Prototype Fabricator

Panthalassa • Portland, OR

24d • Onsite

About The Position

The Prototype Fabricator supports the manufacturing, machining, assembly, and integration of hydro turbines and generators. This hands-on role involves prototyping, building, and troubleshooting alongside engineers, and spans precision machining, electromechanical assembly, and fixture design. The work supports prototype builds and low-volume production, translating designs into robust, manufacturable hardware for eventual deployment in the company’s ocean-energy Node.

The position collaborates with motor/generator engineers, fluid dynamicists, mechanical engineers, and electrical technicians. The company seeks a technically curious, collaborative technician who can contribute ideas and work effectively in a creative, fast-changing environment. The position is based on-site in Portland, Oregon, with travel to vendors and test sites as needed.

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 work independently 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.
• Ability to travel to vendors and test sites as needed.
• Ability to work longer hours and weekends intermittently to support critical needs.

Nice To Haves

• At least 10 years of experience 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.
• Work longer hours and weekends intermittently to support critical needs.

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.
• Flexible working hours and a high degree of autonomy.

What This Job Offers

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