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Prototype Soldering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Familiarity with PCB design review, schematic reading, and basic soldering/rework. * Experience ... AR/VR prototypes. The role involves hands-on hardware work and the use of advanced lab ...

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... soldering equipment • Work closely with design and engineering teams to identify prototype improvements and troubleshoot issues. • Perform functional and durability testing on prototypes and ...

Prototype Build Technician Position Description : Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire ... Experience in soldering, crimping, and working with cable management in lab or shop environments

Sr. Prototype Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Basic soldering experience and comfort working with hardware components are a plus. Roughly 3 years ... Strong troubleshooting, prototyping, and hardware testing skills with attention to detail.

Senior Lab Technician

Austin, TX

$18.75 - $25/hr

This role will work closely with the engineering team to assemble prototypes, solder electronic components, maintain laboratory equipment, and manage inventory of consumables. The ideal candidate ...

Senior Lab Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

This role will work closely with the engineering team to assemble prototypes, solder electronic components, maintain laboratory equipment, and manage inventory of consumables. The ideal candidate ...

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Prototype Soldering information

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$15

$26

$50

How much do prototype soldering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype soldering 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 the difference between Prototype Soldering vs PCB Assembly Technician?

AspectPrototype SolderingPCB Assembly Technician
CredentialsBasic soldering certifications, technical trainingSimilar soldering skills, often with additional assembly certifications
Work EnvironmentSmall-scale, custom, or experimental projectsMass production, assembly lines
Industry UsageElectronics prototyping, R&DManufacturing, electronics assembly
Search & ComparisonFocused on custom, small-batch solderingMass production soldering and assembly

Prototype Soldering involves precise, small-scale soldering for custom or experimental electronics, often in R&D settings. PCB Assembly Technicians work in high-volume manufacturing, assembling printed circuit boards on production lines. While both roles require soldering skills and similar certifications, Prototype Soldering emphasizes customization and precision, whereas PCB Assembly focuses on efficiency and mass production.

How much does a soldering job cost?

The cost of a soldering job for a prototype soldering role typically ranges from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on experience, complexity of the project, and location. Some projects may be billed flat rates or by the piece, especially for small-scale or specialized tasks. Certifications in electronics and precision skills can influence rates as well.

What are some common challenges faced when working in prototype soldering, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges in prototype soldering is working with small, delicate components that require precision and attention to detail. Additionally, prototype builds often involve frequent design changes, so adaptability and strong communication with design engineers are essential. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, use the correct tools for fine-pitch soldering, and maintain a clean workstation. Regular collaboration with other team members helps ensure that any design updates or issues are quickly communicated and resolved.

What is prototype soldering?

Prototype soldering is the process of manually assembling and connecting electronic components on a circuit board during the early stages of product development. It typically involves soldering components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) to test and refine new designs before mass production. This work requires precision, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of electronic circuits. Prototype soldering helps engineers identify and fix design flaws, ensuring the final product functions as intended.

Can you make a career out of soldering?

Prototype soldering can be a viable career path for those with technical skills in electronics and precision work. Opportunities exist in manufacturing, electronics repair, and product development, often requiring certifications and experience with soldering tools and safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prototype Soldering Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Soldering Technician, you need a solid understanding of electronics, PCB assembly, and precise hand-soldering skills, often supported by IPC certification or similar credentials. Familiarity with soldering irons, microscopes, rework stations, and inspection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, patience, and strong problem-solving abilities help technicians excel in assembling and troubleshooting complex prototypes. These skills are crucial to ensure prototypes are built accurately and reliably, supporting effective product development and testing.

Does soldering make good money?

Prototype soldering jobs can offer moderate pay, often depending on experience, skill level, and industry. Entry-level positions may pay around minimum wage, while experienced solderers working in specialized or high-tech environments can earn higher wages, sometimes supplemented by overtime or certifications. Overall, soldering is typically considered a skilled trade with earning potential that varies by location and employer.

Is soldering an in demand skill?

Soldering is a valuable skill in electronics manufacturing, repair, and prototyping roles such as prototype soldering. As electronic devices become more complex, demand for skilled solderers with knowledge of circuit assembly and quality standards remains steady across various industries.
More about Prototype Soldering jobs
Infographic showing various Prototype Soldering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Prototype Engineer

Prototype Engineer

Actalent

Kirkland, WA

$85 - $90/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Description:

Join our Advanced Development Team as a Prototyping Engineer, where you'll lead the creation of functional prototypes for next-generation AR/VR devices. Ideal candidates are self-starters who excel in ambiguous environments, identifying and resolving system gaps with innovative solutions. You'll work hands-on with mechanical, electrical, and software systems, integrating subsystems into cohesive prototypes while developing and refining AI workflows.

Responsibilities:

  • Independently identify technical gaps and design, build, and integrate multi-disciplinary prototype systems.
  • Integrate and validate subsystems, ensuring proper communication and functionality across interfaces.
  • Debug hardware and firmware issues using lab instruments like multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
  • Perform software-level debugging using tools such as adb, serial consoles, and log analysis.
  • Develop GUIs and streamline bring-up processes with AI practices.
  • Develop and maintain test fixtures, jigs, and custom tooling to support prototype builds.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to translate research concepts into working prototype hardware.
  • Document assembly processes, integration procedures, and debug workflows.
  • Identify risks and propose solutions during prototype bring-up, resolving issues with minimal oversight.
  • Support AR display system hardware integration and process development.
  • Leverage AI methods for data analysis, visualization, and process development.
  • Develop AI model skills and recipes, and maintain multi-agent AI infrastructure.
  • Integrate AI agents with enterprise platforms using APIs and serverless platforms.
  • Collaborate to build innovative AI-native application experiences.
  • Build and integrate LLM/generative AI capabilities into product surfaces.
  • Troubleshoot display hardware and firmware/software issues.

Skills:

  • 6+ years of hands-on experience in hardware prototyping, systems integration, or lab engineering OR a relevant advanced degree + 3 years equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated self-starter ability: identifying problems, proposing solutions, and driving projects forward.
  • Working knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering disciplines.
  • Proficiency with electrical debugging tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
  • Experience with embedded systems debugging using adb, UART/serial consoles, JTAG, etc.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or equivalent practical experience.

Additional Skills & 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.
  • Experience with scripting or automation (Python, shell scripting).
  • Experience with latest AI tooling.
  • Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, including torque-sensitive operations.
  • Familiarity with firmware development environments, embedded Linux, or RTOS-based systems.
  • Experience in building and maintaining lab infrastructure, test systems, or custom instrumentation.

Work Environment:

Work in a dynamic environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate and develop cutting-edge AR/VR prototypes. The role involves hands-on hardware work and the use of advanced lab instrumentation. Be part of a forward-thinking team that values curiosity and the integration of AI tools to enhance development processes.

We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. This temporary role may be eligible for the following:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision
  • 401(k)/Roth
  • Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D
  • Short and long-term disability
  • HSA & DCFSA
  • Transportation benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Company Paid Time off or State Sick Leave

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85.00 - $90.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Redmond,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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