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Senior Prototype Model Maker Jobs in Chicago, IL

... prototypes into production-ready systems meeting latency and throughput requirements Work with ... Vision Transformers, Diffusion Models, GANs, semantic segmentation, or classical image enhancement ...

Sr. AI Governance Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $155K/yr

Contribute to the definition of enterprise operating models, guardrails, and standards for AI and ... maker enablement, and the political work to get adoption. * You have informed opinions on managed ...

Sr. AI Governance Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$130K - $155K/yr

Contribute to the definition of enterprise operating models, guardrails, and standards for AI and ... maker enablement, and the political work to get adoption. * You have informed opinions on managed ...

Senior Forward Deployed Engineer- AWS

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Prototype and deliver working AI solutions using industry expertise and emerging capabilities ... Our delivery models are tailored to meet each client's unique requirements. Required qualifications

You won't just optimize processes; you will prototype the logic, agents, and automation layers that ... You distinguish between where a reasoning model is needed to handle complex user intent versus ...

This Design Sr. Manager will develop a well-researched understanding of S&T core priorities and ... Visualizes solutions, usually in the form of models, wireframes, documentation, or prototypes ...

... operating models. * Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients and internal stakeholders ... Develop technical prototypes and proofs of concept to validate solution feasibility and accelerate ...

New

Overview The Design Sr. Manager is a compelling designer, facilitator, and storyteller who is able ... Visualizes solutions, usually in the form of models, wireframes, documentation, or prototypes ...

Sr. AI Developer, Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57 - $73.50/hr

Develop technical prototypes and proofs of concept to validate solution feasibility and accelerate ... Modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias. * All other duties as assigned

Senior Engineer - Sage, NPD

Cary, IL · On-site

$86 - $143/hr

Prototype and analyze design solutions to validate concepts and performance. * Apply engineering ... Ability to create engineering drawings and models using GD&T and CAE tools. * Knowledge of ...

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Senior Prototype Model Maker information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do senior prototype model maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior prototype model maker in Chicago, IL is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior prototype model maker?

A Senior Prototype Model Maker is a highly skilled professional who creates physical models and prototypes of products, components, or designs, often working from engineering drawings, CAD files, or conceptual sketches. They use a variety of materials and fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, CNC machining, hand sculpting, and assembly, to bring design concepts to life. Senior Prototype Model Makers often collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and product developers to refine prototypes, solve design challenges, and support product development. Their expertise ensures that prototypes are accurate, functional, and useful for testing or presentation purposes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior prototype model maker?

To thrive as a Senior Prototype Model Maker, you need advanced skills in fabrication, precision machining, and interpreting complex technical drawings, often supported by a technical degree or equivalent experience. Expertise with CAD software, 3D printers, CNC machines, and knowledge of materials and finishing techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong problem-solving abilities help you deliver high-quality prototypes that meet exacting standards. These skills are crucial for ensuring prototypes accurately represent design intent and support the product development process.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior prototype model makers when collaborating with design and engineering teams?

Senior Prototype Model Makers often work closely with both design and engineering teams, translating conceptual ideas and technical specifications into physical prototypes. One common challenge is balancing creative design intent with engineering feasibility, especially when materials or manufacturing processes impose limitations. Clear communication and adaptability are essential, as project requirements may shift rapidly based on feedback or testing results. Successfully managing tight deadlines and iterative revisions is also a frequent aspect of this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Senior Prototype Model Maker vs Prototype Model Maker?

AspectSenior Prototype Model MakerPrototype Model Maker
CredentialsTypically requires more experience, advanced skills, and sometimes certifications in model making or related fieldsEntry to mid-level experience, basic skills, and relevant training or certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, or R&D departments with complex projectsWorkshops, labs, or production environments focusing on creating prototypes
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, consumer products, and entertainment industriesSimilar industries, often as part of product development teams

The main difference between a Senior Prototype Model Maker and a Prototype Model Maker lies in experience, skill level, and project complexity. Senior Model Makers typically handle more complex projects, provide mentorship, and have advanced technical expertise, whereas Model Makers focus on executing prototype creation at various experience levels.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Prototype Model Maker jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Senior Prototype Model Maker jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Prototype Model Maker jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Prototype Model Maker jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Prototype Model Maker jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Prototype Model Maker job openings:

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$94.70 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 493 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

## Sr. Mechanical Design EngineerApplylocations: US-IL-Arlington Heights (Arens)time type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR12584**Senior Mechanical Design Engineer**Curtiss-Wright is seeking a full-time Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for Arens Controls in the Industrial Division. The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the design, development, and problem resolution of new automotive shift selector products and their related component technologies and processes for the continuously evolving industrial vehicle market. The development work performed by the Senior engineer will help to expand Curtiss-Wright’s business presence in the commercial truck/bus, electric vehicle, construction, agriculture, sports and recreation, and off-highway markets. This is a dynamic industry that offers the opportunity to work in a field with large potential growth. The Senior Engineer will work directly with other engineers and cross functional teams and contribute to the entire scope of product life cycle including concept, design, development, analysis, validation, launch, and production support. On-site prototype capabilities available to the engineer include a machine shop, PolyJet rapid prototyping, 5-axis machining, metal forming, etc. This position may interface directly with the Curtiss-Wright India and China engineering teams providing guidance on engineering analysis and technical processes. This position may also interact with the Curtiss-Wright power-electronics team for design reviews and consulting. Though not a supervisory position, the Sr. Engineer will provide engineering assistance and consultation to other engineers and departments on technical matters.**Location**: Arlington Heights, IL**Salary Range:** $94,700 - $120,000 per yearPlease note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in IL. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.**We Take Care of Our People**Paid Time Off **I** 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing **I** Health and Wellness Benefits **I** Learning and Development Opportunities **I** Referral Program **I** Competitive Pay **I** Recognition **I** Employee Stock Purchase Plan **I** Inclusive & Supportive Culture \***Your Challenge:*** Perform on-going conceptual and detailed design, design review and engineering analysis in support of New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.* Ensure all objectives regarding aesthetics, functionality, specifications, and manufacturability are met.* Oversee the use of appropriate modeling and concept visualization techniques in keeping with data and client evaluations.* Participate in customer meetings recommending design approaches and solutions to technical problems affecting the customer and consult on critical issues.* Interface directly with customer engineering in the design of new components and assemblies. When appropriate and as requested, work closely with clients to create new math models of products.* Support all technical based processes on projects such as: Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) reviews, IATF 16949 and US Government Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).* Prepare, deliver, and release detailed engineering specifications and data regarding product testing, using 3D design and 2D documentation. Support and verify design with tolerance analysis.* Analyze final design with various plastics and metals for stress using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure product meets customer specifications, making design modifications when appropriate.* Coordinate with the Manufacturing and Quality Departments to resolve assembly, design, and measurement/ specification issues.* Assist the lab in running tests to validate product design.* Ensure that engineering support of new products meets quality, governmental and customer specifications and is current with industry best practices, documenting all quality reviews, tests, and prototypes.* Be available for occasional travel to support customers and/or suppliers.**What You Bring:*** Customer-focus mindset with strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.* Thorough experience with CAD, preferably with SolidWorks. Competency in surfacing, sheet metal, assembly and drawings required.* Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.* 8-12 years of product development or project leadership experience from concept to realization. Preferred industries of automotive, power tools, or healthcare.* Experience with tolerance analysis, GD&T.* Experience with stress analysis including FEA.* Experience with thermal analysis is preferred.* Experience with database management systems such as Agile PLM, Infor CSI, or other ERP systems.* Proficiency in Microsoft products: Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, MS Project.* Knowledge of Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques in the automobile or commercial vehicle industry, preferred.* Prior project management experience is preferred.* Knowledge of Quality Systems is preferred (e.g. IATF 16949, ISO9001, AS9100, etc.).* Understanding and knowledge of manufacturing processes including injection molding, sheet metal stamping, prototyping, etc.* Experience with designing products with electromechanical packaging including enclosures, switches, displays, light piping, connectors, cables, etc.* Experience with dynamic parts including gears, levers, motors, bearings, springs, etc.* Understanding of tribology (wear, lubrication, friction, etc.) and selection of materials and plating* Ability to work with physical components, assemblies, and tools in a laboratory setting.* Proven track record of product design, assembling prototypes, performing tests, and writing reports.* Superior planning and organization skills, ability to operate under pressure and meet deadlines.* Highly motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision* Ability to work and interface directly with customers on a consistent basis.**Who We Are**Curtiss-Wright Industrial Division, which includes the legacy brands of Arens Controls, Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls, is an excellent supplier in providing components and sub-systems which enable customer specific solutions for on- and off-highway vehicles. These include medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses and motor coaches, construction and agricultural vehicles, materials handling, and other specialty vehicles, as well as sophisticated wheelchairs and scooters for medical mobility. Arens Controls products comprise state-of-the-art drivetrain components, such as ‘by-wire’ and mechanical transmission shifters, as well as electronic control systems for the Hybrid Electronic Vehicle (HEV) market. The products are the legacy of the Arens Controls company founded in 1939 and acquired by Curtiss-Wright in 2013. Find out more information and view our products here: https://www.cw-industrialgroup.com/About/Arens-Controls#LI-YH1*No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our **Talent Acquisition Team** and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.***Compliance Statement**This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn. Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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