Model Maker Technician

HireArt; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Healthcare benefits via HireArt (first

Healthcare benefits (eligibility first

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Disability & Life Insurance

401k

Job summary

HireArt is seeking a Model Maker Technician in Foster City, CA to craft high-quality prototypes and first articles. You’ll use CNC mills/lathes, read engineering drawings and CAD models, and collaborate with engineers in a fast-paced development environment.

The role requires hands-on CNC experience, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot fabrication challenges while maintaining safety and process quality.

Qualifications

• 2+ years as a model maker, fabricator, machinist, or CNC operator in prototyping/manufacturing
• Ability to read engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models (SolidWorks/CATIA)
• Use precision tools (calipers, micrometers, CMMs) for QC
• GD&T principles proficiency
• Familiarity with shop safety and material handling
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork across functions

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain CNC mills and lathes to produce precision parts
• Load/unload materials, tooling, and fixtures with proper alignment
• Monitor machine performance and perform routine maintenance
• Perform milling, turning, drilling, bending, welding for prototypes
• Work with composites and 3D printing for prototyping needs
• Deburr, finish, and inspect parts to CAD/blueprints
• Ensure parts meet accuracy, finish, and specifications
• Maintain clean, safe workspace following shop protocols
• Troubleshoot fabrication issues and adjust processes as needed
• Collaborate with engineers/designers on manufacturability of parts

Skills

Reading drawings

CAD models

Precision measurement tools

GD&T knowledge

Shop safety

Problem solving

Communication & teamwork

Continuous learning

Education

Associate degree in manufacturing/engineering

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

CMMs

Jira/Confluence

Job description

Expected compensation: 63.84 USD Per Hour

HireArt is helping an on-demand, autonomous ride-hailing company find a Model Maker Technician to bring innovative autonomous mobility solutions to life by creating high-quality prototypes and first articles.

In this role, you'll work closely with cross-functional teams to support rapid iteration and precision in vehicle development, leveraging your expertise in CNC operation, setup, machining, and fabrication to produce accurate and functional parts.

The ideal candidate is a skilled and detail-oriented model maker, fabricator, or machinist with hands-on CNC and prototyping experience. You're comfortable working from engineering drawings and CAD models, troubleshooting fabrication challenges, and collaborating with engineers and designers in a fast-paced development environment.

As a Model Maker Technician, You'll

• Set up, operate, and maintain CNC machines, including mills and lathes, to produce precision parts according to engineering drawings and specifications.
• Load and unload materials, tooling, and fixtures, ensuring proper alignment and calibration for optimal performance.
• Monitor machine performance, identify issues, and perform routine maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Perform metalworking processes, including milling, turning, drilling, shearing, bending, and welding, to create prototypes and components.
• Work with composites, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and other advanced materials to support prototyping needs.
• Use hand tools and precision equipment to deburr, finish, and refine parts for quality and functionality.
• Inspect parts for accuracy, finish, and adherence to blueprints or CAD models.
• Ensure high standards of craftsmanship through proper deburring, hand-finishing, and assembly techniques.
• Troubleshoot fabrication issues and adjust processes as needed to meet project requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace in compliance with shop and safety protocols.
• Follow proper procedures for handling materials, chemicals, and waste to maintain a safe and sustainable work environment.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, and fabricators to understand project requirements and provide feedback on manufacturability and design improvements.
• Communicate project updates, timelines, and potential risks to stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience as a model maker, fabricator, machinist, or CNC operator in a prototyping or fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models using tools such as SolidWorks or CATIA
• Ability to use precision measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, and CMMs, for quality control
• Basic knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles
• Familiarity with shop safety protocols and best practices for material handling
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot fabrication and machining issues
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions
• Commitment to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies and processes

Bonus Qualifications

• A degree in industrial design, engineering, or a related field
• Knowledge of documentation tools such as Jira or Confluence

Benefits

• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Employer (HireArt) subsidized healthcare benefits (eligibility begins on the first of the month following 60 days of service)
• Flexible Spending Account for healthcare-related costs
• HireArt covers all costs for short- and long-term disability and life insurance
• 401k package

Commitment

This is a full-time, ongoing contract position staffed via HireArt. It will be onsite and available to candidates who are local to the Foster City, CA area.

HireArt values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas or employ corp-to-corp.