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Prototype Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prototype Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

... Perform welding/metal fabrication to specification • Build custom prototypes and standard samples to specifications using CNC or manual equipment. • Determine materials, tools, and equipment ...

Prototype Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

... Perform welding/metal fabrication to specification · Build custom prototypes and standard samples to specifications using CNC or manual equipment. · Determine materials, tools, and equipment ...

About the Role MATSYS is seeking a skilled Welding Technician to join our team and support prototype development, precision welding, and smallscale manufacturing activities. This role is ideal for a ...

Welder II (Weekend Shift)

Newberg, OR

$20.75 - $25.25/hr

Overview This position operates welding equipment and performs moderate to complex fabrication tasks for prototype and production parts. Adheres to and contributes to the development of established ...

Welder

Pearland, TX

$20 - $24/hr

... prototype instrumentation piece parts in various materials including stainless steel, precious and semi-precious metals using various types of welding processes which may include TIG and/or MIG 3. ...

Welder II (Weekend Shift)

Newberg, OR · On-site

$20.75 - $25.25/hr

Overview This position operates welding equipment and performs moderate to complex fabrication tasks for prototype and production parts. Adheres to and contributes to the development of established ...

Prototype Fabricator

Lewisville, AR

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The Prototype Fabricator plays a crucial role in bringing our prototypes to life through skilled ... Perform welding techniques to join and fabricate components accurately and securely. * Select, cut ...

New

Perform TIG (heliarc) welding on thin stainless steel components for custom, short-run, prototype equipment in the food industry. * Use MIG welding and wire feed processes as needed to support ...

New

MIG Welder

Flowery Branch, GA · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

The MIG Welder will work closely with engineering, fabrication, and production teams to support prototype development, first article builds, and short-run manufacturing while maintaining exceptional ...

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Prototype Welder information

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How much do prototype welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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 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.
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What job categories do people searching Prototype Welder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prototype Welder jobs are:
Infographic showing various Prototype Welder job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,804 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Prototype Machine Shop Technician

Prototype Machine Shop Technician

MAT Holdings, Inc

Farmington Hills, MI

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


MAT Holdings rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

319th of 433 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Company Description

Join Gabriel North America, a market leader in suspension systems products, established in 1907. We design, manufacture, and distribute top-notch suspension products for automotive aftermarket and other specialty vehicles. With a robust team of over 1,100 employees across multiple locations in the US and Mexico, we offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment. If you're passionate about the automotive industry and are eager to be part of a century-old innovating company, apply now and accelerate your career with us!

Gabriel Ride Control LLC is a proud member of MAT Holdings Inc. We're a family of companies and products providing employment opportunities with more than 14,000 employees in 12 countries. Founded in 1984, MAT Holdings, Inc. is a privately held $2.2 billion multi-national company with manufacturing operations, distribution centers, and sourcing offices worldwide in the automotive, fencing, hardware, and power equipment sectors. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space.

We're more than manufacturing, we're MAT

Job Description

This position is a leading / supporting role in the prototyping of Ride Control, LLC suspension products.  The individual will assist with all prototyping aspects of design and engineering of the product, including construction, valving development, technical specifications, and design standards. 

Will fabricate and modify prototype samples and industrial/machine tools, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures. In addition this role will operate and troubleshoot all standard and specialized equipment to produce superior parts. 

This position will provide engineering and technical support to customers and internal departments, application engineering activities and documentation to support all activities. 

  • Complete Prototype Requests
    • Coordinate and perform prototype builds from requests to reports
    • Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blue prints, geometric tolerances, and finishes during the application of machining and/or fabricating, and manufacturing parts.
    • Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools in order to perform precision prototyping operations. Machine parts to specifications using machine shop tools such as lathes, milling machines, band saws, drill presses, hydraulic presses, and grinders.
    • Welding, assembly, and disassembly, of prototype units from provided design documentation and valve codes
    • Measure, examine, and test completed units in order to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and height gauges.
    • Set and maintain standard prototype build times
  • Prototype Organization
    • Keeps the workplace in compliance with all safety rules and regulations, both company and federal, in order to establish a clean and hazard free environment.
    • Insures the satisfactory functioning of all equipment through regular maintenance, checks, and services; to include cleaning, inspection and replacement of consumables.
    • Maintain valve component stock, establish component safety stock, and performing incoming and component usage inspections.
    • Capturing statistical data to analyze, review, and use for recommended improvement updates.
    • Place prototype orders as needed
      • Machine shop materials
      • Consumables
      • Prototype components
Qualifications
  • A thorough knowledge of machining principles, ability to read and understand engineering drawings and blueprints. Proficient in the use of practice of precision measuring tools and instruments.
  • Strong fabrication skills utilizing machine shop equipment; MIG/TIG welding, seam welders, lathes, milling machines, band saws, drill presses, hydraulic presses, grinders, painting operations
  • A demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment, to take initiative, to work independently of day-to-day supervision, and to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
  • Strong commitment to providing world-class customer service, anticipating customer needs and designing, promoting or supporting the delivery of products and services that exceed their expectations.
  • Makes sound decisions in a timely and confident manner. Highly motivated, well-organized
  • Strong focus on safety.

Education/Experience

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required - Associates degree or Certificate preferred
  • Welding certification preferred (AWS)
  • Hands on vehicle development and/or testing experience
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Knowledge or background of chassis systems/suspensions and components

Desired Experience

  • 5-10 years automotive fabrication with prototyping & development work
  • Experience in a 'shop' environment (drill press, band saw, sander, chop saw, arbor press, etc.)
  • Ability to interpret prints and GD&T training
  • Experience working in an IAFT 16949 certified organization
  • Automotive enthusiast
Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.


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