Senior Hardware Prototyping Technician

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Hardware Prototyping Technician

Company: Knowmadics, Inc

Location: Wichita, Kansas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Hardware Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-01T00:00:00

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the end-to-end lifecycle of hardware prototyping, from initial build and assembly to comprehensive testing and integration of electronic prototypes and production hardware.

• It involves leading hands-on fabrication, rework, and bring-up activities, requiring a deep understanding of electronic components and assembly processes for Knowmadics' edge and sensing products.

• The position necessitates close collaboration with electrical, mechanical, and embedded engineering teams to ensure seamless product development and manufacturability improvements.

• A key aspect is the meticulous maintenance of build records, as-built documentation, and component inventory, ensuring traceability and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on the practical, hands-on execution within hardware development, bridging the gap between engineering design and production. The emphasis is on building, testing, and troubleshooting physical hardware prototypes, making it a crucial component of the product development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assemble, solder, perform intricate rework, and integrate electronic prototypes, including printed circuit assemblies (PCAs) and complex cabling.

• Conduct thorough hardware bring-up, functional testing, and detailed troubleshooting of both prototype and production units to ensure optimal performance.

• Design, build, and maintain essential test fixtures, jigs, and specialized benches required for hardware validation and efficient production workflows.

• Proficiently operate a range of laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and advanced soldering/rework stations.

• Provide crucial support for field-test preparation, including the kitting of components and logistical coordination for hardware deployments.

• Maintain precise and up-to-date build records, comprehensive as-built documentation, and manage component inventory with strict adherence to accuracy.

• Mentor and guide junior technicians, actively enforcing best practices in Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control, overall safety, and quality assurance standards.

• Collaborate proactively with engineering teams to identify and implement improvements in manufacturability and assembly processes, driving efficiency and reducing errors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of meticulous technical execution and leadership/mentorship, typical of a senior technician role. The emphasis on collaboration with engineering and process improvement indicates a proactive approach to enhancing product development and manufacturing efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate degree or technical certification in electronics, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 7+ years of hands-on experience in electronics assembly, rework, and testing.

Required Skills:

• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance; U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.

• Advanced soldering and rework proficiency, specifically including fine-pitch and surface-mount components.

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret schematics, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and detailed assembly drawings.

• Proven experience in building and performing hardware bring-up for prototypes in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in assembly, testing, and documentation.

• Solid understanding and application of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) prevention practices and laboratory safety protocols.

Preferred Skills:

• IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 certification in soldering and electronics assembly.

• Experience with component inventory management systems and best practices.

• Familiarity with edge computing and sensing product hardware architectures.

• Basic understanding of mechanical assembly and integration related to electronic enclosures.

• Experience in mentoring or leading junior technical staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance is a critical qualification for this role, likely due to the nature of Knowmadics' products in advanced technology sectors. The emphasis on advanced soldering and rework skills, coupled with schematic reading, points to a need for deep technical expertise in hardware assembly.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of complex electronic prototype builds, detailing the components, assembly challenges, and final integration steps.

• Provide case studies of hardware bring-up and functional testing, demonstrating systematic troubleshooting methodologies and problem-solving approaches.

• Include documentation of test fixture designs and fabrication processes, highlighting their contribution to validation efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting assembly procedures, including detailed step-by-step instructions for prototype builds and rework tasks.

• Illustrate contributions to process improvement initiatives, specifically focusing on enhancing manufacturability and assembly efficiency.

• Detail methods used for component inventory tracking and management, ensuring component availability and minimizing build delays.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Hardware Prototyping Technician, a portfolio should clearly illustrate hands-on technical capability, problem-solving acumen in hardware bring-up and testing, and a disciplined approach to documentation and process adherence. The focus is on tangible evidence of successful prototype development and a commitment to quality and efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Hardware Prototyping Technicians with 7+ years of experience in the Wichita, Kansas area, the estimated salary range is $65,000 - $90,000 per year. This estimate considers the specialized technical skills, experience level, and the requirement for a security clearance, which often commands a premium.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and continuous learning in hardware technologies.

• Potential for overtime pay and performance-based bonuses.

• Access to advanced lab equipment and technology for hands-on work.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, totaling 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility to work longer hours or extended periods as needed to meet project deadlines and support business operations, including participation in in-person meetings and potential travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on available market data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. It factored in the specialized nature of hardware prototyping and the added demand associated with security clearance requirements. Specific benefits will be detailed during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically focusing on edge computing and sensing products. This implies a highly innovative and fast-paced environment where cutting-edge hardware development is paramount.

Company Size: Knowmadics, Inc. is a growing technology company. The exact size isn't specified, but roles like this often exist in mid-sized companies (50-250 employees) or specialized divisions of larger corporations, where direct impact and hands-on involvement are significant.

Founded: Founded in 2014, Knowmadics has established itself in the competitive technology landscape, suggesting a culture that values innovation, resilience, and technical expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Hardware Prototyping Technician will likely be part of a dedicated Hardware Engineering or Product Development team.

• This team will consist of electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, embedded software engineers, and potentially other technicians.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs agile or iterative development methodologies for hardware prototyping, emphasizing rapid iteration and continuous feedback loops between engineering and technicians.

• Data-driven decision-making will be crucial, with a focus on test results, performance metrics, and documented observations to guide design refinements.

• Emphasis on robust testing and validation processes to ensure the reliability and performance of edge and sensing products.

Company Website: https://knowmadics.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the industry and the nature of the role, Knowmadics likely fosters a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation. The requirement for a security clearance suggests a focus on defense, security, or government-related applications, which often implies a professional and disciplined work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Technician, indicating a level of expertise and responsibility beyond entry-level or mid-level roles. It suggests a capacity for independent work, problem-solving, and the ability to guide less experienced team members.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Hardware Prototyping Technician will report to a Hardware Engineering Manager or a Lead Engineer. This structure provides clear guidance and oversight while allowing for significant autonomy in day-to-day tasks.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and tangible impact on product development timelines and quality. The ability to quickly and accurately build, test, and troubleshoot prototypes directly influences the speed at which new products can be brought to market and their overall reliability in real-world applications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of hardware prototyping, such as advanced soldering techniques, RF hardware, or specialized test equipment.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Potential to lead initiatives focused on improving prototyping workflows, test procedures, and documentation standards.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader understanding of electrical, mechanical, and embedded systems engineering through close collaboration, potentially leading to roles with more design input.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior technicians and contributing to training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a path for growth beyond just technical execution, potentially into team lead positions or specialized engineering support roles. The emphasis on collaboration and process improvement offers opportunities to develop broader operational and project management skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily based on-site in a laboratory or prototyping workshop environment. This setting is equipped with specialized tools and equipment necessary for hardware assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.

Office Location(s): Wichita, Kansas. This location may offer a stable cost of living and a strong industrial base.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be a dedicated lab environment, potentially shared with other engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for problem-solving.

• Access to a comprehensive suite of lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, soldering stations, and potentially more advanced diagnostic tools.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with engineering teams, facilitating rapid feedback loops and problem resolution.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, but flexibility is required for extended hours to meet project deadlines, including potential work on weekends or outside standard hours as business needs dictate. This reflects the demands of hardware development cycles which can be unpredictable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical due to the hands-on nature of the work and the necessity of using specialized laboratory equipment. The collaborative workspace is designed to facilitate quick communication and problem-solving among technical teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in electronics assembly, rework, and U.S. Citizenship.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a discussion of your hands-on experience, troubleshooting methodologies, familiarity with lab equipment, and interpretation of schematics/BOMs. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges you've overcome.

• Portfolio Review: You may be asked to present examples from your portfolio demonstrating your skills in prototype building, testing, and documentation. Focus on showcasing your problem-solving approach and the impact of your work.

• Meet the Team/Hiring Manager: An opportunity to discuss team dynamics, company culture, and your fit within the organization. This is also a chance to ask in-depth questions about the role and projects.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of U.S. Citizenship and eligibility for a security clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Breadth and Depth: Include examples of diverse projects, highlighting both intricate soldering/rework tasks and larger-scale prototype assemblies.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain your role, the challenges encountered, your systematic approach to problem-solving, and the tools/equipment used.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the efficiency gains or problem resolutions achieved. For example, "Reduced rework time by X%," or "Successfully brought up Y prototypes within Z timeframe."

• Documentation Examples: Provide samples of build records or as-built documentation to showcase your attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Be prepared to verbally walk through your portfolio items, explaining the technical aspects and your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Anticipate hypothetical hardware troubleshooting scenarios and outline your step-by-step diagnostic process.

• Process Improvement Ideas: Think about common challenges in hardware prototyping and come prepared to suggest process improvements or efficiencies.

• ESD and Safety Protocols: Be ready to discuss your understanding and application of ESD and laboratory safety best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize practical, hands-on skills and problem-solving abilities. A strong portfolio that clearly illustrates your technical capabilities and methodical approach to hardware development will be a significant asset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Soldering & Rework Stations: Advanced stations capable of handling fine-pitch and surface-mount components (e.g., Hakko, Weller, Metcal).

• Hand Tools: A wide array of precision tools for assembly, manipulation, and disassembly.

• Magnification: Microscopes and high-magnification visual aids for detailed inspection and rework.

• Cabling & Connector Tools: Tools for crimping, stripping, and assembling various types of cables and connectors.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Test Fixtures & Jigs: Custom-built fixtures for repeatable testing and assembly processes.

• Data Logging Equipment: Tools to record test parameters and outcomes during hardware bring-up and functional testing.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM/automation role, familiarity with inventory management systems for component tracking is essential.

• Experience with documentation software (e.g., Confluence, SharePoint) for maintaining build records and as-built documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a wide range of specialized hardware prototyping and testing equipment is paramount. The ability to use and maintain these tools effectively is a core requirement of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality workmanship, precision in assembly, and thoroughness in testing.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying and resolving hardware issues, often under pressure.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with engineering teams, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a unified development effort.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous record-keeping, adherence to procedures, and careful execution of tasks to ensure product reliability.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to enhance processes, learn new techniques, and contribute to making hardware development more efficient and effective.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-On Partnership: Working directly alongside engineers, providing immediate feedback on designs and assembly challenges.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openly discussing findings, challenges, and potential solutions with team members.

• Process-Oriented: Contributing to and respecting established workflows and documentation standards to ensure consistency and quality.

• Feedback Integration: Actively incorporating feedback from engineering and incorporating it into subsequent builds and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values individuals who are not only technically skilled but also collaborative, detail-oriented, and eager to contribute to the entire product development lifecycle. A strong work ethic and a commitment to quality are likely core tenets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: The fast-paced nature of prototyping can lead to frequent design changes and tight deadlines, requiring adaptability and efficient workflow management.

• Complex Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving intricate issues in new hardware designs can be challenging, requiring deep technical knowledge and systematic problem-solving skills.

• Component Availability & Management: Ensuring the timely availability and proper management of specialized components for prototypes can be a logistical challenge.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The need to deliver prototypes quickly while maintaining extremely high standards for quality and accuracy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Certification Training: Opportunities to pursue certifications like IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 for advanced soldering and assembly standards.

• Exposure to New Technologies: Working with cutting-edge edge and sensing technologies, providing hands-on experience with emerging hardware.

• Mentorship Programs: Learning from experienced engineers and technicians, and potentially mentoring junior staff.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining insights into electrical, mechanical, and embedded systems engineering through daily collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for technical growth in a specialized and evolving field. Overcoming the inherent challenges of hardware prototyping will build resilience, problem-solving capabilities, and a deep understanding of product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a particularly challenging hardware prototype you built or troubleshooted. What was the issue, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on systematic troubleshooting, technical detail, and problem resolution).

• "How do you ensure accuracy and quality when assembling complex electronic prototypes with fine-pitch components?" (Highlight attention to detail, use of tools, and adherence to standards like ESD).

• "Walk me through your process for bringing up a new piece of prototype hardware for the first time." (Emphasize methodical testing, documentation, and risk mitigation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Knowmadics and specifically on our edge and sensing products?" (Research Knowmadics' products and market position).

• "How do you approach collaboration with electrical and mechanical engineers when you identify a potential design flaw or assembly issue?" (Demonstrate communication skills and a team-oriented approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly state the project goal, your specific role and contributions, the challenges faced, your solution, and the final result/impact.

• Highlight Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss specific components, assembly techniques, test procedures, and the rationale behind your engineering choices.

• Emphasize Problem-Solving: Focus on how you identified and resolved issues, demonstrating your analytical and troubleshooting skills.

• Showcase Documentation: If you have examples of build records or as-built documentation, explain their importance and how you ensure their accuracy.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present information efficiently, using visuals where possible, and be ready to answer detailed technical questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate with a strong blend of technical expertise, practical problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment. Your portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Hardware Prototyping Technician position:

• Submit your application through the Knowmadics careers portal at https://knowmadics.bamboohr.com/careers/.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 7+ years of hands-on electronics assembly, rework, and testing experience. Quantify achievements where possible, and explicitly mention skills like advanced soldering, schematic reading, and lab equipment operation.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your work that showcase prototype builds, troubleshooting case studies, test fixture designs, and documentation practices. Be ready to present and discuss these items in detail.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common technical and behavioral interview questions, focusing on your experience with hardware bring-up, problem-solving, and collaboration.

• Research Knowmadics: Understand the company's mission, its edge and sensing products, and its position in the market to articulate your interest and fit during the interview.

⚠️ 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.