Manufacturing Engineer II

Helogen•Los Angeles, CA

15d•$40 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

Helogen is hiring a Manufacturing Technician II to support machining, fabrication, mechanical assembly, and hardware integration at its Los Angeles engineering and manufacturing facility. The role joins a small team of engineers, scientists, builders, and operators developing industrial applications for the microgravity environment. The company describes its culture as execution-focused, clear, ownership-oriented, fast-moving, and adaptable as hardware evolves. The Manufacturing Technician II turns engineering designs into precision components, functional assemblies, and test-ready hardware. The position independently sets up and operates CNC equipment, fabricates parts and tooling, assembles mechanical systems, and works with engineers to build and iterate on prototypes. It is a hands-on role requiring pride in workmanship, practical problem-solving, and comfort with changing priorities. The position is full-time and based in Los Angeles, California, working from the company’s office near LAX. Qualified candidates must be based in Los Angeles. Compensation is $40.00–$55.00 per hour. Applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by U.S. export control regulations or otherwise eligible to access export-controlled information and technology. This includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and protected individuals admitted as refugees or granted asylum in the U.S.

Requirements

At least 3 years of hands-on experience in CNC machining, precision manufacturing, mechanical fabrication, or a related field.
Ability to independently set up and operate 3-axis CNC milling machines.
Proficiency with CNC programming, CAM software, tooling selection, and workholding.
Ability to read mechanical drawings and interpret dimensions, tolerances, and manufacturing specifications.
Familiarity with precision measurement tools, including calipers and micrometers.
Experience with mechanical assembly, hand tools, and general fabrication equipment.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills, with attention to detail and workmanship.
Ability to work autonomously and take ownership of work and workspace.
Flexibility and collaboration, including adapting to changing priorities, solving problems, and helping where needed.
Must be based in Los Angeles, California, and willing to work full-time from the office near LAX.
Must be a U.S. Person under export control regulations or otherwise eligible to access export-controlled information and technology.

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace, robotics, medical devices, or other precision hardware manufacturing environments.
Proficiency with Fusion 360 CAM, Mastercam, or similar software; familiarity with SYIL, Haas, or similar CNC milling equipment.
Experience with 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and rapid prototyping.
Knowledge of machining aluminum, stainless steel, and engineering plastics.
Understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and dimensional inspection.
Comfort assembling electromechanical systems or precision mechanical hardware.
Experience with flight hardware, controlled assembly procedures, or manufacturing traceability.
Familiarity with cleanroom or electrostatic discharge (ESD)-controlled environments.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate 3-axis CNC mills to manufacture precision mechanical components from engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing specifications.
Prepare CNC programs and CAM toolpaths for moderately complex parts; select cutting tools, establish workholding, and determine machining parameters.
Machine aluminum, stainless steel, engineering plastics, and other materials; perform manual machining, drilling, tapping, deburring, and finishing.
Fabricate prototypes, fixtures, brackets, enclosures, and custom tooling; inspect finished parts and work in progress with precision measurement tools.
Assemble mechanical components, subassemblies, and flight hardware according to engineering drawings and procedures, including installing fasteners, fittings, tubing, and other hardware.
Support integration of electromechanical systems, fluid handling equipment, and instrumentation; perform fit checks, troubleshoot issues, and carry out controlled rework as needed.
Work with engineers to manufacture and iterate on prototypes, providing practical feedback on manufacturability, tolerances, materials, and machining methods.
Support 3D printing and other rapid-prototyping processes, engineering tests, experimental setups, and hardware modifications.
Maintain CNC machines, shop equipment, tooling, and supplies; perform basic troubleshooting; document manufacturing activities and inspection results; and keep the workspace clean, organized, and safe.
Conduct incoming inspections and support the preparation, packaging, and handling of hardware for testing and shipment.