Manufacturing Prototype Tech
Build and assemble plastic thermoformed prototypes, trim and bond parts, and give design feedback.
Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Hands-on mix of solvent/ultrasonic welding, trimming, and fixture building with direct design feedback.
Might not be for you. Shop-floor assembly and trimming role, not R&D or materials development.
Adjacent materials rolePrototyping with plastic thermoformed materials; assemble plastic enclosures via solvent/ultrasonic welding; trim formed plastic shells
- Seniority
- Technician
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Experience
- 2+ yrs
- Industry
- General manufacturing
- Role
- Manufacturing / Production
Role details
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled Project Technician specializing in manufacturing assembly and prototyping, with a heavy focus on plastic thermoformed materials. You will translate engineering designs into physical prototype models, evaluate part fitment, execute secondary trimming and assembly, and provide critical feedback to the design team before full-scale production.
Duties
- Prototype Assembly: Assemble multi-piece plastic enclosures, panels, and structures using structural adhesives, solvent welding, ultrasonic welding, and mechanical fasteners.
- Secondary Trimming & Fabrication: Operate hand routers, and pneumatic saws and grinders to trim flash and cut precise openings in formed plastic shells.
- Hardware Integration: Install press-fit inserts, ultrasonic threaded inserts, rivets, and reinforcement brackets into plastic components.
- Fixture Creation: Assist in the design and building of custom wooden, epoxy, or 3D-printed trim fixtures, cooling racks, and assembly jigs to ensure prototype consistency.
- Quality Inspection: Use calipers, micrometers, and ultrasonic thickness gauges to verify part tolerances, checking for wall thinning, warping, or blushing.
- Engineering Feedback: Document assembly interferences, draft angle issues, or material defects, collaborating directly with design engineers to optimize the manufacturing process
Qualifications
- Experience: 2+ years of experience in manufacturing assembly, prototyping, or model making, specifically working with plastics (ABS, Acrylic, Polycarbonate, HDPE, etc.).
- Technical Skills: High proficiency in reading CAD models, GD&T schematics, and technical blueprints.
- Tool Competency: Plastic bonding agents, hand tools, and precision measurement equipment.
- Problem Solving: Strong spatial reasoning and troubleshooting skills to fix prototype flaws like webbing or material warp.
Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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