Overview
Prototype Engineer Jobs in Redmond, WA at BCforward
Title: Prototype Engineer
Company: BCforward
Location: Redmond, WA
Role: Prototyping Engineer
Location: Redmond, WA
Duration: 12+ Months
Job Description:
Prototyping Engineer to join our Advanced Development Team. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in ambiguity, takes initiative to identify gaps in systems and processes, and builds solutions from the ground up. They are someone who is naturally curious and fine tinkering with a number of components. This role requires a versatile engineer with a working understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software systems who can smoothly integrate various subsystems into functional prototypes. The position involves hands-on building, working together with AI tools, debugging, and iterating on prototype hardware systems for next-generation AR/VR devices. A portion of the role will also involve developing, maintaining, and refining AI workflows that improve efficiency and increase impact.
Minimum Qualifications
- 6+ years of hands-on experience in hardware prototyping, systems integration, or lab engineering, OR a relevant advanced degree + 3 years equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a self-starter: identifying problems, proposing solutions, and driving projects forward with minimal direction.
- Working knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, and software) with the ability to understand how subsystems interact.
- Proficiency with electrical debug tools including multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers for signal integrity and power analysis.
- Experience with embedded systems debugging using tools such as adb, UART/serial consoles, JTAG, or similar interfaces.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience collaborating cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and software teams to deliver integrated prototype systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with AR/VR or display system prototyping, including optical alignment and metrology.
- Familiarity with PCB design review, schematic reading, and basic soldering/rework for prototype modification.
- Experience with scripting or automation (Python, shell scripting) to support test, data collection, or process automation.
- Experience with test/debug automation
- Experience with latest AI tooling (eg: Claude, Codex, Gemini, etc.)
- Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, including torque-sensitive and precision-alignment operations.
- Familiarity with firmware development environments, embedded Linux, or RTOS-based systems.
- Experience building and maintaining lab infrastructure, test systems, or custom instrumentation.
Must have:
- Hands-on hardware prototyping and systems integration experience with demonstrated ability to independently build and debug multi-disciplinary systems.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or equivalent practical experience.
- Proficiency with electrical debugging tools (multimeter, oscilloscope, logic analyzer) and software debugging tools (adb, serial consoles, log analysis).
- Cross-disciplinary knowledge spanning mechanical, electrical, and software systems with ability to integrate subsystems and troubleshoot interface issues
Nice to have:
- Experience with AR/VR display systems, optical alignment, or metrology.
- Scripting/programming ability (Python, C/C++, shell) for test automation, data collection, or embedded systems work.
- Experience with PCB rework, schematic reading, and firmware debugging environments.
