Prototype Fabricator

Panthalassa • Portland, OR

5d • $45 - $55 • Onsite

About The Position

The Prototype Fabricator supports the manufacturing, machining, assembly, and integration of hydro turbines and generators. The role combines precision machining, electromechanical assembly, and fixture design, supporting prototype builds and low-volume production. Working closely with motor/generator engineers, fluid dynamicists, mechanical engineers, and electrical technicians, the fabricator translates designs into robust, manufacturable hardware for deployment in the company’s ocean energy Node.

This is a hands-on role involving prototyping, building, and troubleshooting alongside engineers. The fabricator owns designs from initial concept through fabrication and deployment, and contributes to iterative development in a collaborative environment.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in prototype fabrication, metal fabrication, welding, or a related trade.
• Demonstrated ability to fabricate one-off and low-volume assemblies from drawings, CAD models, sketches, and verbal direction.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance interpretation.
• Experience using 3D printing for functional prototyping or tooling.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to independently work on complex fixtures and assembly designs.
• Strong problem-solving and hands-on troubleshooting ability.
• High technical curiosity and a passion for learning.
• Innovative mindset and comfort designing solutions when standard tools do not exist.
• High attention to detail and craftsmanship.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• 10 or more years in a similar role.
• Experience operating and supporting multi-axis CNC machines for shafts, turbine runners, fixtures, and tooling.
• Proficiency in TIG and MIG welding, preferably with stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel.
• Experience fabricating, repairing, and finishing fiberglass components using molds, hand layup, vacuum bagging, resin systems, and composite bonding techniques.
• Experience assembling high-precision rotating machinery.
• Experience working alongside R&D teams in iterative development environments.
• Experience working on marine or offshore machinery.
• Experience working on subsea, hydrodynamic, or hydrostatic bearings.
• Experience with laser cutting and laser welding processes.
• Experience with instrumentation and controls, such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, and RTDs.
• Familiarity with NX/Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with materials and coatings for submerged or corrosive environments.
• Familiarity with magnetic components and magnet safety.
• Basic understanding of hydro turbines and electrical machines, including stators, windings, and insulation systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate traditional machines and fabrication equipment, including mills, lathes, saws, shears, press brakes, rollers, drill presses, grinders, and plasma cutters.
• Perform field-fit modifications, repairs, and rework on prototype and production hydro-turbine and generator subassemblies, precision rotating machinery, sealing interfaces, and integration tooling.
• Support trial builds, teardowns, reassembly, and design iterations.
• Interpret and work from detailed manufacturing drawings and CAD models.
• Collaborate with design engineers to suggest manufacturability improvements.
• Design, fabricate, and validate custom assembly fixtures, jigs, and alignment tools.
• Use 3D printing for rapid prototyping of fixtures and mock-ups.
• Perform dimensional inspections using tools such as Vernier calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and height gauges.
• Ensure compliance with tolerance stack-ups during assembly.
• Document assembly procedures, inspection reports, and deviations.
• Provide feedback on assembly challenges, tolerance feasibility, and fixture effectiveness.
• Support prototype iteration cycles and root-cause analysis.
• Contribute ideas to improve build repeatability, safety, and efficiency.
• Travel to vendors and test sites as needed.

Benefits

• Flexible paid time off.
• Health insurance, with the company paying 100% of a gold-level PPO plan for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents.
• Dental insurance, with the company paying 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents.
• Vision insurance, with the company paying 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents.
• Disability insurance, with the company paying 100% for a policy providing long-term financial support if the employee becomes disabled.
• Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including a 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA.
• Relocation assistance to facilitate a move to Portland, if needed.
• Equity in the company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed