Model Maker

ALTEN Technology USA • Foster City, CA

4d • $85,000 - $100,000 • Onsite

About The Position

ALTEN Technology USA is hiring a Model Maker to transform engineering and design intent into high-fidelity physical prototypes and appearance models for autonomous vehicle programs. The role is part of the XOPS Prototype Fabrication team and focuses on operating and optimizing additive manufacturing platforms, then finishing, assembling, and integrating printed parts into models that meet requestors’ learning objectives. The Model Maker works hands-on and directly with engineers and designers to rapidly produce experimental concepts with strong lead times, quality, and cost performance.

The position is on-site five days per week in Foster City, California. The stated salary range is $85,000–$100,000; the actual offer depends on factors including location, job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience. Selected candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.

Requirements

• BS/BA in engineering, industrial design, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 2–5 years of hands-on additive manufacturing, model making, or prototype fabrication experience.
• Working knowledge of SLA, SLS, FDM, and PolyJet processes and materials, including tradeoffs among speed, strength, and finish.
• Experience with build-preparation or slicing software such as GrabCAD Print (Stratasys), Materialise Magics, Autodesk Fusion (AM build extensions), or similar.
• Ability to read and navigate CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar), drawings, and GD&T callouts.
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools.
• Hands-on finishing skills, including sanding, priming, painting, bonding, and assembly.
• Ability to manage an individual queue, work with light supervision, and communicate clearly with engineers and designers.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with surfacing or CAD authorship for printable parts and fixtures.
• Experience with paint matching, surface texturing, or appearance/ergonomic models.
• Experience with other prototyping methods, including CNC operation, laser cutting, MIG/TIG welding, foam, wood, urethane, or clay modeling.
• Experience with OSHA-compliant shop practices or hazardous material (HazMat) handling.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, nest, slice, and run builds on SLA, SLS, FDM, and PolyJet platforms; select appropriate processes and materials; monitor builds and resolve issues such as warping, adhesion, and supports.
• Review CAD models for printability and potential failure risks, make and document minor geometry changes, and escalate drawing ambiguities early.
• Remove supports and finish parts through sanding, priming, painting, dyeing, insert installation, and other processes to achieve the requested appearance and feel.
• Assemble high-fidelity prototypes and appearance models, integrating printed parts with CNC-machined, laser-cut, and purchased components and electronics.
• Verify part accuracy using calipers, micrometers, and other precision measurement tools; use drawings, GD&T, and finish callouts to guide fabrication and inspection.
• Manage and sequence work from the JIRA request queue to meet deadlines, communicate status, and flag risks early.
• Perform routine maintenance and first-line troubleshooting on additive equipment, coordinating vendor service when needed.
• Contribute to build-parameter and finishing documentation, follow lab safety and material-handling protocols, and collaborate with CNC, Welding, and other Prototype Fabrication disciplines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level