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Prototype Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Inc

Welder Fabricator

Putnam, CT

$26 - $38/hr

We are seeking a Prototype Welder Fabricator to lead manufacturing innovation. This is not a "production line" job; you will be the bridge between initial concepts and final quality products ...

Technique Inc

Prototype Welding Technician

Jackson, MI · On-site

Operate Projection Welder - Set up, troubleshoot, and adjust settings on the Projection Welder as ... Troubleshoot prototype welding builds - Identify and resolve build issues; understand root causes ...

Technique, Inc.

Robotic Welding Technician

Concord, NC · On-site

... prototype fixtures and verify them prior to quality approval. * Robot Welder Loading & BSR Operations - Load and run the robot welder in auto mode; make needed repairs on assemblies after robotic ...

Technique Inc

Robotic Welding Technician

Concord, NC · On-site

... prototype fixtures and verify them prior to quality approval. * Robot Welder Loading & BSR Operations - Load and run the robot welder in auto mode; make needed repairs on assemblies after robotic ...

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How much do prototype welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype welder in the United States is $21.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Prototype Welder?

A Prototype Welder is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in creating, assembling, and welding prototype parts or products, often for testing and development purposes. Unlike standard production welders, prototype welders work closely with engineers and designers to fabricate one-of-a-kind or small-batch components, typically using a variety of welding techniques and materials. Their work requires a high degree of precision, adaptability, and problem-solving ability, as they often need to interpret technical drawings and make adjustments on the fly. Prototype welders play a crucial role in the research and development process for manufacturing and engineering companies.

What is the highest paid welder job?

The highest paid welding jobs are often in specialized fields such as underwater welding, aerospace welding, or working on large-scale infrastructure projects, with annual salaries exceeding $100,000. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and sometimes hazardous environment training, and often involve working in remote or challenging conditions.

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

To thrive as a Prototype Welder, you need advanced welding skills, blueprint reading abilities, and a background in fabrication, often supported by vocational training or certification in welding. Familiarity with tools such as TIG and MIG welders, CNC machines, and measuring equipment, as well as expertise with welding codes and safety standards, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and adaptability are standout soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing precise, high-quality prototypes and collaborating effectively with engineering teams to refine new products.

What is the difference between Prototype Welder vs Production Welder?

AspectPrototype WelderProduction Welder
CertificationsTypically requires welding certifications like AWSSame certifications often required
Work EnvironmentWorks on custom, one-off projects or prototypesWorks on high-volume manufacturing lines
Job FocusFocuses on creating initial prototypes and testingFocuses on consistent, repetitive welding tasks
Industry UsageUsed in R&D, aerospace, automotive prototypingUsed in mass production facilities

Prototype Welders specialize in creating initial prototypes and testing new designs, often working on custom projects. Production Welders focus on high-volume, repetitive welding tasks in manufacturing lines. Both roles require similar certifications, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Prototype Welder, and how can they be addressed?

Prototype Welders often work with new or experimental designs, which means encountering unique materials, unfamiliar blueprints, and evolving project specifications. One common challenge is adapting to frequent changes in design or technique, requiring flexibility and strong problem-solving skills. Effective communication with engineers and designers is essential to clarify requirements and resolve uncertainties quickly. Staying updated on the latest welding methods and safety protocols also helps in overcoming technical obstacles and ensuring high-quality results.
More about Prototype Welder jobs
What job categories do people searching Prototype Welder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Welder jobs are:
Prototype Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Welder job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,804 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Prototype Welding Technician

Technique, Inc.

Jackson, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Technique is looking for a Prototype Welding Technician to join our team at our Jackson, Michigan facility. This position reports to the Prototype Welding Manager. The role requires a progressive use of MIG/TIG welding equipment in accordance with job and customer demand, welding both stainless steel and carbon steel. The employee will support the quality assurance team with part layouts and inspections, requiring a basic knowledge of GD&T and print reading, and will work safely in accordance with company and department-specific safety procedures.
The ideal candidate brings a minimum of 2 years of welding experience in an industrial setting, with AWS Certification and the ability to read blueprints and understand GD&T notation. Experience with prototype and fabrication welding, robotic welders, CMM report interpretation, and an advanced understanding of GD&T are highly valued. The strongest candidates will demonstrate the ability to work independently, develop others, and influence continuous improvement in quality and process.
Responsibilities:
  • Set up and operate welding equipment - Set up the welder and weld basic GTAW & GMAW mild steel joints; read and apply basic weld symbols; change over wire and gas for regular operations.
  • Identify materials and manage fixtures - Distinguish different material types and maintain understanding of weld fixture locations and return process.
  • Operate Projection Welder - Set up, troubleshoot, and adjust settings on the Projection Welder as needed.
  • Perform 1st piece table layouts - Perform 1st piece table layouts with a basic understanding of GD&T to support quality approval.
  • Troubleshoot prototype welding builds - Identify and resolve build issues; understand root causes and apply corrective action to prototype welding challenges.
  • Process job folders and quality documentation - Process all job folders and complete documentation required by quality for each build.
  • Assemble and verify prototype fixtures - Assemble all prototype fixtures and verify their accuracy prior to quality approval.
  • Load and run robot welder - Load and run the robot welder in auto mode and make needed repairs on assemblies after robot completion for Big Steel Rack functions.
  • Interpret and act on CMM reports - Read and understand CMM reports and independently troubleshoot builds to achieve a good first piece with no assistance required.
  • Weld stainless and mild steel to AWS specifications - Weld both MIG and TIG effectively on stainless and mild steel, meeting customer expectations and AWS required specifications on required joints.
  • Use E2 to find and manage information - Understand material flow at Technique and utilize E2 to locate needed information and support daily operations.
  • Develop and evaluate team members - Influence and aid in the development of others to produce quality product; accurately evaluate new employees in the department (Level 4 and Lead).
  • Participate in safety functions - Participate and contribute to existing Technique safety functions and work environments; follow all company and department-specific safety procedures.

Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED required; vocational training (STEM Program, Career Center, or Technical Trades) preferred
  • AWS Certification preferred
  • Minimum 2 years of welding experience in an industrial setting; 2-4 years preferred for Level 3, 5-8 years for Level 4
  • Prototype or fabrication welding experience preferred
  • Basic understanding of GD&T and print reading; intermediate to advanced understanding preferred
  • Basic understanding of hand tools and layout/inspection tools; advanced understanding of layout/inspection procedures preferred
  • Ability to frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds
  • This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing throughout the shift
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
  • Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to fumes or airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, moving mechanical parts, industrial equipment, vibration, and loud noise
  • No travel required for this position
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States; Technique is an E-Verify partner employer and offers H1B sponsorship

Position Type and Expected Hours:
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a minimum of 40 hours per week with overtime as needed. Note: days and hours required may vary. Flexibility in work schedule is required.
About Technique,
Technique is a Michigan-based precision sheet metal and welded assemblies manufacturer serving aerospace, defense, automotive, motorsports, medical, and food processing industries. We specialize in high-speed prototypes, ultra-low volume stampings, tubing, and assemblies for production and emergency-based manufacturing.
Our employees enjoy a work culture that values safety, integrity, teamwork, learning opportunities, and results.
Technique benefits include paid time off, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), 401(k), 401(k) matching, professional development, referral program, paid training, on-the-job training, employee assistance program, and tuition reimbursement.
Benefits:
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Professional Development
  • Referral Program
  • Paid Training
  • On The Job Training
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Technique is an equal employment opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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