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Weekend Inventor Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Designer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Proficiency in Autodesk Inventor (required) and familiarity with Autodesk Vault (preferred) * Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work * Ability to work both ...

Weekend Inventor information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$75.4K

$144.3K

$185K

How much do weekend inventor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend inventor in Columbia, SC is $144,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,300.00 and $154,500.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Inventor jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Inventor jobs in Columbia, SC are:
Product Line Systems and Support Custom Order Designer

Product Line Systems and Support Custom Order Designer

Eaton

Sumter, SC • On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Eaton rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 208 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

247th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Eaton's ES AMER ARS division is currently seeking a Product Line Systems and Support Custom Order Designer. This position will be based at our facility in Sumter, SC.
The expected annual salary range for this role is $71000 - $105000 a year. This position is also eligible for a variable incentive program.
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
What you'll do:
The Customer Order Designer (COD) Systems & Support Designer is responsible for an assigned product line, to (1) drive improvements in the automation tools for the COD electrical and/or mechanical teams, (2) provide continued learning for COD on expected use of the software tools and best practices, (3) support systems training for new hires and (4) ticket escalation support for COD issues/requests. We are currently hiring positions for the following product lines:
Medium Voltage Assemblies - Greenwood, SC
Low Voltage Switchgear - Arden, NC
Low Voltage Switchboards - Sumter, SC & El Paso, TX
This position is expected to have prior COD experience within the aforementioned product lines, with working knowledge of configuration requirements and the associated systems and processes in the division, including Bid Manager, MI Manager, Design Automation, POM, ENOVIA, MAPICS, AutoCAD, Inventor and other site-specific tools.
Essential Functions
  • Deploying and supporting Front End Engineering systems for the assigned product line.
  • Support the development of product line specific training documentation on their use of the engineering software tools and processes.
  • Provide onsite support as the first point of escalation for systems related issues, determining root cause, urgency and communications as necessary to keep all stakeholders informed.
  • Support the prioritization of MI and DA system issues tickets through individual contribution and coordination of other Eaton resources.
  • Maintain familiarity with COD processes for the assigned product line, inclusive of application/engineering decisions and methods, product offerings and design standards.
  • Gather requests for system enhancements and communicate those to the appropriate development manager.
  • Support continuous testing for systems enhancements and bug fixes as they are deployed.
  • Knowledgeable of MI parts picking logic in order to troubleshoot parts picking errors and scope updates with product line enhancements.
  • Be available for after-hours and weekend support.
  • Participate in product line meetings on Front End Systems projects and continuous improvement activities, driving best practices and knowledge sharing across the various teams (engineering, design and systems)

Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 2 years of engineering experience
• Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in Eaton's ETO software tools including, but not limited to: Bid Manager, MI Manager, Design Automation, Plant Order Manager, Pick Work Bench, etc.
Position Criteria:
• Ability to interpret electrical and mechanical drawings.
• Prior experience as a Custom Order Engineer
• Ability to travel up to 10%
• Proficient use of Eaton's ETO software systems, AutoCAD and/or Inventor.
Skills:
Position Criteria:
• Ability to interpret electrical and mechanical drawings.
• Prior experience as a Custom Order Engineer
• Ability to travel up to 10%
• Proficient use of Eaton's ETO software systems, AutoCAD and/or Inventor.
Additional Information:
We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.

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About Eaton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US