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Prototype Soldering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Integer

Associate Prototype Technician

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$23.80 - $34.90/hr

Will support non-cyclical work which may include prototypes and pre-production lots in preparation ... Certification for industry specific assembly requirements such as IPC soldering standards for the ...

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Integer

Associate Prototype Technician-2

Plymouth, MN

$23.80 - $34.90/hr

Will support non-cyclical work which may include prototypes and pre-production lots in preparation ... Certification for industry specific assembly requirements such as IPC soldering standards for the ...

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Prototype Soldering information

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$15

$26

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How much do prototype soldering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 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 varies depending on the complexity, materials, and location, but typically ranges from $20 to $100 per hour for professional services. Prototype soldering often involves precision work and may be charged as a flat fee or hourly rate, with prices influenced by the required skill level and tools used.

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.

How much money can you make from soldering?

Prototype soldering technicians typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, skill level, and location. Skilled solderers with certifications and experience working with complex electronics can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or specialized environments.

Can you make a career out of soldering?

Prototype soldering is a specialized skill used in electronics manufacturing and development, and it can lead to a career in electronics assembly, repair, or quality control. Advancing in this field often requires technical training, certifications, and experience with various soldering techniques and tools. Many professionals progress to roles such as electronics technician or manufacturing specialist.

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.

What does a prototype technician do?

A prototype soldering technician assembles and tests electronic prototypes by soldering components onto circuit boards according to detailed specifications. They use precision tools and often work in controlled environments, ensuring quality and functionality of early-stage products. Attention to detail and knowledge of soldering techniques are essential for this role.
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Prototype Soldering jobs near you
Prototype Assembler-Tempe,Arizona

Prototype Assembler-Tempe,Arizona

Viasat, Inc.

Nogales, AZ

$35.10 - $52.88/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Viasat rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 79 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

About us
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
What you'll do
We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for a Prototype Assembler to be a member of our dynamic team in Tempe, AZ!
As an Assembly Associate, you will complete the assembly of electronic devices. You will perform manual soldering of surface-mount and through-hole components. You will be applying adhesives and other materials to printed circuit boards. You will assemble modules consisting of printed wiring boards, chassis, housings, wires, and hardware. You will also be mixing various materials for use on printed circuit boards. You will be familiar with ovens, hot plates, hot-air pencils, etc.
The day-to-day
  • Produces components by assembling parts and subassemblies.
  • Reads and deciphers schematics, blueprints, and assembly instructions.
  • Positions or aligns components and parts, either manually or with hoists.
  • Uses hand tools or machines to assemble parts.
  • Conducts quality control checks.
  • Cleans and maintains work area and equipment, including tools.
  • Prepares work to be accomplished by studying parts lists and assembling parts, subassemblies, tools, and materials.
  • Assembles components by examining connections for accurate fit, securing pieces and assembled units.
  • Maintains a safe and clean working environment by aligning with procedures, rules, and regulations.

What you'll need
  • 4+ years of related experience in electronics assembly
  • Experience performing manual soldering and assembly of electronic devices
  • Excellent hand soldering skills. Fine pitch soldering required
  • Experience working in an engineering prototype environment
  • Excellent digital literacy
  • Excellent mechanical assembly skills
  • Ability to read and following drawings
  • Ability to work on assemblies while looking through a microscope for 8+ hours per day
  • High school diploma or GED or equivalent experience
  • US Government Position. US Citizenship Required

What will help you on the job
    • Experience with military and space assembly is desirable
    • Experience building cables and harnesses is desirable
    • Wire bonding skills and experience
    • IPC-610 and J-STD, 620 certified soldering skills
    • Experience mixing and applying epoxies, adhesives and other types of materials
    • Experience using Oracle, Solumina, Agile and Microsoft office

#LI-CT1
Salary range
$28.37 - $44.71 / hourly. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $35.1 - $52.88/ hourly
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.
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About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986

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