Fabrication Technician

The Role
We're hiring a Fabrication Technician to build and repair structural and composite components for our 15ft and 35ft autonomous vessels. This role is fabrication-heavy — welding, fiberglass repair, and manual machining are core to the job, not bonus skills. You'll be the person turning raw stock and damaged parts into finished, field-ready hardware, reporting to the R&D Technician Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform MIG/TIG welding and metal fabrication of structural brackets, mounts, and vessel components.

• Carry out fiberglass repairs and composite layup on hulls and structural assemblies.

• Operate manual machine shop equipment, including lathes, mills, drill presses, band saws, and grinders.

• Interpret technical drawings, sketches, and sample parts to fabricate components to specifications.

• Support engineers with measurements, test fit-ups, prototype modifications, and rapid design iterations.

• Repair damaged structural components following field testing and sea trials.

• Assist with vessel preparation for water testing and maintain shop tools, equipment, and a safe working environment.

Requirements

• Proven hands-on experience in MIG/TIG welding and metal fabrication.

• Practical experience with fiberglass repair or composite work.

• Ability to operate manual machining equipment and common fabrication tools.

• Ability to interpret basic technical drawings, sketches, and measurements.

• Background in fabrication, automotive or marine repair, body shops, or similar hands-on trades.

• Ability to regularly lift and handle 40–60 lbs.

• Reliable, resourceful, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

• This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). Candidates must meet applicable export-control eligibility requirements, which may include qualifying as a "U.S. person."

Preferred / Nice to Have

• Experience in marine, automotive collision repair, aerospace, or industrial fabrication.

• Familiarity with CNC machining or CAD-to-part manufacturing.

• Experience working with hydraulic systems.

• Background in startup environments, R&D labs, or rapid prototyping operations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $40 – $70 per hour, depending on experience.

• Equity: early-stage stock options.

• Benefits: employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Enjoys hands-on building, fabrication, and solving practical mechanical problems.

• Takes pride in turning designs and concepts into functional hardware.

• Works well in fast-paced environments where priorities and designs can evolve quickly.

• Is motivated by building and testing real-world maritime systems.

• Wants to contribute directly to autonomous maritime technology and defense applications.

Location & Eligibility

On-site in the Bay Area, CA. Reports directly to the R&D Technician Manager . This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). Candidates must be able to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, which may include qualifying as a “U.S. person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual).