Prototype Shop Lead

Powerus; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform and seeks a hands-on Prototype Shop Lead in Rock Hill, SC. You will run the engineering prototype shop, oversee part fabrication, programming, and safety, and coordinate with engineers to meet tight schedules.

You will manage intake, prioritize projects, fabricate parts with CNC, 3D printing, laser cutting, and composites, and advise on manufacturability. This role blends leadership with practical fabrication expertise.

Qualifications

• Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC.
• Experience running or working in a prototype, model, or machine shop.
• Experience with CNC milling and CAM programming.
• Experience with additive manufacturing.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Working knowledge of shop safety practices.
• U.S. Person status required (ITAR- and EAR-controlled data).

Responsibilities

• Manage intake, prioritization, and scheduling of prototype fabrication requests.
• Fabricate parts using CNC machining, 3D printing, laser cutting, and hand tools.
• Fabricate composite parts and repairs.
• Program CNC equipment using CAM software.
• Maintain shop equipment, tooling, and material inventory.
• Advise engineers on manufacturability of prototype designs.
• Enforce shop safety practices and train shop users.
• Recommend equipment purchases as engineering needs grow.

Skills

Prototype shop experience

CNC milling

CAM programming

Additive manufacturing

Reading drawings/GD&T

Shop safety

U.S. Person status

Tools

Fusion 360

Mastercam

CAM software

CNC programming tools

Job description

Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.

Mission

Our mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.

Why Join Powerus

Powerus engineers iterate airframes, payload mounts, and test fixtures on cycles measured in days. Prototype part turnaround sets the pace of that iteration.

The Prototype Shop Lead runs the engineering prototype shop, which is separate from the production floor. The shop builds one-off and low-quantity parts directly from engineering requests.

Position Overview

Powerus is seeking a Prototype Shop Lead to run the engineering prototype shop, including CNC machining, additive manufacturing, composite layup, and general fabrication. The role is hands-on and covers job intake and prioritization, fabrication, equipment upkeep, and shop safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage intake, prioritization, and scheduling of prototype fabrication requests
• Fabricate parts using CNC machining, 3D printing, laser cutting, and hand tools
• Fabricate composite parts and repairs
• Program CNC equipment using CAM software
• Maintain shop equipment, tooling, and material inventory
• Advise engineers on manufacturability of prototype designs
• Enforce shop safety practices and train shop users
• Recommend equipment purchases as engineering needs grow

Qualifications

• Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC
• Experience running or working in a prototype, model, or machine shop
• Experience with CNC milling and CAM programming
• Experience with additive manufacturing
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T
• Working knowledge of shop safety practices
• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with composite fabrication
• Experience in aerospace, UAS, or motorsport prototyping
• Experience with Fusion 360 or Mastercam
• Experience managing shop budgets and vendors

What We Look For

Candidates should be working machinists or fabricators who have also run a shop: set priorities between competing engineering requests, kept equipment running, and delivered parts in days.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Powerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.