Prototype Researcher

Orbital; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive equity package

Flexible paid time off

Excellent health, dental and vision

Job summary

Orbital is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Build Engineer to turn designs into working hardware. You will run the workshop, operate 3D printers and CNC machines, and shepherd mechanical builds from bare frame to first test of Direct-to-Chip platforms.

You will contribute to mechanical and electrical assembly, test rigs, and commissioning. A background in prototype or low-volume build environments and problem-solving aptitude are essential for success at Orbital.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating 3D printers, CNC machines, and workshop tools.
• Ability to perform mechanical assembly and electrical build work.
• Background in prototype, R&D, or low-volume manufacturing environments.
• Practical problem-solver who can diagnose and fix issues quickly.
• Experience with fluid systems or test instrumentation is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain 3D printers, CNC machines, and workshop tooling.
• Build and assemble mechanical sub-systems from frame to test rigs.
• Lead rig builds, commissioning, and modifications as needed.
• Perform wiring and instrumentation to schematic; document results.
• Source components and manage suppliers and lead times for test rigs.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Prototype / R&D experience

Mechanical assembly

Tools

3D printing

CNC machining

Workshop tooling

Job description

Orbital is an AI-first industrial company building hardware from the atoms up. Our goal is to lead an industrial renaissance to advance critical technologies and secure our planet for generations to come.

We're starting with critical hardware for AI data centers to make them more performant and sustainable. Every Orbital product is invented with our AI platform - uniting AI-automated hardware engineering with AI-designed material science to achieve breakthrough real-world performance.

We have an ambitious mission and need excellent people in all our teams - AI research, operations, advanced materials, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and manufacturing.

Working at Orbital means working in tightly integrated, vertically integrated teams. We're looking for people who have a love of physical technology, curiosity in AI and a desire to learn.

Role Overview

You'll be the hands that turn our designs into working hardware - running the workshop, building the test rigs, and getting them commissioned and into service. You'll own the mechanical build of our next-generation Direct-to-Chip platforms from bare frame to first test.

Key Responsibilities

Workshop and Machine Operation

• Run and maintain our 3D printers, CNC machine and workshop tooling
• Digital Fabrication - create and review CAD models. Produce parts, jigs and test fixtures to drawing
• Manage tooling, consumables and machine servicing

Rig Build and Commissioning

• Lead the mechanical build of our upcoming Direct-to-Chip testing and validation rigs
• Support commissioning - leak checks, function testing, fault-finding, and generic troubleshooting
• Deliver mechanical and electrical modifications to existing rigs as needed

Mechanical and Electrical Assembly

• Comfort with low voltage wiring - build control panels and instrumentation to schematic
• High degree of mechanical aptitude - Assemble mechanical sub-systems to specification and tolerance
• Function test completed builds and document the results

Rig Operation and Procurement

• Take over day-to-day mechanical operation of test rigs
• Set up, run and reset test configurations for each campaign. Review data and recommend iterative improvements
• Source and order rig components, managing suppliers and lead times

What We're Looking For

• Hands-on experience running 3D printers, CNC machines and workshop tooling
• Comfortable across both mechanical assembly and electrical build work
• A background in prototype, R&D or low-volume build environments
• Practical problem-solver who diagnoses and fixes rather than waits
• Experience with fluid systems or test instrumentation is a strong plus

Why Join Orbital?

• Competitive salary and equity package - the ability to own part of Orbital as we grow
• Flexible and generous paid time off
• Excellent health, dental and vision insurance plan
• Regular company offsites
• The experience of working in a cutting-edge organisation dedicated to a better future

Orbital is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.