Model Maker Technician

Continuum Resource Network; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Continuum Resource Network is seeking a Model Maker Technician in Foster City, CA to create high-quality prototypes and first articles, working from engineering drawings and CAD models. You’ll operate CNC mills/lathes, load materials, and support rapid iteration in a fast-paced development environment.

The ideal candidate has hands-on CNC experience, familiarity with composites and 3D printing, and a strong eye for detail.

Qualifications

• Ability to use precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, CMM) for QC.
• Basic knowledge of GD&T principles.
• Familiarity with shop safety protocols and material handling.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to troubleshoot fabrication and machining issues.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies and processes.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain CNC machines (mills/lathes) for precision parts.
• Load/unload materials, tooling, and fixtures with proper alignment.
• Monitor machine performance and perform routine maintenance.
• Perform metalworking: milling, turning, drilling, shearing, bending, welding.
• Support prototyping with composites and 3D printing.
• Deburr, finish, and refine parts to high-quality standards.
• Inspect parts against blueprints or CAD models.
• Ensure craftsmanship with proper hand-finishing and assembly.
• Troubleshoot fabrication issues and adjust processes.
• Maintain a clean, safe workspace following shop protocols.
• Handle materials, chemicals, and waste safely.
• Collaborate with engineers/designers on manufacturability and improvements.
• Communicate timelines, risks, and project updates to stakeholders.

Skills

CNC operation

Precision measuring

GD&T basics

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Industrial design or engineering degree (bonus)

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

We are 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.

Qualifications:

• Ability to use precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, CMM, etc.) for quality control.
• Basic knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) principles.
• Familiarity with shop safety protocols and best practices for material handling.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to troubleshoot fabrication and machining issues.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies and processes.

Bonus Qualifications:

• A degree in industrial design, engineering, or similar is a big plus.
• Knowledge of documentation tools like Jira or Confluence.

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance