Fabrication Technician

Bulwark Dynamics; Menlo Park, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bulwark Dynamics is hiring a Fabrication Technician in Menlo Park, CA to build and repair structural and composite components for autonomous vessels. The role is fabrication-heavy, focusing on MIG/TIG welding, fiberglass repair, and manual machining to turn raw stock into field-ready hardware.

You will read sketches and drawings, work with shop tools, and support engineers with measurements and rapid part iteration. ITAR/EAR compliance applies, with safety and reliability values at the core.

Qualifications

• Hands-on welding experience (MIG/TIG).
• Experience running manual machine tools (lathe, mill, drill press, grinder).
• Background in body shop, auto/marine repair, fabrication shop, or similar hands‑on trade.
• Able to read basic drawings, sketches, or work from sample parts.
• Able to lift and handle 40–60 lbs regularly.
• This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). You must be able to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements.

Responsibilities

• Weld and fabricate structural brackets, mounts, and repair parts (MIG/TIG).
• Perform fiberglass repair and composite layup work on hull and structural components.
• Operate manual machine shop tools (lathe, mill, drill press, band saw, grinder) to fabricate or modify parts.
• Read and work from sketches, drawings, or sample parts to produce accurate components.
• Repair damaged hulls, brackets, and structural elements from field testing and sea trials.
• Maintain shop tools, jigs, and fixtures; keep the fab shop organized and safe.
• Support engineers with test fit-ups, measurements, and rapid iteration on part designs.
• Assist with vessel prep for water tests as needed.

Skills

MIG/TIG welding

Manual machine tools

Reading drawings

Heavy lifting 40-60 lbs

Strong work ethic

Tools

Lathe

Milling

Drill press

Band saw

Grinder

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• Weld and fabricate structural brackets, mounts, and repair parts (MIG/TIG).
• Perform fiberglass repair and composite layup work on hull and structural components.
• Operate manual machine shop tools (lathe, mill, drill press, band saw, grinder) to fabricate or modify parts.
• Read and work from sketches, drawings, or sample parts to produce accurate components.
• Repair damaged hulls, brackets, and structural elements from field testing and sea trials.
• Maintain shop tools, jigs, and fixtures; keep the fab shop organized and safe.
• Support engineers with test fit-ups, measurements, and rapid iteration on part designs.
• Assist with vessel prep for water tests as needed.

Requirements

• Hands-on welding experience (MIG/TIG) — structural or repair work.
• Comfortable running manual machine tools (lathe, mill, drill press, grinder).
• Background in body shop, auto/marine repair, fabrication shop, or similar hands‑on trade.
• Able to read basic drawings, sketches, or work from sample parts.
• Able to lift and handle 40–60 lbs regularly.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn.
• This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). You 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).

Nice to Have

• Marine, automotive collision/body shop, or aerospace fabrication background.
• CNC or CAD-to-part machining experience.
• Hydraulic systems experience.
• Startup, R&D lab, or prototyping shop experience.

This role is for you if

• You love tools, fabrication, and hands‑on work.
• You get satisfaction from making things real.
• You thrive in fast-paced hardware environments.
• You want to work on something that will be in the water in weeks, not years.
• You want to directly support autonomy, defense, and real-world operations.