Fabrication Technician

Bulwark Dynamics; San Francisco (CA); 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 is seeking a hands-on Fabrication Technician to build and repair structural and composite components for our autonomous vessels. The role is fabrication-heavy, with MIG/TIG welding, fiberglass repair, and manual machining at the core.

You will turn raw stock and damaged parts into field-ready hardware, interpret drawings, support engineers, and keep a safe, efficient shop running as part of the R&D team.

Qualifications

• 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".

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.

Skills

MIG/TIG welding

metal fabrication

fiberglass repair

manual machining

read drawings

Tools

lathes

mills

drill presses

band saws

grinders

CNC machining

CAD basics

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.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $40 – $70 per hour, depending on experience.
• Equity: early-stage stock options.
• 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.

Location & Eligibility

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).