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Rapid Prototyping Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Observable Space

Prototype Machinist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Help develop custom fixturing, jigs, and one-off assemblies for rapid prototyping. * Assist in maintaining, upgrading, and tuning machines and shop infrastructure. * Participate in design for ...

Monolyth Technologies

Drone Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Use 3D printing and CAD tools to support rapid prototyping, fixtures, repairs, and hardware development. * Support prototype builds, hardware integration, and low-volume manufacturing activities.

Observable Space

Prototype Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Help develop custom fixturing, jigs, and one-off assemblies for rapid prototyping. * Assist in maintaining, upgrading, and tuning machines and shop infrastructure. * Participate in design for ...

Physical Intelligence

Prototype Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$42 - $47.25/hr

Hands-on expertise with rapid prototyping methods: 3D printing (FDM/SLA), laser cutting, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and manual machining. * Familiarity with the robotics domain, with an ...

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 ...

Basic Solutions

Be Seen First

Display Mechanical Engineer (Long Term Contract)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Experience of rapid prototyping, system integration and product demos for driving product or program level directions. * Experience with manufacturing techniques such as 3d printing, injection ...

Pilgrim

Mechanical Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

You'll work across CAD, rapid prototyping, vendor selection and coordination, and field testing - taking prototypes all the way to deployed systems. Responsibilities * Design and develop compact ...

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Rapid Prototyping information

What is rapid prototyping?

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.

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in rapid prototyping?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Acquisition Support | Sr Production and Program Management Support (Advisor)

Tecolote Research

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist program leadership in tracking and ensuring execution activities meet milestones and adjusting supply chain or production strategies as needed.

  • Translate complex technical, financial, and programmatic data into strategic communication products, decision analysis, and stakeholder briefings.

  • Support the management and execution of post-Critical Design Review milestones, including developing integrated understanding of execution priorities, risks, and supply chain opportunities.

Job description

Overview
The Senior Production and Program Management Advisor serves as a critical asset to the Senior Program Managers (SPMs), providing expert-level execution, systems engineering, and production advice to enable informed decision-making across the Resilient MW/MT program. You will apply deep programmatic and production expertise to ensure execution readiness and alignment as the program navigates post-Critical Design Review (CDR) milestones within the MTA Rapid Prototyping lifecycle's Execution phase.
Responsibilities
You will help program leadership ensure that execution activities track to stated milestones, identifying where supply chain or production strategies require adjustment to maximize program outcomes and maintain rapid prototyping timelines. You will translate complex technical, financial, and programmatic execution data into clear strategic communication products, decision-quality analysis, and stakeholder briefings, enabling SPMs to seamlessly communicate progress and secure continuous alignment with higher headquarters.
In this role, you will directly support the SPMs in the management and execution of the Resilient MW/MT portfolio, serving as a trusted advisor on execution activities, supply chain strategy, and compliance reporting. You will work across program elements, functional organizations, and suppliers to develop an integrated understanding of execution priorities, production schedules, risks, dependencies, and supply chain opportunities, providing actionable recommendations to program leadership. You will advise on strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management, assessing whether current supply chain strategies support rapid prototyping requirements and recommending where approaches should be adjusted to mitigate risk and achieve the greatest programmatic effect. You will provide independent advice on financial formulations and reporting, helping the SPMs evaluate execution challenges, formulate financial products, and prepare comprehensive materials for critical stakeholder reviews.
Responsibilities and tasks will also include:
  • Providing expert systems engineering, program management, and production advisory support to Senior Program Managers executing post-CDR milestones.
  • Assisting the government in monitoring and tracking MTA Execution phase activities to ensure alignment with rapid prototyping objectives.
  • Preparing draft strategic communication products for government approval that translate complex execution realities into clear leadership narratives.
  • Applying expertise in strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management to analyze and support the development of program-level supply chain strategies.
  • Providing analytical support in the formulation of draft financial products and execution tracking.
  • Assisting in preparing materials and analytical baselines for key stakeholder reviews, including Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Quarterly Progress Reviews (QPRs), and Congressional inquiries.
  • Supporting the government in monitoring and overseeing all recurring reporting requirements to facilitate timely and compliant submissions.
  • Identifying disconnects between stated production strategy and actual execution metrics, recommending corrective actions.
  • Integrating information across technical, production, financial, and program management organizations to provide SPMs with a coherent view of execution readiness.

Skills Required
  • At least 10 equivalent years of experience performing Program Management, Systems Engineering, Production Management, or Financial Operations within the national security space enterprise or major defense acquisition programs.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping lifecycles and post-CDR execution activities.
  • Strong understanding of supply chain strategy development, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management.
  • Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative techniques used to analyze financial products, execution tracking, and program reporting.
  • Ability to synthesize complex technical and programmatic information to draft concise strategic communication products and briefing materials.
  • Must be able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and provide candid, objective advice on time-sensitive reporting and production issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
  • Active Secret Clearance is required
  • US citizenship is required
  • Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Business, Management, Engineering, Operations, or a related field is required

Salary Range: $110,000 - $125,000/Year, DOE
Education
Bachelor's degree required, preferably in math, engineering, business, or the sciences.

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