Prototype Technician

1X • San Carlos, CA

3d • $35 - $45 • Onsite

About The Position

The Prototype Technician supports 1X’s Manufacturing | Hardware team by preparing, fabricating, and inspecting 3D-printed prototypes for NEO, the company’s humanoid robot. Working with mechanical and manufacturing engineers, the technician helps move designs from CAD to tested hardware through rapid prototyping, design evaluation, assembly issue resolution, and improvements to part production.

The role involves creating or modifying prototype parts and simple fixtures in CAD, applying design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), selecting suitable materials and build parameters, preparing print files, operating and maintaining printers, and completing post-processing. The technician troubleshoots failed builds, inspects critical dimensions, supports assembly checks and functional testing, and uses results to recommend practical design and process improvements. The position also maintains a safe, organized prototyping workspace and produces labeled, inspected, documented parts to engineer-defined criteria and schedules.

The role is based on-site in San Carlos, California. Compensation is $35–$45 per hour plus equity.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, model making, or manufacturing, including regular 3D printing.
• Ability to prepare, slice, set up, and troubleshoot builds using at least one additive process, such as FDM/FFF or SLA.
• Ability to perform routine printer maintenance.
• Working knowledge of a 3D CAD tool, including basic part modifications.
• Ability to interpret drawings, dimensions, and mechanical fits.
• Experience with calipers or similar inspection tools, basic post-processing and assembly, and accurate build and inspection records.
• Ability to work on-site in San Carlos, California.
• Ability to follow equipment and material-handling procedures and communicate clearly with engineers.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with multiple additive processes, such as FDM/FFF, SLA/DLP, SLS, or MJF, and a range of engineering polymers or resins.
• Experience managing material drying and storage, support removal, curing, finishing, and dimensional consistency across repeated builds.
• Familiarity with parametric CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or Fusion; basic GD&T; and fixture or assembly-aid design.
• Robotics, automotive, or aerospace prototyping experience.
• Technical training in additive manufacturing, machining, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, fabricate, and inspect 3D-printed prototypes for NEO.
• Create or modify prototype parts and simple fixtures in CAD with engineers, applying design for additive manufacturing principles.
• Select materials and build parameters appropriate to intended use and prepare print files.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot additive manufacturing printers; manage the print queue and keep printers ready for planned builds.
• Complete post-processing, inspect critical dimensions, and support assembly checks and functional testing.
• Troubleshoot failed builds, track failures, test process changes, verify results, and identify design or process improvements.
• Deliver labeled, inspected prototypes that meet engineer-defined dimensional, fit, and functional criteria on agreed schedules; flag deviations before assembly or testing.
• Maintain revision-controlled CAD and print files, process settings, material records, and documented inspection results.
• Replenish materials and consumables and maintain a safe, organized prototyping workspace.
• Coordinate priorities with engineers, communicate risks early, and escalate issues beyond training.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) options.
• Commuter benefits for transit and parking.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support.
• Onsite snacks and catered lunches.
• Equity.

What This Job Offers

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