Technician

Bulwark Dynamics; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Bulwark Dynamics in Menlo Park is seeking a Prototype Technician to build, assemble, and test autonomous vessels. This role involves using tools for hands-on work, making it ideal for practical individuals interested in fabrication and robotics.

The position starts ASAP with flexibility for full-time or contract arrangements. Candidates should have mechanical skills and experience working directly with vehicles or similar equipment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on mechanical ability with tools and basic fabrication.
• Experience working on vehicles, boats, drones, or robots.
• Ability to follow instructions and operate power tools.

Responsibilities

• Assemble structural parts and hardware for autonomous vessels.
• Create and maintain build documentation for future manufacturing.
• Prepare vessels for water tests and perform routine maintenance.

Skills

Hands-on mechanical ability

Experience working on vehicles, boats, drones, or custom builds

Comfortable using power tools

Job description

Bulwark Dynamics is building the next generation of autonomous resupply vessels for defense and commercial maritime operations. Our current programs include 15-ft and 35-ft autonomous vessels engineered for rapid mission execution and rugged reliability in demanding environments.

We move fast, build fast, and value people who are hands‑on, practical, and can deliver robust solutions under pressure.

Role Overview

• We are seeking a Prototype Technician to help build, assemble, and test our 15-ft and 35-ft autonomous vessels. This role is fundamentally shop work + field work, not engineering.
• You will be working with tools every day, building assemblies, wiring systems, mounting actuation and electro‑mechanical subsystems, and preparing vessels for field operations. This role is perfect for someone who likes cars, boats, drones, fabrication, off‑road vehicles, or robotics, and wants to work directly on the hardware—not sit in CAD.
• This is a get‑your‑hands‑dirty, build‑things‑that‑deploy type of job.
• The role begins ASAP, with flexibility for either a full‑time or contract arrangement.

What You Will Do (Hands‑On Work)

• Assemble structural parts, brackets, mounts, and hardware for 15-ft and 35-ft vessels
• Create and maintain clear build documentation, including assembly steps, photos, and notes—critical for future outsourcing and repeatable vessel manufacturing
• Cut, drill, grind, rivet, bolt, and install mechanical components
• Assist with engine/motor installation, actuation mechanisms, and electro‑mechanical subsystems
• Route cables, mount sensors, and support integration of electrical, autonomy, and payload systems alongside electrical and autonomy teams
• Prepare vessels for water tests and sea trials (fueling, securing cargo, balancing, and safety checks)
• Launch, recover, and transport vessels during field testing and sea trials
• Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs
• Organize the shop, maintain tools, and build jigs or basic fixtures
• Support engineers by taking measurements, test photos/videos, and documenting results
• Provide rapid feedback on how parts fit, what breaks, and what needs improvement
• You will not be responsible for CAD design, structural engineering, or formal analysis.
• Your job is to build, assemble, test, fix, repeat.

Required Qualifications

• Hands‑on mechanical ability: tools, shop equipment, and basic fabrication
• Experience working on vehicles, boats, drones, robots, or custom builds
• Ability to follow instructions, sketches, or sample parts
• Comfortable using power tools (drill press, band saw, grinder, impact tools)
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn
• Able to lift and handle 40–60 lbs regularly

Preferred Experience (Not Required)

• Marine, automotive, or aerospace technician background
• Experience machining or fabricating parts directly from CAD models, drawings, or engineering prints
• Welding (MIG/TIG) or basic machining
• Experience with hydraulic systems
• Electrical/mechatronics basics (crimping, soldering, connectors)
• Experience with boat launching/recovery or field operations
• Experience in a startup, R&D lab, machine shop, or prototyping environment