Model Maker

Workplace: On-Site, 5 days per week
Location: Foster City, CA
Salary: $85-100k

As a Model Maker, you will transform engineering and design intent into high-fidelity physical prototypes and appearance models for our autonomous vehicle programs. With an additive-led skill set, you will operate and optimize our 3D printing platforms (SLA, SLS, FDM, PolyJet), then finish, assemble and integrate those parts into models that meet the requestor's learning objectives. You will work hands-on every day, partner directly with engineers and designers, and help the XOPS Prototype Fabrication team rapidly transform the highest-impact experimental concepts into physical parts, with excellent lead times, quality and cost.

Responsibilities 
    • Additive Build Execution: Prepare, nest, slice and run builds on SLA, SLS, FDM and PolyJet platforms using standard build parameters; select the right process and material for each part's requirements; monitor builds and resolve failures (warping, adhesion, supports).
    • Design for Additive (DfAM) Feedback: Review CAD models and flag printability and failure risks before parts reach the build tray; make and document minor model-side geometry changes; escalate drawing ambiguities early.
    • Post-Processing & Finishing: Execute support removal, sanding, priming, painting, dyeing, inserts and other finishing to bring parts toward a production look and feel.
    • Model Assembly & Integration: Assemble high-fidelity prototypes and appearance models, integrating printed parts with CNC-machined, laser-cut and purchased components and electronics.
    • Inspection & Quality: Verify part accuracy using calipers, micrometers and other precision measurement tools; read drawings, GD&T and finish callouts well enough to build and inspect to them.
    • Queue & Workflow Management: Work from the JIRA request queue, sequencing builds to meet requestor deadlines; communicate status and flag risks early.
    • Machine Care: Perform routine maintenance and first-line troubleshooting on additive equipment; coordinate with vendors for service when needed.
    • Documentation & Collaboration: Contribute to build-parameter and finishing documentation; follow lab safety and material-handling protocols; collaborate with CNC, Welding and other Prototype Fabrication disciplines.

Required Qualifications 
    • BS/BA in engineering, industrial design or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
    • 2-5 years of hands-on additive manufacturing, model making or prototype fabrication experience.
    • Working knowledge of additive processes and materials (SLA, SLS, FDM, PolyJet) and the tradeoffs between speed, strength and finish.
    • Experience with build-prep/slicing software such as GrabCAD Print (Stratasys), Materialise Magics, Autodesk Fusion (AM build extensions) or similar.
    • Ability to read and navigate CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA or similar), drawings, and GD&T callouts.
    • Proficiency with precision measurement tools.
    • Hands-on finishing skills: sanding, priming, painting, bonding and assembly.
    • Ability to manage own queue, work with light supervision, and communicate clearly with engineers and designers.

Preferred Qualifications 
    • Experience with surfacing or CAD authorship for printable parts and fixtures.
    • Experience with paint matching, surface texturing or appearance/ergonomic models.
    • Experience in other prototyping methods: CNC operation, laser cutting, MIG/TIG welding, foam, wood, urethane or clay modeling.
    • Experience with OSHA-compliant shop practices or hazardous material (HazMat) handling.

Salary Range
    • $85,000 - 100,000
    • The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience