ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tinkerer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Proto-Town

Hardware Engineer

Lockhart, TX · On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

We're looking for a tinkerer whose core strengths are sensors, microcontroller programming, and breadboard-level fabrication . A lot of this role is figuring out how to prototype and build. Materials ...

DRH Search

Product Engineer

San Francisco, CA

You've either worked at early-stage startups and/or you're a tinkerer-builder, often hacking products on your own or with friends. * Strong verbal and written communication skills. Thrives from ...

Adobe

AI Enterprise Architect

San Jose, CA

$80.75 - $104.25/hr

AI-native tinkerer who embeds AI in your day-to-day workflows and spends your free time inventing and tinkering with the possibilities of AI. You keep ahead of market trends across third-party models ...

Adobe, Inc.

AI Enterprise Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$80.75 - $104.25/hr

AI-native tinkerer who embeds AI in your day-to-day workflows and spends your free time inventing and tinkering with the possibilities of AI. You keep ahead of market trends across third-party models ...

Caltech

Laboratory Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

The ideal candidate has a tinkerer's mindset - someone who enjoys diagnosing problems, getting into the details of how equipment works, and taking initiative to keep things running smoothly. This ...

Dialpad

Sales Engineer I

Austin, TX · On-site

You have a "tinkerer" mindset. * Communication Clarity: You can explain a complex idea (like why a phone call needs a "split-tunnel" VPN) in a way that your less-technical friends can easily ...

Braze

Senior Software Engineer I, Full-stack

Chicago, IL · On-site

$129K - $232K/yr

Tinkerer: you regularly explore and learn new technologies and methods * Problem solver: you recognize patterns, synthesize information and come up with creative, simple, and practical solutions

Braze

Senior Software Engineer I, Full-stack

New York, NY · On-site

$129K - $232K/yr

Tinkerer: you regularly explore and learn new technologies and methods * Problem solver: you recognize patterns, synthesize information and come up with creative, simple, and practical solutions

Provisur Technologies

Saw Operator

Whitewater, WI

A hands-on tinkerer who enjoys understanding how things work and troubleshooting challenges * A lifelong learner with a passion for advancing your career and raising your hand when opportunities ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTinkerer Jobs

Tinkerer information

See salary details

$5

$56

$71

How much do tinkerer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for tinkerer in the United States is $56.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $70.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Tinkerers?

Tinkerers are individuals who enjoy experimenting, building, repairing, or modifying objects, often as a hobby or in pursuit of innovative solutions. They typically work with their hands, using tools and materials to create or improve devices, gadgets, or mechanical systems. Tinkerers can be found in various fields, including electronics, mechanics, and crafts, and are known for their curiosity and problem-solving skills. Their work often leads to creative inventions or practical fixes for everyday challenges.

What are some common challenges a Tinkerer might face when working on projects in a collaborative workshop setting?

Tinkerers often encounter challenges such as limited access to specialized tools or materials, adapting to different team members’ working styles, and balancing creativity with practical constraints like time and budget. Working in a collaborative workshop also means sharing resources and space, which requires strong communication skills and flexibility. Overcoming these challenges helps Tinkerers develop innovative solutions while fostering a supportive, creative environment that benefits from diverse perspectives.

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

To thrive as a Tinkerer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical principles, basic electronics, and hands-on problem-solving skills, often gained through self-directed learning, technical training, or vocational education. Familiarity with tools such as soldering irons, multimeters, hand tools, and prototyping platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi is common in this role. Creativity, curiosity, and perseverance are valuable soft skills that help Tinkerers experiment and innovate. These skills are important because they enable the practical design, repair, and improvement of devices, fostering innovation and practical solutions to technical challenges.

What is the difference between Tinkerer vs Electronics Technician?

AspectTinkererElectronics Technician
CredentialsOften self-taught or hobbyistTypically holds an associate degree or certification
Work EnvironmentHome workshops, maker spacesManufacturing facilities, repair shops
Industry UsagePersonal projects, DIY communityProfessional electronics repair and maintenance

While Tinkerers experiment and build as a hobby or personal interest, Electronics Technicians work professionally in repair, testing, and maintaining electronic systems, often requiring formal training and certifications. Both are hands-on roles, but their scope and industry application differ significantly.

Infographic showing various Tinkerer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,000 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

Proto-Town

Lockhart, TX • On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Proto-Experiments runs ambitious projects. Our current focus is ML-driven crystal growth systems that close the loop between sensors, ML-driven control, and physical hardware. We're looking for a tinkerer whose core strengths are sensors, microcontroller programming, and breadboard-level fabrication. A lot of this role is figuring out how to prototype and build. Materials science or ML background is a plus but not required. Hiring ASAP.

Crystal growth is the immediate project, but Proto-Experiments has other unusual builds in the pipeline. If it is a good fit, there is real opportunity to keep working together on what comes next.

What you'll do

  • Build the sensing side of our growth rigs: thermocouples, optical sensors, cameras, pressure sensors - selecting them, wiring them cleanly, and getting clean signals out of noisy environments.

  • Program the microcontrollers running the rigs: sensor sampling, control loops, motor sequencing, and host comms.

  • Breadboard and prototype-level fabrication: protoboards, harnesses, simple carrier boards, plus 3D-printed brackets and basic mechanical scaffolding.

  • Power side: heater control, motor drives, PID loops, MOSFETs, isolation, grounding.

  • Take rigs from "works on the bench" to "runs reliably for a 72-hour growth," and debug across the stack when they don't.

We're looking for

  • A natural tinkerer - someone who learns quickly, stays deeply curious, works extremely hard, and brings creativity to the bench.

  • Strong sensor integration experience

  • Solid microcontroller programming

  • Real breadboard and prototype-fab skills

  • Light mechanical fab: basic CAD, 3D printing

You don't need every one of these. We care more about mindset and attitude.

Logistics

  • Contract: Hours flexible. Hiring ASAP. Potential to convert to full-time.

  • On-site in Lockhart, TX.

  • To apply: email jack@earthship.city