Prototyping Lab Technician, Wearables

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Prototyping Lab Technician, Wearables

Company: Ironsite AI

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Hardware Engineering / R&D Operations

Date Posted: August 22, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for the rapid development and iteration of wearable hardware prototypes, directly impacting Ironsite AI's ability to advance its intelligence layer for the physical world.

• You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between conceptual hardware designs and functional, field-ready devices, ensuring rapid product development cycles.

• You will manage the hands-on aspects of prototype assembly, testing, and fabrication, ensuring high-quality builds that accurately reflect design intent.

• This position requires close collaboration with electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineering teams, as well as field deployment engineers, to drive a continuous feedback loop for hardware improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original posting is for a "Prototyping Lab Technician, Wearables," the operational scope and responsibilities clearly place this role within Hardware R&D Operations. The emphasis on building, testing, iterating, and supporting field deployment of hardware prototypes aligns directly with operational functions that enable product development. The need to manage lab operations and ensure smooth transitions from lab to field further solidifies its operational nature.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prototype Assembly & Rework: Execute complex electromechanical prototype builds, including fine-pitch SMT and through-hole soldering, PCB modifications, wire harness assembly, and connector crimping to ensure high-quality, testable units.

• Custom Part Fabrication & Fixturing: Design and fabricate custom test fixtures, jigs, cabling, and small mechanical parts using CAD software (SOLIDWORKS, Onshape, Fusion 360) and rapid prototyping tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and benchtop CNC mills.

• Test Execution & Validation: Conduct functional, stress, reliability, and environmental tests using standard lab instrumentation (multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers), meticulously collecting and documenting test data for engineering analysis.

• Field Deployment Support: Partner with Forward Deployed Engineers to transition new hardware revisions from the lab to active jobsites, preparing and shipping prototypes, and providing remote or on-site debugging support.

• Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis: Identify, debug, and troubleshoot hardware and wiring issues during assembly, testing, and field deployment, differentiating between design and build problems to accelerate root cause analysis.

• Lab Operations Management: Maintain an organized, safe, and well-equipped R&D workshop, including managing parts inventory, tool calibration, equipment upkeep, and ensuring the lab is always prepared for the next build cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed and cover the full lifecycle of hardware prototyping from assembly to field support and lab management. The emphasis on "owning the loop" and bringing field feedback back to the lab highlights a critical operational cycle management aspect.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's degree or trade certification in Electronics, Mechanical Technology, or a related field is a "nice to have," indicating a preference for formal technical training but not a strict requirement. Experience:

• 2-5+ years of hands-on experience as an R&D technician, prototype assembler, or bench technician in an engineering or manufacturing environment.

• Prior experience supporting hardware development at a wearables, consumer electronics, or ruggedized hardware company is strongly preferred.

• Experience supporting field deployment or field testing of hardware, especially in outdoor or industrial environments, is strongly preferred.

• Experience with small production runs, pilot builds, or NPI ramp support is a "nice to have." Required Skills:

• Soldering & Rework: Strong proficiency in SMT and through-hole soldering, component rework, wire stripping, and connector crimping.

• Mechanical Assembly: Strong mechanical assembly skills using precision tools (calipers, micrometers, torque drivers, drill press, hand tools).

• CAD Proficiency: Working proficiency in CAD software (SOLIDWORKS, Onshape, Fusion 360, or similar) for designing test fixtures, custom cabling, and small mechanical pieces.

• Rapid Prototyping: Hands-on experience with 3D printers, laser cutters, or benchtop CNC mills.

• Technical Interpretation: Ability to read and interpret mechanical CAD drawings, electrical schematics, and bills of materials.

• Test Equipment Operation: Familiarity with standard electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, logic analyzers).

• Troubleshooting: Strong practical troubleshooting skills and a methodical approach to identifying hardware bugs.

• Communication: Clear written and verbal communication skills for logging test results, documenting builds, and collaborating with engineers and field team members.

• Field Travel: Willingness to travel to active jobsites occasionally (typically a few days per month).

• Adaptability: Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment with shifting priorities.

Preferred Skills:

• IPC-A-610 or IPC J-STD-001 soldering certifications.

• Basic familiarity with microcontroller setup (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar) or automated test software (LabVIEW, Python scripts).

• Experience supporting camera or optical assembly work.

• Familiarity with battery pack assembly and safe handling procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly distinguish between "Required," "Strongly Preferred," and "Nice to Have," providing a clear roadmap for candidates. The emphasis on practical, hands-on skills is paramount, with formal education being less critical than demonstrated ability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Prototype Build Documentation: Showcase examples of complex electromechanical prototypes assembled, detailing the process from component selection to final assembly, highlighting build quality and adherence to specifications.

• CAD Design Examples: Include designs for custom test fixtures, jigs, or mechanical parts fabricated for specific testing or assembly needs, demonstrating proficiency in CAD and problem-solving for unique requirements.

• Test Execution Case Studies: Present examples of hardware validation tests conducted, outlining the test plan, instrumentation used, data collected, and the resulting insights that informed design iterations.

• Field Deployment Support: Detail instances where you supported the deployment or troubleshooting of hardware in a field environment, illustrating your ability to prepare devices, communicate with field teams, and resolve issues remotely or on-site.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate an understanding of the iterative build-test-deploy cycle. Provide examples of how you've optimized build processes, improved test methodologies, or streamlined the transition of prototypes from the lab to the field.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase experience with implementing new tools or techniques in the lab, such as setting up and operating new 3D printers, laser cutters, or CNC machines, or integrating basic automation for testing.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Illustrate how you collect, organize, and present test data to engineers, emphasizing accuracy, clarity, and the ability to help engineers distinguish between design and build-related issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a hands-on technical role like this, a portfolio should focus on tangible examples of work and process. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical skills and the ability to manage the operational flow of hardware development, not just theoretical knowledge.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base Salary: $100,000 - $200,000 per year. This range reflects the seniority and specialized technical skills required for this role in the San Francisco Bay Area, a high-cost-of-living region. The final compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience, demonstrated skills, and specific qualifications.

Benefits:

• Equity: Significant early-stage equity, offering a substantial stake in the company's growth and future success.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous 6% company match, aiding long-term financial security.

• Daily Meals: Daily catered breakfast and lunch, providing convenience and fostering a communal atmosphere in the office.

• Location Perks: Office located in San Francisco, conveniently situated next to Oracle Park and the Caltrain station, offering excellent accessibility.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected (approximately 40 hours per week), with the flexibility to adapt to project needs in a fast-paced startup environment. Occasional travel for field validation may require adjustments to the typical schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated and is substantial, reflecting the high demand for skilled hardware technicians in the Bay Area. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on equity, which is typical for early-stage startups. The mention of daily catered meals and office location details adds value for potential candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Construction Technology (ConTech) / AI for Physical World: Ironsite AI operates at the cutting edge of applying AI and wearable technology to transform the construction industry. This sector is characterized by innovation, a focus on safety and efficiency, and a drive to modernize traditional practices.

Company Size:

• The company is described as "early-stage" with "leading investors," indicating a growing but still relatively small team. This implies a dynamic, agile environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. Founded:

• Founded to build an "intelligence layer for the physical world," Ironsite AI aims to revolutionize how complex construction projects are managed by providing real-time, actionable insights derived from wearable hardware and AI analysis. The company has a "pro-worker philosophy," emphasizing technology that empowers the workforce. Team Structure:

• Cross-Functional Engineering: The Prototyping Lab Technician will work closely with dedicated electrical, mechanical, firmware, and product design engineering teams.

• Field Operations Integration: Close collaboration with Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) is essential, bridging the lab and active jobsite environments.

• Leadership Support: The role is supported by experienced investors and operators from both technology and construction industries, suggesting a culture of mentorship and strategic guidance.

Methodology:

• Iterative Hardware Development: The core methodology involves rapid prototyping, field validation, and continuous iteration based on real-world data and feedback.

• Data-Driven Insights: The company's mission is to transform footage into actionable insights, highlighting a strong emphasis on data analysis and its practical application.

• Worker-Centric Technology: A foundational principle is developing technology that empowers and respects the construction workforce, ensuring that tools enhance productivity and visibility without replacing human expertise.

Company Website:

• ironsite.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and philosophy are clearly articulated, emphasizing innovation in construction tech and a pro-worker stance. The team structure highlights cross-functional collaboration, which is key for hardware development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as a hands-on technical specialist within the hardware development lifecycle. It's ideal for an individual who thrives on building, testing, and iterating physical products, acting as a critical enabler for the engineering team. It requires a blend of precision assembly, fabrication skills, and an understanding of the product development process. Reporting Structure:

• While not explicitly stated, the Prototyping Lab Technician would likely report to a Hardware Engineering Manager or a Lead Hardware Engineer, overseeing the R&D lab and prototype development efforts. They will work directly with various engineering disciplines and Field Deployment Engineers. Operations Impact:

• The Prototyping Lab Technician's work directly accelerates the development and deployment of Ironsite AI's core wearable hardware. By ensuring rapid iteration and validation of prototypes, this role directly impacts the company's ability to gather critical data, refine its AI models, and ultimately deliver its intelligence layer to large-scale construction projects. Their efficiency and quality directly influence the speed of product improvement and market readiness. Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of hardware prototyping, such as advanced soldering techniques, specific fabrication methods (e.g., CNC machining), or specialized testing protocols for ruggedized electronics.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Potentially transition into roles focused on optimizing lab operations, R&D workflows, or establishing best practices for prototype development and quality control.

• Cross-Functional Transition: Develop a broader understanding of hardware engineering, firmware, and product management through close collaboration, potentially leading to roles in hardware engineering, test engineering, or NPI (New Product Introduction) management.

• Field Engineering Support: Gain experience in field deployment and direct customer interaction, potentially leading to roles in field engineering or technical support for hardware products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around developing deeper technical expertise, improving operational processes, and leveraging cross-functional exposure for broader career advancement within a hardware-focused company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is primarily based in an R&D lab environment within Ironsite AI's San Francisco office. This setting is hands-on, requiring daily on-site presence. The office is situated near Oracle Park and the Caltrain, suggesting a modern, accessible urban workspace. Office Location(s):

• San Francisco Bay Area, specifically an office located next to Oracle Park and the Caltrain. This location offers good public transportation access for employees. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Lab Space: The R&D lab is equipped with specialized tools for assembly, fabrication (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills), and testing (oscilloscopes, multimeters). It's designed for hands-on work and iterative development.

• Engineering Integration: Proximity to electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineers facilitates quick communication, design reviews, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Field Operations Link: The role acts as a crucial link to the field, requiring interaction with Forward Deployed Engineers and occasional travel to construction jobsites, exposing the technician to real-world operational challenges and environments.

Work Schedule:

• The position is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. However, the fast-paced startup environment and the nature of hardware development and field deployment may require flexibility to meet project deadlines or address urgent issues. Occasional travel for field validation is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights a hands-on lab environment integrated with engineering teams, with a unique connection to field operations. The San Francisco location and accessibility are also key aspects of the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and portfolio, focusing on demonstrated hands-on skills, relevant experience, and alignment with the required qualifications.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions about your experience with soldering, PCB rework, CAD, fabrication tools, test equipment, and troubleshooting methodologies. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Hands-on Assessment/Lab Visit: A practical test or demonstration of your skills may be required, potentially involving a soldering task, a simple CAD design exercise, or troubleshooting a simulated hardware issue. This could occur during a visit to the R&D lab.

• Engineering Collaboration Discussion: Interviews with members of the electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineering teams to assess your ability to collaborate, communicate technical details clearly, and integrate feedback.

• Field Operations Discussion: Conversation with a Forward Deployed Engineer or someone familiar with field operations to evaluate your understanding of field challenges, your ability to support field teams, and your willingness to travel.

• Hiring Manager/Leadership Interview: A final interview to assess cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and overall alignment with Ironsite AI's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Prioritize visual evidence. Include high-quality photos and videos of your work, prototypes, custom fixtures, and test setups.

• Document Your Process: For each portfolio piece, clearly explain the problem you were solving, your approach, the tools and techniques used, the challenges encountered, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Iterations: If you iterated on a design or process, showcase the different versions and explain the rationale behind the changes. This demonstrates learning and adaptability.

• Quantify When Possible: If you can, quantify the improvements you made (e.g., reduced assembly time by X%, improved test accuracy by Y%).

• Focus on Relevance: Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight the skills most critical for this role: soldering, CAD, fabrication, testing, and troubleshooting.

• Prepare for Live Walkthroughs: Be ready to verbally present and explain your portfolio items in detail, answering questions about your technical decisions and problem-solving approaches.

Challenge Preparation:

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Be prepared to walk through a hypothetical hardware troubleshooting scenario, explaining your step-by-step diagnostic process.

• CAD Design Task: You might be given a simple mechanical part or fixture to design in CAD, or asked to explain your design process for a specific component.

• Soldering/Rework Demonstration: While not always part of an interview, understanding best practices and common pitfalls in soldering and rework will be crucial for technical discussions.

• Process Improvement Idea: Think about how you would approach organizing or improving a lab environment or a build process based on your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is detailed, emphasizing practical skills and hands-on assessment. Strong advice is provided for portfolio creation and preparation for potential technical challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Soldering Stations: Essential for SMT and through-hole soldering, including rework capabilities.

• Hand Tools & Precision Tools: Extensive use of screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, crimpers, calipers, micrometers, torque drivers.

• Power Tools: Drill press, potentially benchtop grinders or other workshop tools.

• Wire Harness Assembly Tools: Crimping tools and specialized equipment for creating robust cable assemblies.

CAD & Fabrication:

• CAD Software: Proficiency required in at least one of SOLIDWORKS, Onshape, or Fusion 360 for designing fixtures, jigs, and small mechanical parts.

• 3D Printers: Experience operating and maintaining FDM or similar 3D printers for rapid part fabrication.

• Laser Cutters: Familiarity with operating laser cutters for creating custom enclosures, masks, or parts from sheet materials.

• Benchtop CNC Mills: Experience with small-scale CNC machining for precise part fabrication.

Test & Measurement Equipment:

• Multimeters: For basic voltage, current, and resistance measurements.

• Oscilloscopes: For visualizing and analyzing electronic signals.

• Power Supplies: Adjustable DC power supplies for powering prototypes.

• Logic Analyzers: For debugging digital circuits.

Supporting Software & Systems:

• Bill of Materials (BOM) Management: Understanding and working with BOMs for prototype builds.

• Technical Documentation Tools: For logging test results, build procedures, and issue reports.

• Optional/Preferred:

  • Microcontroller Platforms: Arduino, Raspberry Pi for basic firmware testing and setup.
  • Automated Test Software: LabVIEW, Python scripts for automating tests.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section clearly outlines the essential tools and technologies the candidate will be expected to use daily, covering assembly, fabrication, testing, and design. The inclusion of specific software names and equipment types is crucial for operations professionals.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Quality: A commitment to high-quality workmanship in assembly, rework, and fabrication, ensuring that prototypes are reliable and test results are accurate.

• Speed & Iteration: Embracing a fast-paced environment where rapid prototyping and quick turnarounds are essential for accelerating product development.

• Problem-Solving & Resourcefulness: A proactive and hands-on approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges, often with limited resources.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open communication and teamwork with engineering and field teams to share knowledge, provide feedback, and achieve common goals.

• Worker Empowerment: A belief in the company's mission to create technology that supports and enhances the construction workforce, reflecting a dedication to the company's core philosophy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration between lab-based engineering teams and field-based engineers, demanding clear communication and a shared understanding of project goals.

• Feedback Loops: A culture that encourages and actively utilizes feedback from all stages of the development cycle – from engineering design to field deployment – to drive continuous improvement.

• Hands-on Problem Solving: A pragmatic approach where team members are expected to roll up their sleeves and work together to overcome technical hurdles, rather than relying solely on theoretical solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where learnings from prototype builds, tests, and field deployments are shared openly to benefit the entire team and accelerate future development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are inferred from the company's mission, the nature of the role, and the startup environment. Emphasis is placed on the practical, collaborative, and iterative aspects critical for hardware development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Demands: Constantly shifting priorities and the need to quickly build, test, and redeploy hardware iterations under tight timelines.

• Field Environment Complexity: Supporting hardware in demanding, dynamic construction environments, which can present unique troubleshooting and reliability challenges.

• Bridging Lab and Field: Effectively translating complex engineering designs into robust prototypes and then troubleshooting issues that arise from real-world field use.

• Managing Diverse Tooling: Maintaining proficiency and operational readiness across a range of fabrication and testing equipment, from 3D printers to oscilloscopes.

• Balancing Build Quality with Speed: Ensuring that the urgency of development does not compromise the quality and integrity of prototype builds, which is critical for accurate testing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunity to master advanced soldering techniques, various fabrication methods (CNC, laser cutting), and gain deeper experience with specialized test equipment.

• Hardware Engineering Exposure: Close work with electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineers provides exposure to the full spectrum of hardware design and development processes.

• Field Operations Insights: Direct experience with how hardware performs in real-world industrial settings, offering valuable context for future design and development.

• Process Optimization: Potential to contribute to and lead initiatives for improving R&D lab efficiency, workflow, and documentation standards.

• NPI Exposure: Gain foundational experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) processes through the iterative build and validation stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the dynamic nature of hardware startups and field deployment, while growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and broader engineering/operational exposure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex electromechanical prototype you built. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to detail your role, the specific components, assembly process, tools used, and any troubleshooting steps you took. Focus on your problem-solving approach and the outcome.

• "How would you approach designing a custom test fixture for [specific component or scenario]? What factors would you consider?"

  • Preparation: Outline your thought process: understanding the component, defining test parameters, selecting materials, considering ergonomics, and planning for iteration. Mention CAD software and fabrication methods.

• "Imagine a prototype fails a critical stress test. How would you begin to diagnose the issue, and how would you differentiate between a design flaw and a build error?"

  • Preparation: Describe your systematic troubleshooting methodology. Discuss checking connections, power integrity, component specifications, and then correlating with schematics/BOM. Emphasize clear documentation.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Ironsite AI's mission to build an intelligence layer for the physical world, particularly in construction?"

  • Preparation: Research the company's website, understand their product and target market. Connect your interest to innovation, AI, or the construction industry.

• "How do you handle shifting priorities or urgent requests in a fast-paced startup environment?"

  • Preparation: Provide examples of how you've managed multiple tasks, adapted to changes, and maintained quality under pressure. Highlight your organizational skills and flexibility.

• "Describe your experience working with engineers. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration?"

  • Preparation: Focus on your ability to understand technical requirements, provide clear status updates, ask clarifying questions, and integrate feedback constructively.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 3-5 of your most relevant projects that showcase soldering, CAD, fabrication, testing, and troubleshooting.

• Structure Each Project: For each item, present:

  1. The Challenge/Goal: What problem were you trying to solve?
  2. Your Role & Approach: What did you do, and how did you do it?
  3. Tools & Techniques Used: Specify software, equipment, and materials.
  4. Key Learnings/Outcomes: What was the result? What did you learn?
  5. Visuals: Use high-quality photos, diagrams, or short videos.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize the how and why behind your work, not just the final product. Demonstrate your thought process and problem-solving skills.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about any aspect of your presented projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practical Skills: Be prepared to demonstrate basic soldering, use of hand tools, or potentially a simple CAD exercise.

• Troubleshooting Mindset: Think through common hardware failures and how you'd approach diagnosing them systematically.

• Communication Clarity: Practice explaining technical concepts simply and clearly, as you might need to do when interacting with field teams or less technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice on preparing for interviews, including specific question types and strategies for portfolio presentation, tailored to the hands-on, technical nature of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Prototyping Lab Technician position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.gem.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Review your existing portfolio and select or create examples that best highlight your hands-on skills in soldering, PCB rework, mechanical assembly, CAD design for fixtures, rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting), and test equipment usage. Ensure your portfolio visually demonstrates your work quality.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize the 2-5+ years of relevant experience, specific technical skills (SMT soldering, CAD proficiency, fabrication tools), and any experience with field deployment or ruggedized hardware. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with specific examples related to prototype building, troubleshooting, and collaboration. Prepare to discuss your approach to challenges and how you ensure quality and speed in your work.

• Company Research: Understand Ironsite AI's mission, products, and target industry (construction tech). Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their specific environment and "pro-worker" philosophy.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.