Advanced Prototyping Center Tech Associate, Machine Shop (Cleantech Incubator, Non-profit)

About LACI 

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a nonprofit organization creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation (through working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies), transforming markets (through catalytic partnerships in zero emission transportation, clean energy and sustainable cities) and enhancing communities (through workforce development, pilots and other programs). Originally founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world. Learn more atlaci.org

LACI operates the La Kretz Innovation Campus (LKIC) on behalf of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.  The 60,000 square foot campus sits on 3.2 acres and has achieved LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certification. It includes state-of-the-art green technology, including a 175 kilowatt photovoltaic solar canopy, chargers for 32 EVs, bioswales, and LA’s first public greywater filtration and microgrid systems. The Advanced Prototyping Center is a 10,000 ft2 portion of LKIC that supports the surrounding ecosystem, creating an operational synergy between startups, community partners and workforce development fellows. LACI’s APC team enables the strategic use of the facilities and resources so startups can build, assemble and test their prototypes as members or “APC Users.” The team provides services in the form of equipment and facilities use, and on-request staff expertise to bridge gaps in startup resources or to serve partners and community members.  Services range from product design consulting and ideation to 3D scanning, computer controlled machining, welding, 3D printing, laser cutting and many other methods of manufacturing. 

Position Summary:

The APC Tech Associate is the primary technical lead and owner of client-facing Job Shop projects and technical operations within the Advanced Prototyping Center (APC), managing up to 2 direct reports. LACI is seeking a self-starting, proactive individual that will drive the evaluation and testing of prototypes, oversee the technical work and viability of the labs and shops, and actively supports project evaluation, quoting, and applications engineering. Safety, maintenance and optimal utilization with ongoing growth are key areas of responsibility. 

The position manages the complete project lifecycle—from initial client engagement and quoting through design support, fabrication coordination, assembly, and successful project closeout—while ensuring high-quality delivery, clear communication, and timely invoicing/payment. Responsibilities also include: delivering equipment training and user qualification, coordinating the shop floor equipment and space orientations to maximize space and safe utilization, providing advanced technical problem-solving and prototyping advice to members/users, and championing a culture of safety and compliance. Critically, the APC Tech Associate supports the LACI facilities team in keeping the ongoing appearance, workflows, safety, compliance, cleanliness, and operational uptime of the entire Advanced Prototyping Center in a dynamic, high-visibility environment with multiple public and private stakeholders.

What You’ll Do:

• Job Shop / Client Project Management: Own end-to-end execution of Job Shop and client projects including Project Initiation with clients (evaluate and test prototype concepts for technical feasibility), Project Management (source materials, support design phases, assembly/finishing), and Project Closing (final payment requests, coordinate pickup) through Asana to manage job shop workflow. Collaborate with APC and LACI leadership to develop resources, materials, and scheduling plans; proactively track progress, flag risks/issues, recommend solutions, and escalate appropriately.Conduct exercises like 5 Why Analysis and Root Cause studies to thoroughly observe and correct issues and improve quality.
• Equipment Training & User/Member Support: Develop, maintain, and regularly update training materials and qualification processes for safe and effective use of APC equipment. Manage hands-on training and user qualification across equipment, and conduct training sessions for staff, interns, and APC users/members on equipment operation, safety protocols, and best practices. Provide ongoing technical support to members: assist with problem-solving, ideation, manufacturability reviews, prototype testing, prototyping advice, and general fabrication guidance. Oversee and optimize the job hazard analysis (JHA) process to guarantee 100% completion and efficiency for all users.
• Equipment Maintenance, Shop Operations & Facility Excellence: Oversee shop and lab layout effectiveness and enable the safe movement and organization of equipment and materials. Conduct routine preventive maintenance, minor repairs, and upkeep on APC equipment in all labs and shops. Provide hands-on technical support and oversight as-needed for specific equipment maintenance tasks (e.g., saw blade replacements, coolant management, 3D printer upkeep). Adhere to and help enforce LKIC APC guidelines for hazardous materials (Hazmat) and hazardous waste management/disposal.
• Data, Reporting, Compliance & General APC Support: Work with the APC team to maintain and analyze key operational metrics, safety incidents, equipment usage/downtime, and performance data; prepare clear reports and actionable recommendations for workflow/process improvements. Conduct quarterly internal compliance audits; document findings, support development and tracking of corrective actions. 
• Safety, Policy & Resource Support: Model and promote a strong safety culture; uphold and suggest updates to APC House Rules, Job Hazard Analysis forms, Standard Operating Procedures, and safety protocols. 

Why You’re Right for the Job:

• You’re a natural leader & project management pro. You have managed complex projects and overseen multiple stakeholders to achieve target outcomes. Your excellent relationship management skills and history of success managing porjects have prepared you for the challenge.
• Color-coded binders are your friend. Okay, maybe not binders per se, but organization keeps you sane! You’re detail-oriented and process-oriented, and you love to build things from the ground up.
• You’re flexible and resourceful. You are creative and innovative in solving for problems and creating new solutions. You have the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and flex between working independently and with a team.
• You make stuff happen. You’re not afraid to get your hands dirty and change an air filter if it needs to get done. When it comes to keeping energy targets on track and making the APC a safe, comfortable space for our members and a showcase for our global community – you’re on it.
• You value customer service and camaraderie. Your work style is inclusive so you value each person’s opinions and experiences - whether they’re higher ups, clients or colleagues. By tapping into each of your team member’s unique strengths and abilities, you’re able to create a gold-star customer service standard for the people you serve and have fun doing it.
• You’re PRO-LACI. Translation: you’re a proactive, pro-environment, pro-solutions professional that is dedicated to making the world a cleaner, safer, better place to live in through clean technologies. In addition, you have a commitment to inclusion, or the need for solutions to support all people in a community regardless of race, religion, gender, immigration status, or ethnicity.

Requirements:

Basically, we want to know you can get the job done. This means you have:

• 1–3 years hands-on experience operating/maintaining equipment in a machine shop, makerspace, or  lab. 
• 1–2 years experience leading or supervising technical staff in a shop or lab environment. 
• Project management experience, preferably in a job shop, prototyping, manufacturing, or technical service setting, with demonstrated ability to manage client projects from intake to delivery.
• Proficiency with project management platforms (Asana or similar), Google Workspace, and basic workflow automation.
• Working knowledge of CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, CorelDRAW or equivalents) for design review, file preparation, and applications engineering. 
• Familiarity with CNC mills, manual mills, waterjets, lasers, 3D printers, saws, grinders, and other digital fabrication tools (operation, setup, basic programming, maintenance).

Work Requirements

• Work is onsite at our downtown Los Angeles office/machine shop five days a week.
• Ability to move heavy objects greater than 50lbs.
• Certified and up to date in CPR/First-Aid Training (provided by organization)

Position Details:

This is a full-time position, starting immediately. LACI operates out of the La Kretz Innovation Campus, in the bustling Downtown LA Arts District. Since we are rapidly growing, you will be getting in on the ground floor at LACI, with the opportunity to evolve with us and shape your future here. 

Salary Range: Associate/Manager Range $68-76k commensurate with experience, education, skills, etc and total compensation package including health benefits, 401k match, professional development, commuter benefits and more.

In addition to working on a campus with other innovators, we offer industry competitive benefits including:  paid holidays, vacation/sick time, health benefits, 401(k) plan, professional development, and paid parking. We also support alternative transportation with a metro pass for every employee.

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