Prototyping Tech / Model Maker

Company Description

We are looking for a Prototyping Tech/Model Maker to join our clients' growing organization in Santa Monica, CA.  If you are passionate about consumer lifestyle products, beauty, apparel, etc. and you want to be part of an exciting start-up - we want to talk to you!

Job Description

We are seeking a Prototyping Specialist - Model Maker to support our world-class industrial design and engineering team. This is a great opportunity for hands-on, organized, and collaborative maker interested in working within a dynamic development environment to support the transformation of early-stage design and engineering insights into developmental prototypes and proof-of-concept demonstrators. You are a 3D printing specialist who will be responsible for preparing, printing and processing 3D printed models. Your work will be instrumental to our process as part of design studies, and client reviews.

You will:

• Set up, program, and produce parts using 3D CAD software, 3D printers, and other prototyping tools/machines

• Pre-processing: Import and prepare digital 3D files for printing

• Printing: Configure print jobs and submit for printing

• Support removal: Remove support structure from 3D printed models

• Finishing: Finish models as required (sanding, assembling, blasting, painting,  etc.)

• Be an advocate and center of excellence for the team on shop best practices on tool use, safety, and organization.

• Maintain ownership of the quality of prototyping services, the quality of model deliverables, and the successful delivery of client work.

• Work with project leaders to coordinate one or more build activities at a time. This includes communicating resource utilization on a frequent basis and maintaining and organizing build spaces.

• Partner with external prototype suppliers and model shops to determine the best use of resources to achieve desired model-making results.

• Manage, maintain, and clean shop equipment, workspaces, and resources to ensure smooth operation for all team members. Provides initiative for improving shop operation, cleanliness, and organization.

• Follow trends and developments in the prototyping and fabrication world to recommend and implement improvements to in-house prototyping capabilities

• Work collaboratively with individual designers and engineers in the development of prototype models and mechanisms. Provide feedback and input in balancing fabrication fidelity, accuracy, lead time, cost, and in-house vs external capabilities to hone in on a final design.

• Maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing a wide range of 3D printing technologies are also key responsibilities

• Research: Explore new techniques to constantly improve our processes

• Troubleshooting: Determine optimal settings for a given customer print job; Able to notice issues with a build, diagnose and fix problems with the printer or process as needed

• Communication: Effectively communicate status of projects on a regular basis

• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications

• Professional prototyping and fabrication experience (a portfolio of professional work examples will be requested). Can demonstrate capability and sound judgment in a commercial environment.

• Strong knowledge of contemporary Prototyping Techniques (CNC machining, 3D printing, metal fabrication, use of modeling foam/tooling board, standard manual/power shop tools, etc.).

• Understanding of the advantages, limitations, and appropriate use of 3D printing. Knowledge specifically of Resin 3D printing, Nexa3D printers, and basic printer maintenance is a plus.

• Proficiency in a range of contemporary CAD software packages, such as SolidWorks. Basic parametric modeling, assembly modeling, and sheet metal experience is a plus.

• Experience executing prototype and fabrication work in accordance with proposals and client/project requirements.

• Ability to interpret design and engineering input and provide meaningful collaborative input to achieve prototype and project goals. This may be rethinking parts to work within fabrication capabilities, suggesting materials and processes to achieve desired fit and finish, or proposing alternative approaches to ensure a prototype meets objectives within resource constraints.

• Ability to work within time, budget, and constraints to achieve prototype goals for aesthetic, functional, or representative models.

• Ability to lead and organize large prototype build efforts within a team, and manage multiple build activities simultaneously.

• Ability to lead team efforts and provide training and guidance to less proficient shop users.

• Strong organizational skills with a process-oriented approach.

• Strong communication skills - verbal, written, and visual.

• An intuitive sensitivity to craft, fit, and finish.

• Self-motivated and a self starter

• Good with your hands and can work with small objects precisely

• Analytical problem solver

• Excellent troubleshooting and interpersonal skills

• Attention to detail and a focus on ensuring the highest quality product

• Able to work independently or as part of a larger team

• High school diploma or applicable experience (great experience for Industrial Design or Mechanical Engineer intern)

Additional Information

This is a full time in office position in our beautiful offices in Santa Monica, CA.  We offer a great package including PTO, benefits, 401K, and holidays.  Salary: $25.00-$40.oo per hour based on experience