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Full Time Prototype Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Lead Prototype Technician (R5476)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$43 - $64/hr

As a Lead Prototype Technician, you will serve as the technical cornerstone of Prototype ... Full-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity ...

Technique Inc

Prototype Stamping Technician

Jackson, MI · On-site

Technique is looking for a Prototype Stamping Technician to join our team at our Jackson, Michigan ... This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a minimum of 40 hours per week with overtime as ...

Apple

Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Full-time, on-site presence required to work with research equipment, and prototypes. Preferred Qualifications 5+ years of hands-on experience across a broad range of fabrication equipment - CNC ...

Apple

Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA

$51.19 - $89.84/hr

Full-time, on-site presence required to work with research equipment, and prototypes. Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range.

TekSky

Techanician

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Prototype Technician to help build, assemble, and test our 15-foot autonomous ... The role begins ASAP, with flexibility for either a full-time or contract arrangement , and an ...

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Full Time Prototype Technician information

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How much do full time prototype technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time prototype technician in the United States is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time prototype technician?

Full Time Prototype Technicians are skilled professionals who build, assemble, and test prototypes of products or components, often working closely with engineers and designers. Their duties typically involve interpreting technical drawings, using hand and power tools, troubleshooting issues, and providing feedback for design improvements. Working full time means they are employed on a standard, ongoing basis rather than as temporary or contract staff. These technicians play a critical role in the product development process by helping turn concepts into physical models for evaluation and testing.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a full time prototype technician?

To thrive as a Full Time Prototype Technician, you need hands-on experience with mechanical or electrical assembly, blueprint reading, and a relevant technical diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printers, milling machines, and soldering tools is typically required, along with any certifications in manufacturing or electronics. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate prototype creation, effective collaboration with engineers, and successful iteration through the design and testing process.

What challenges might a full time prototype technician face during the product development process?

As a Full Time Prototype Technician, you may encounter challenges such as working with incomplete or evolving design specifications, tight project deadlines, and the need to quickly adapt to new materials or fabrication techniques. Collaboration with engineers and designers is frequent, often requiring clear communication to resolve issues and make real-time adjustments. Additionally, troubleshooting unexpected problems during assembly or testing phases is a routine part of the role, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Full Time Prototype Technician vs Part Time Prototype Technician?

AspectFull Time Prototype TechnicianPart Time Prototype Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications preferredSame as full time, often with less emphasis on certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, R&D facilities, workshopsSimilar environments, but with fewer hours
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace sectorsUsed for project-based or flexible work in same industries
Work HoursTypically 40 hours/weekLess than 40 hours/week, flexible scheduling

Full Time Prototype Technicians work regular hours and are employed on a permanent basis, while Part Time Prototype Technicians have flexible schedules with fewer hours. Both roles require similar skills and work in comparable environments within manufacturing and R&D sectors.

What does a full time prototype technician do?

A full-time prototype technician builds, tests, and modifies prototypes of products or components to evaluate design concepts and functionality. They often work with tools, CAD software, and measurement instruments in a manufacturing or R&D environment, following technical specifications and safety protocols.
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What states have the most Full Time Prototype Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Prototype Technician jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Prototype Technician jobs look for?

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Full Time Prototype Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Prototype Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Lead Prototype Technician (R5476)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX

$43 - $64/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

At Shield AI, Prototype Manufacturing is where engineering becomes reality. Our team builds the first aircraft, develops the manufacturing processes, solves complex technical challenges, and establishes the manufacturing foundation that enables scalable production. Every prototype directly influences the future of our products and the capabilities delivered to our customers.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Prototype Technician (Level 5) to join our Prototype & New Product Launch team. This is not a traditional aerospace technician role. You will build first-of-kind autonomous aircraft, develop manufacturing processes, solve challenging technical problems, influence product design through Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and help define how our products transition from prototype to production.

As a Lead Prototype Technician, you will serve as the technical cornerstone of Prototype Manufacturing by transforming engineering intent into flight-ready hardware while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. You will partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to ensure our prototype builds are successful today and scalable for tomorrow.

What you'll do:
  • Build prototype, developmental, and first article aircraft from engineering concept through flight-ready hardware.
  • Perform precision drilling, reaming, countersinking, riveting, fastening, torqueing, safety wiring, structural assembly, and mechanical integration.
  • Execute advanced composite manufacturing including wet layup, bonding, trimming, machining, vacuum bagging, structural repairs, finishing, and final assembly.
  • Perform complex aircraft modifications and structural repairs.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Partner with Design Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback.
  • Develop and improve manufacturing work instructions, build sequences, tooling concepts, fixtures, and standardized assembly methods.
  • Support engineering validation, qualification builds, and flight test campaigns.
  • Fabricate custom brackets, tooling, fixtures, and prototype hardware.
  • Mentor Prototype Technicians while establishing best practices and craftsmanship standards.
Key responsibilities:
  • Prototype Manufacturing Excellence
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
  • Manufacturing Process Development
  • Cross Functional Leadership
  • Technical Leadership
What success looks like:
  • Deliver complex prototype hardware with exceptional quality.
  • Solve manufacturing challenges before they become production issues.
  • Influence engineering through practical manufacturing expertise.
  • Develop repeatable manufacturing processes.
  • Mentor technicians and elevate team capability.
Required qualifications:
  • 10+ years of aerospace manufacturing or prototype experience.
  • Extensive aircraft structural assembly experience.
  • Advanced composites experience including wet layup and structural repair.
  • Experience with engineering development builds.
  • Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Military aircraft, UAV, eVTOL, or rotorcraft experience.
  • Prototype-to-production transition experience.
  • AS9100 experience.
  • A&P License or equivalent.
  • Military aviation maintenance experience.
  • Leadership or mentoring experience.
Why join Shield AI:

Unlike traditional aerospace manufacturing, our Prototype Manufacturing team works directly alongside Engineering to create the next generation of autonomous aircraft. You'll influence design decisions, define manufacturing processes, mentor other technicians, and build technology that protects those who serve.

Shield AI offers competitive compensation, equity participation, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k), generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on some of the world's most advanced autonomous aircraft systems.

 
$43 - $64 an hour
#LI-JM1
#LE

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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