Model Maker Technician

Kelly Services; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Services is seeking a Model Maker Technician for an onsite contract role in Foster City, CA. The position focuses on creating high-quality prototypes and first articles, using CNC operation, fabrication, and hands-on assembly to support rapid iteration and precise vehicle development.

You will work closely with engineers and fabricators, troubleshooting challenges, improving workflows, and expanding prototyping capabilities within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years as a model maker or machinist in a prototyping environment.
• Experience setting up CNC mills and lathes.
• Proficiency reading engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Experience with metals, composites, and plastics.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain CNC mills and lathes.
• Fabricate components using metalworking and additive methods.
• Inspect parts for dimensional accuracy per drawings and CAD models.
• Support assembly and improve fabrication workflows and processes.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient shop environment.

Skills

CNC operation

Reading blueprints

Machining

CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA)

Fabrication

Quality inspection

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Model Maker Technician

Pay Rate: $58.00–$62.00 per hour

Location: Onsite in Foster, City, CA

Shift: 1st

Job Type: Contract

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Model Maker Technician to help bring innovative autonomous mobility solutions to life. In this role, you’ll create high-quality prototypes and first articles that support rapid iteration and precision vehicle development.

You’ll use your expertise in CNC operation, machining, fabrication, and hands‑on assembly to produce accurate, functional parts. Working closely with engineers, designers, fabricators, and fellow model makers, you’ll help troubleshoot challenges, improve workflows, and expand prototyping capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Operation and Setup

• Set up, operate, and maintain CNC machines, including mills and lathes, to produce precision parts based on engineering drawings and specifications.

• Load and unload materials, tooling, and fixtures while ensuring proper alignment and calibration.

• Monitor machine performance, identify issues, and perform routine maintenance to minimize downtime.

• Adjust machine settings and processes as needed to achieve quality and production requirements.

Fabrication and Machining

• Perform metalworking operations such as milling, turning, drilling, shearing, bending, and welding.

• Create prototypes, first articles, and components using metals, composites, additive manufacturing, and other advanced materials.

• Use hand tools and precision equipment to deburr, finish, and refine parts.

• Support assembly and fabrication activities throughout the prototyping and manufacturing process.

Quality and Craftsmanship

• Inspect parts for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and compliance with blueprints, engineering drawings, and CAD models.

• Apply high standards of craftsmanship through proper deburring, hand‑finishing, fitting, and assembly techniques.

• Troubleshoot machining and fabrication issues and make process adjustments to meet project requirements.

• Provide feedback on part quality, manufacturability, and opportunities for design or process improvement.

Shop Organization and Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

• Follow all shop safety procedures and best practices for operating equipment and handling materials.

• Properly handle chemicals, materials, and waste in accordance with environmental and safety requirements.

• Maintain tools, equipment, fixtures, and work areas in ready‑to‑use condition.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with engineers, designers, fabricators, and other model makers to understand project requirements.

• Provide practical feedback on manufacturability, fabrication methods, and design improvements.

• Communicate project updates, timelines, potential risks, and technical challenges clearly and promptly.

• Contribute to a collaborative, fast‑paced, and continuous‑improvement‑oriented team environment.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• At least 2 years of experience as a model maker, fabricator, machinist, CNC operator, or in a similar role within a prototyping or fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

• Experience setting up and operating CNC mills, lathes, or comparable machining equipment.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models.

• Experience working with a variety of materials, including metals, composites, and plastics.

Technical Skills

• Ability to use precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and CMM equipment.

• Basic understanding of GD&T, or Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.

• Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar platforms.

• Knowledge of fabrication techniques, including machining, welding, drilling, bending, finishing, and assembly.

• Understanding of shop safety procedures and material-handling best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or technical training in industrial design, engineering, manufacturing, machining, or a related field.

• Experience working with additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies.

• Familiarity with documentation and project‑management tools such as Jira or Confluence.

• Experience supporting vehicle, automotive, aerospace, robotics, or other complex prototype development.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, process improvement, or rapid prototyping methods.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot machining and fabrication challenges.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

• Willingness to learn new technologies, tools, and processes.

• Commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and collaborative shop environment.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work‑related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short‑term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI‑powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affidante Union employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.