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Sample Maker Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Our portfolio spans CO₂ removal and air revitalization, hydroponics, biological sample processing ... maker experience counts). * Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, assembly ...

Our portfolio spans CO removal and air revitalization, hydroponics, biological sample processing ... maker experience counts). * Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, assembly ...

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Sample Maker information

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$12

$18

$23

How much do sample maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for sample maker in Oregon is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sample maker?

Sample Makers are skilled professionals who create prototypes or samples of products, typically in industries like fashion, manufacturing, or product design. They interpret design specifications, select appropriate materials, and construct sample items that serve as models for mass production. Their work is crucial for testing product concepts, refining designs, and ensuring quality before full-scale manufacturing begins. Sample Makers often collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and production teams to ensure the final product meets all requirements.

What does a sample maker do?

A sample maker most commonly works for a fashion company and tests a sample pattern on a piece of fabric before it goes into large-scale production. As a sample maker, your responsibilities include creating fabric samples for clothing or garment makers and sending these partial samples or prototypes for different apparel products to your supervisor or other technical directors. Other duties include ensuring that the technical aspect of the production is free of flaws and that garment factory owners clearly understand the directions for large-scale production of the patterns.

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

To thrive as a Sample Maker, you need strong technical skills in pattern making, garment construction, and a solid understanding of textiles, usually supported by experience or vocational training in fashion or manufacturing. Familiarity with sewing machines, CAD software, and measuring tools is often required, along with knowledge of industry standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accurately interpreting design specifications and collaborating with designers. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality prototypes that meet design intent and production requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by sample makers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Sample Makers often encounter challenges such as working with tight deadlines, adapting to last-minute design changes, and ensuring precise execution of prototypes. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, effective communication with designers and production teams, and flexibility in problem-solving. Being proactive in requesting feedback and maintaining organized documentation can also help streamline the sample-making process and improve collaboration.

What is the difference between Sample Maker vs Pattern Maker?

AspectSample MakerPattern Maker
Primary RoleCreates physical prototypes or samples of garments based on design specifications.Develops and drafts patterns used to cut fabric for garment production.
Required SkillsSewing, fabric knowledge, and sample construction techniques.Pattern drafting, grading, and technical drawing skills.
Work EnvironmentSeamstress workshops, fashion studios, or sample rooms.Design studios, pattern departments, or technical design offices.
Industry UsageUsed in fashion, apparel, and costume design for creating prototypes.Used in apparel manufacturing, pattern development, and technical design.

The main difference between a Sample Maker and a Pattern Maker lies in their focus: Sample Makers build physical garment samples, while Pattern Makers develop the patterns used to produce those garments. Both roles are essential in the fashion industry, often working closely together to bring design concepts to life efficiently.

How do you become a sample maker?

To become a sample maker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and develop skills in sewing, pattern making, and garment construction. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or technical training programs in fashion or textiles can also help build proficiency with tools like sewing machines and pattern software.

How much does a sample maker make?

A sample maker's salary varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $25,000 to $60,000 annually. Skilled sample makers with specialized tools or certifications may earn higher wages, especially in fashion or manufacturing environments where precision is important.

What are popular job titles related to Sample Maker jobs in Oregon?

For Sample Maker jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sample Maker jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Sample Maker jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Sample Maker jobs in OR?

For Sample Maker jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sample Maker job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,183 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Engineering Technician

IRPI

Wilsonville, OR • On-site

$29 - $41/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

IRPI is pioneering the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth.
We design and build flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and suits, advancing systems that manage air, water, waste, and thermal control for human missions. Our portfolio spans CO₂ removal and air revitalization, hydroponics, biological sample processing, waste management, and fire safety, as well as condensing heat exchangers, propellant management devices, lunar lander components, and advanced suit subsystems.
What makes IRPI unique is how we integrate research, design, and fluid-thermal engineering to produce hardware that performs in challenging environments. From early-stage concepts to flight-qualified systems, we transform ideas into tested, mission-ready technology that expands the boundaries of human presence in space.


Your Mission

As an Engineering Technician, you'll be the hands-on backbone of our lab. Working alongside our early-career, mid-level, and senior engineers, you'll turn designs into physical hardware — building test rigs, assembling engineering units, running laser ablation manufacturing operations, post-processing 3D-printed parts, and keeping our lab and shop equipment running at its best.

This is a builder's role. You'll touch nearly every project in the building, and the quality of your work will show up directly in the test data and flight hardware our team delivers to NASA and commercial space partners. If you take pride in clean assemblies, well-maintained tools, and hardware that works the first time, you'll fit right in.
*This position requires access to export-controlled technology; U.S. citizenship or nationality is required.*


Key Responsibilities
  • Build, assemble, and modify test rigs and experimental setups under the direction of project engineers.
  • Fabricate and assemble engineering units and mechanical assemblies from drawings, CAD models, and verbal direction.
  • Operate and maintain laser ablation manufacturing equipment, including setup, fixturing, and quality checks of finished parts.
  • Perform post-processing of 3D-printed parts (support removal, curing, surface finishing, inspection) across FDM and SLA workflows.
  • Perform routine and preventive maintenance on lab, shop, and test equipment; troubleshoot issues and coordinate repairs.
  • Support engineers during test campaigns — setup, instrumentation hookup, teardown, and hardware turnaround.
  • Maintain an organized, safe, and well-stocked shop and lab environment, including tracking consumables and tooling.
  • Document builds, maintenance activities, and as-built configurations clearly and consistently.
  • Flag design or manufacturability issues early and suggest practical improvements — your hands-on perspective makes our hardware better.

We're looking for a technician who takes pride in craftsmanship and enjoys working across many different projects and processes.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience as a technician, machinist, fabricator, or in a similar mechanical/manufacturing role (relevant trade school, military, or maker experience counts).
  • Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and CAD models.
  • Proficiency with common hand and power tools, precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers), and general shop equipment.
  • Experience with mechanical assembly — fasteners, fittings, torque specs, and careful handling of precision hardware.
  • Familiarity with 3D printing (FDM and/or SLA) and post-processing workflows, or demonstrated ability to learn quickly.
  • Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation habits.
  • Comfortable working independently on assigned tasks while coordinating with multiple engineers.
Nice to Have
  • Experience operating laser-based manufacturing or cutting equipment.
  • Experience maintaining or repairing lab, test, or manufacturing equipment.
  • Exposure to aerospace, cleanroom, or other high-reliability hardware environments.
  • Basic machining skills (mill, lathe) or welding/soldering experience.
  • Familiarity with fluid systems (tubing, fittings, leak checks) or test instrumentation

Benefits

Compensation & Perks
  • Pay: $29–$41/hr, based on experience and qualifications
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and dental insurance for employees and families
  • Retirement: Employer contributions to help you build long-term security
  • Time Off: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule
  • Family Support: Paid parental leave and flexibility to support work-life balance
  • Performance Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities tied to company and individual success
  • Professional Growth: Hands-on flight-hardware experience, direct mentorship from engineers at every level, and the chance to grow your skills across manufacturing, test, and assembly
  • Mission-Driven Work: Help build breakthrough space hardware that directly impacts the future of exploration

How to Apply

Be sure to answer all application questions fully and thoughtfully. Our hiring team reviews every application and may also consider you for other positions that align with your skills and interests.

A cover letter is optional but encouraged if it provides details not captured in your resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IRPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected category.