Fabrication Technician

Bulwark Dynamics; California; On-site; USD 55,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity: early-stage stock options

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

Bulwark Dynamics in the Bay Area, CA, seeks a Fabrication Technician to build and repair structural and composite components for our autonomous vessels. This role is fabrication-heavy, focusing on welding, fiberglass repair, and manual machining to turn raw stock into field-ready hardware.

You will interpret technical drawings, support engineers with measurements and rapid design iterations, and help prepare vessels for water testing while maintaining a safe, efficient shop environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on MIG/TIG welding and metal fabrication experience.
• Experience with fiberglass repair or composites.
• Able to operate manual machining equipment and common fabrication tools.
• Ability to read basic drawings, sketches, and measurements.
• Background in fabrication, automotive or marine repair, body shops, or similar hands-on trades.
• Ability to lift 40–60 lbs regularly.
• U.S. export-control eligibility (ITAR/EAR) as a U.S. person.

Responsibilities

• Perform MIG/TIG welding and metal fabrication of structural brackets, mounts, and vessel components.
• Carry out fiberglass repairs and composite layup on hulls and structural assemblies.
• Operate manual machine shop equipment, including lathes, mills, drill presses, band saws, and grinders.
• Interpret technical drawings, sketches, and sample parts to fabricate components to specifications.
• Support engineers with measurements, test fits, prototype modifications, and rapid design iterations.
• Repair damaged structural components following field testing and sea trials.
• Assist with vessel preparation for water testing and maintain shop tools, equipment, and a safe working environment.

Skills

MIG welding

TIG welding

Metal fabrication

Fiberglass repair

Manual machining

Technical drawings

Tools

Lathe

Milling machine

Drill press

Band saw

Grinder

Job description

The Role

We're hiring a Fabrication Technician to build and repair structural and composite components for our 15ft and 35ft autonomous vessels. This role is fabrication-heavy — welding, fiberglass repair, and manual machining are core to the job, not bonus skills. You'll be the person turning raw stock and damaged parts into finished, field-ready hardware, reporting to the R&D Technician Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform MIG/TIG welding and metal fabrication of structural brackets, mounts, and vessel components.


• Carry out fiberglass repairs and composite layup on hulls and structural assemblies.


• Operate manual machine shop equipment, including lathes, mills, drill presses, band saws, and grinders.


• Interpret technical drawings, sketches, and sample parts to fabricate components to specifications.


• Support engineers with measurements, test fit-ups, prototype modifications, and rapid design iterations.


• Repair damaged structural components following field testing and sea trials.


• Assist with vessel preparation for water testing and maintain shop tools, equipment, and a safe working environment.

Requirements

• Proven hands-on experience in MIG/TIG welding and metal fabrication.


• Practical experience with fiberglass repair or composite work.


• Ability to operate manual machining equipment and common fabrication tools.


• Ability to interpret basic technical drawings, sketches, and measurements.


• Background in fabrication, automotive or marine repair, body shops, or similar hands-on trades.


• Ability to regularly lift and handle 40–60 lbs.


• Reliable, resourceful, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.


• This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). Candidates must meet applicable export-control eligibility requirements, which may include qualifying as a "U.S. person."\

Preferred / Nice to Have

• Experience in marine, automotive collision repair, aerospace, or industrial fabrication.


• Familiarity with CNC machining or CAD-to-part manufacturing.


• Experience working with hydraulic systems.


• Background in startup environments, R&D labs, or rapid prototyping operations.

Pay

• Pay: $40 – $70 per hour, depending on experience.

Equity

• Equity: early-stage stock options.

Benefits

• Benefits: employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Enjoys hands-on building, fabrication, and solving practical mechanical problems.


• Takes pride in turning designs and concepts into functional hardware.


• Works well in fast-paced environments where priorities and designs can evolve quickly.


• Is motivated by building and testing real-world maritime systems.


• Wants to contribute directly to autonomous maritime technology and defense applications.

On-site in the Bay Area, CA. Reports directly to the R&D Technician Manager . This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). Candidates must be able to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, which may include qualifying as a “U.S. person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual).