAD drawings, selecting appropriate materials, troubleshooting prototype issues, and running tests to evaluate functionality. The work environment is usually hands-on and fast-paced, requiring quick adaptation to shifting project priorities. Teamwork and frequent communication are essential as you work alongside cross-functional teams to meet tight development timelines. This role offers exposure to cutting-edge technology and provides opportunities for skill development in both design and fabrication.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rapid Prototyping jobs in California? The most popular types of Rapid Prototyping jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Rapid Prototyping jobs in California? For Rapid Prototyping jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rapid Prototyping jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Rapid Prototyping jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Rapid Prototyping jobs? Cities in California with the most Rapid Prototyping job openings:
Rapid Prototyping jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rapid Prototyping job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 64% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Prototyping System Engineer

Prototyping System Engineer

Apple

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 675 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

The Home Hardware team is looking for a highly motivated and creative Electrical Engineer to help define, prototype, and build the future of Apple home product concepts. In this 0-to-1 role, you will be at the forefront of early-stage product exploration, operating at the intersection of hardware, software, and user experience. You will work with a diverse, cross-functional team of mechanical engineers, software developers, and industrial designers to architect complex systems, spin up rapid proof-of-concept hardware, and evaluate the technologies that will enable entirely new, accessible, and intuitive experiences in our customers' personal spaces.
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 system architecture to hands-on bench-level prototyping.
You will research and select novel sensors, compute modules, power electronics, and electromechanical technologies, driving the electrical architecture from a blank whiteboard to a fully functioning prototype. You will need to constantly balance performance, power, thermals, acoustic noise, and safety-ensuring our products bring surprise and delight to customers.
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
5+ years of industry experience in hardware design, specifically in rapid prototyping, architecture, or R&D environments.
Strong electrical engineering fundamentals across digital, analog, mixed-signal, and power delivery (DC-DC) design.
Proven experience in system-level architecture and component selection for embedded systems, consumer electronics, or electromechanical systems.
Hands-on experience with sensor integration, microcontrollers/SoCs, and standard digital interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, MIPI, USB, PCIe).
Proficiency with schematic capture tools (e.g., Cadence Concept/Allegro, Altium) and a solid understanding of PCB layout principles for signal integrity and power delivery.
Extensive experience in a lab environment: board bring-up, debugging, and using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.
Preferred Qualifications
MS or PhD in electrical engineering or similar field
Experience leading teams through product development cycle from concept development to production bring up
Large scale data analysis and knowledge of statistical techniques.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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