Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Model Maker Technician

Pay Rate:  $58.00–$62.00 per hour
Location: Onsite in Foster, City, CA
Shift: 1st
Job Type: Contract

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled  Model Maker Technician to help bring innovative autonomous mobility solutions to life. In this role, you’ll create high-quality prototypes and first articles that support rapid iteration and precision vehicle development.

You’ll use your expertise in CNC operation, machining, fabrication, and hands-on assembly to produce accurate, functional parts. Working closely with engineers, designers, fabricators, and fellow model makers, you’ll help troubleshoot challenges, improve workflows, and expand prototyping capabilities.

Key Responsibilities CNC Operation and Setup

• Set up, operate, and maintain CNC machines, including mills and lathes, to produce precision parts based on engineering drawings and specifications.
• Load and unload materials, tooling, and fixtures while ensuring proper alignment and calibration.
• Monitor machine performance, identify issues, and perform routine maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Adjust machine settings and processes as needed to achieve quality and production requirements.

Fabrication and Machining

• Perform metalworking operations such as milling, turning, drilling, shearing, bending, and welding.
• Create prototypes, first articles, and components using metals, composites, additive manufacturing, and other advanced materials.
• Use hand tools and precision equipment to deburr, finish, and refine parts.
• Support assembly and fabrication activities throughout the prototyping and manufacturing process.

Quality and Craftsmanship

• Inspect parts for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and compliance with blueprints, engineering drawings, and CAD models.
• Apply high standards of craftsmanship through proper deburring, hand-finishing, fitting, and assembly techniques.
• Troubleshoot machining and fabrication issues and make process adjustments to meet project requirements.
• Provide feedback on part quality, manufacturability, and opportunities for design or process improvement.

Shop Organization and Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Follow all shop safety procedures and best practices for operating equipment and handling materials.
• Properly handle chemicals, materials, and waste in accordance with environmental and safety requirements.
• Maintain tools, equipment, fixtures, and work areas in ready-to-use condition.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with engineers, designers, fabricators, and other model makers to understand project requirements.
• Provide practical feedback on manufacturability, fabrication methods, and design improvements.
• Communicate project updates, timelines, potential risks, and technical challenges clearly and promptly.
• Contribute to a collaborative, fast-paced, and continuous-improvement-oriented team environment.

Qualifications Required Experience

• At least 2 years of experience as a model maker, fabricator, machinist, CNC operator, or in a similar role within a prototyping or fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience setting up and operating CNC mills, lathes, or comparable machining equipment.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models.
• Experience working with a variety of materials, including metals, composites, and plastics.

Technical Skills

• Ability to use precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and CMM equipment.
• Basic understanding of GD&T, or Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
• Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of fabrication techniques, including machining, welding, drilling, bending, finishing, and assembly.
• Understanding of shop safety procedures and material-handling best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or technical training in industrial design, engineering, manufacturing, machining, or a related field.
• Experience working with additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies.
• Familiarity with documentation and project-management tools such as Jira or Confluence.
• Experience supporting vehicle, automotive, aerospace, robotics, or other complex prototype development.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, process improvement, or rapid prototyping methods.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot machining and fabrication challenges.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn new technologies, tools, and processes.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and collaborative shop environment.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

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About Kelly

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