APC Tech Lead: Prototyping & Shop Operations

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; Full time

Job description

About LACI

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a nonprofit organization creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation, transforming markets, and enhancing communities. Originally founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI operates the La Kretz Innovation Campus (LKIC) on behalf of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The 60,000‑square‑foot campus sits on 3.2 acres and has achieved LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certification. It includes state‑of‑the‑art green technology such as a 175‑kilowatt photovoltaic solar canopy, chargers for 32 EVs, bioswales, and LA’s first public greywater filtration and microgrid systems. The Advanced Prototyping Center (APC) supports the surrounding ecosystem, creating operational synergy between startups, partners, and workforce development fellows. LACI’s APC team enables the strategic use of these facilities and resources, providing services ranging from product design consulting to advanced manufacturing methods.

Position Summary

The APC Tech Associate is the primary technical lead and owner of client‑facing job shop projects and technical operations within the Advanced Prototyping Center, managing up to two direct reports. The role drives evaluation and testing of prototypes, oversees the technical work and viability of labs and shops, and supports project evaluation, quoting, and applications engineering. Key responsibilities include managing the complete project lifecycle, ensuring high‑quality delivery, clear communication, and timely invoicing/payments, delivering equipment training, and championing a culture of safety and compliance.

What You’ll Do

• Job shop and client project management: Own end‑to‑end execution of job shop and client projects, including initiation, management, and closing, using Asana to track workflow and proactively track progress, flag risks, recommend solutions, and conduct root‑cause analyses.
• Equipment training and user support: Develop and maintain training materials and qualification processes, conduct hands‑on training sessions for staff, interns, and APC users, and provide ongoing technical support and advice.
• Equipment maintenance, shop operations, and facility excellence: Oversee shop and lab layout, conduct preventive maintenance, minor repairs, and uphold hazardous‑materials guidelines.
• Data, reporting, compliance, and general APC support: Maintain and analyze operational metrics, prepare reports and recommendations for workflow improvements, and conduct quarterly compliance audits.
• Safety, policy, and resource support: Model a strong safety culture, uphold and update apartment house rules, JHA forms, SOPs, and safety protocols.

Why You’re Right for the Job

• Natural leader with strong project‑management experience and stakeholder engagement ability.
• Detail‑oriented, process‑oriented, and loves building things from the ground up.
• Flexible, resourceful, creative, and capable of working effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Hands‑on and willing to tackle tasks that keep the APC running safely and efficiently.
• Inclusive customer‑service mindset that values every person’s contributions.
• Pro‑LACI: proactive, pro‑environment, and committed to inclusion and sustainability.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of hands‑on experience operating or maintaining equipment in a machine shop, makerspace, or lab.
• 1–2 years of experience leading or supervising technical staff in a shop or lab environment.
• Project‑management experience, preferably in a job shop, prototyping, manufacturing, or technical‑service setting, with demonstrated ability to manage client projects from intake to delivery.
• Proficiency with project‑management platforms (Asana or similar), Google Workspace, and basic workflow automation.
• Working knowledge of CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, CorelDRAW, or equivalents) for design review, file preparation, and applications engineering.
• Familiarity with CNC mills, manual mills, waterjets, lasers, 3D printers, saws, grinders, and other digital‑fabrication tools, including operation, setup, basic programming, and maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering technical training and/or qualification programs for equipment operators.
• Strong customer‑service skills with emphasis on clear communication, expectation management, and problem resolution.
• Hands‑on expertise in 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, welding/finishing, hardware assembly, and prototype testing/validation.
• Passion for sustainability, creative prototyping, and environmental stewardship.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, with excellent critical‑path, multitasking, and team‑leadership abilities.

Work Requirements

• Onsite at the downtown Los Angeles office/machine shop five days a week.
• Ability to move heavy objects greater than 50 lbs.
• Certified and up to date in CPR/First‑Aid Training (provided by the organization).

Position Details

This is a full‑time position, starting immediately. LACI operates out of the La Kretz Innovation Campus in downtown Los Angeles.

Salary Range: Associate/Manager $68‑76k, commensurate with experience, education, skills, and total compensation package including health benefits, 401k match, professional development, commuter benefits, and more.

Benefits include paid holidays, vacation/sick time, health benefits, a 401(k) plan, professional development, paid parking, and a metro pass for every employee.