Department
Operations
Type
Full-Time
Location
Menlo Park / On-Site
We are seeking a Prototype Technician to help build, assemble, and test our 15ft and 35ft autonomous vessels. This role is fundamentally shop work and field work — not engineering. You will be working with tools every day, building assemblies, wiring systems, mounting actuation and electro-mechanical subsystems, and preparing the 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. You will not be responsible for CAD design, structural engineering, or formal analysis. Your job is to build, assemble, test, fix, repeat.
Responsibilities
- Assemble structural parts, brackets, mounts, and hardware for 15ft and 35ft 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- Comfortable working outdoors during testing (dock, beach, boat ramp).
Nice to Have
- Marine, automotive, or aerospace technician background.
- Composite fabrication: fiberglass, carbon fiber, vacuum bagging.
- Experience machining or fabricating parts 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.
This role is for you if
- ✓You love tools, fabrication, and hands-on work.
- ✓You get satisfaction from making things real.
- ✓You thrive in fast-paced hardware environments.
- ✓You want to work on something that will be in the water in weeks, not years.
- ✓You want to directly support autonomy, defense, and real-world operations.
Ready to build what matters?
Fill out our application form to apply for our open roles at Bulwark Dynamics.