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Weekend Inventor Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Mechanical Engineer, Infrastructure

Bastrop, TX · On-site

Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed * Remain focused while working in hazardous environments, while wearing appropriate PPE * Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted * Must ...

Wild West Systems Inc.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Leander, TX · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

You will be expected to work late hours and weekends if needed to accomplish the mission. Your work directly arms the warfighter. That responsibility is non-negotiable. Real ownership, not task lists ...

Wild West Systems Inc.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Leander, TX · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

You will be expected to work late hours and weekends if needed to accomplish the mission. Your work directly arms the warfighter. That responsibility is non-negotiable. Real ownership, not task lists ...

Wild West Systems Inc.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Leander, TX · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

You will be expected to work late hours and weekends if needed to accomplish the mission. Your work directly arms the warfighter. That responsibility is non-negotiable. Real ownership, not task lists ...

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All JobsWeekend Inventor JobsWeekend Inventor Jobs in Austin, TX

Weekend Inventor information

See Austin, TX salary details

$80.8K

$154.6K

$198.2K

How much do weekend inventor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend inventor in Austin, TX is $154,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $165,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Weekend Inventor vs Part-Time Product Developer?

AspectWeekend InventorPart-Time Product Developer
CredentialsNo formal credentials required, often self-taught or hobbyistsTypically requires technical skills, sometimes with a background in engineering or design
Work EnvironmentHome workshops, personal labs, or maker spacesOffice, studio, or collaborative workspaces
Industry UsageInnovation, prototyping, hobbyist projectsProduct development, prototyping, small-scale manufacturing
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on personal projects, hobbyist innovationFocus on professional or semi-professional product creation

The main difference between a Weekend Inventor and a Part-Time Product Developer lies in their focus and environment. Weekend Inventors typically work on personal or hobby projects in informal settings without formal credentials, while Part-Time Product Developers often have technical skills and work in more structured environments to develop products professionally or semi-professionally.

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

To thrive as a Weekend Inventory Clerk, you need strong attention to detail, basic math skills, and familiarity with inventory management practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with inventory management systems, barcode scanners, and spreadsheets is typically required. Reliability, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate inventory tracking, minimize errors, and support efficient warehouse operations during weekend shifts.

How do Weekend Inventors typically collaborate with other professionals to bring their ideas to life?

Weekend Inventors often work independently on their concepts but frequently collaborate with engineers, designers, and patent attorneys to refine, prototype, and protect their inventions. They may also connect with local maker spaces, online inventor communities, or participate in hackathons to gather feedback and build partnerships. Effective communication and networking are key, as collaborating with experts can help overcome technical challenges and accelerate the path from idea to viable product.

What are Weekend Inventors?

Weekend Inventors are individuals who pursue invention and innovation as a hobby or side project, typically during their free time on weekends. They often work on creating new products, improving existing technologies, or solving everyday problems outside of their regular work hours. Weekend Inventors may build prototypes, conduct experiments, or collaborate with other enthusiasts to bring their ideas to life. Many successful inventions have started as weekend projects before becoming commercial products.
Weekend Inventor jobs near you
Mechanical Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Mechanical Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER, SOLAR CELLS (STARLINK)
The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Solar Cell Factory Mechanical Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize mechanical and automation systems for the production of solar cell manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe electrical design, designing robust and efficient mechanical systems, and taking on total ownership of existing systems for optimization in addition to development of novel equipment, all while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own electronics manufacturing subsystems and equipment from conceptual design through high-volume production and automation ramp
  • Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization
  • Test and iterate on products by performing failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), reliability modeling, and stress testing to predict and mitigate potential failures and drive high overall equipment effectiveness
  • Design and develop the production lines that manufacture your product, including robot end effector design, process development, control system design, automation programming, and more
  • Uptime Optimization: Monitor and track equipment uptime metrics using data analytics tools; identify bottlenecks, downtime causes, and implement preventive measures such as predictive maintenance schedules to maximize operational availability
  • Evaluate and select equipment suppliers based on reliability, performance requirements and core business needs; oversee installation, commissioning, and ongoing performance of vendor-supplied process equipment to ensure target rate, yield and uptime is achieved

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
  • 1+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
  • 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
  • 2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
  • Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
  • Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
  • Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high-volume production ramp
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability
  • Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.)
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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