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Assistant Prototype Model Shop Jobs in California

Protingent

Prototype Build Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

You'll work with a thoughtful, dynamic team of engineers to develop test systems, maintain shop ... Knowledge of CAD software such as SolidWorks for 3D model navigation and design edits Job Details:

Droyd Robotics

Prototype Team Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Because our hardware team moves quickly, the machine shop and prototype lab are core to how we ... D models, and advanced GD&T callouts to verify part requirements and provide actionable DFM ...

Comrise

Model Maker Technician

Foster City, CA · On-site

$63/hr

In this hands-on prototyping role, you will bring innovative autonomous mobility solutions to life ... Shop Safety & Maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop environment, adhering to ...

Comrise

Model Maker Technician

Foster City, CA · On-site

$63/hr

In this hands-on prototyping role, you will bring innovative autonomous mobility solutions to life ... Shop Safety & Maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop environment, adhering to ...

Apple

Additive Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

If you are equally comfortable in the shop and at a whiteboard, and you thrive when a designer or ... model and modify complex 3D parts in CAD and optimize for rapid prototyping Strong interpersonal ...

PACMIN STUDIOS

Model Fabricator

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Clean, organize and maintain studio model shop area and special projects material storage per 5S standards * Assist with developing and documenting fabrication processes and techniques for each ...

PACMIN STUDIOS

Model Fabricator

Fullerton, CA

$23 - $26/hr

Clean, organize and maintain studio model shop area and special projects material storage per 5S standards * Assist with developing and documenting fabrication processes and techniques for each ...

PACMIN STUDIOS

Model Fabricator

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Clean, organize and maintain studio model shop area and special projects material storage per 5S standards * Assist with developing and documenting fabrication processes and techniques for each ...

Socket.dev

Additive Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

If you are equally comfortable in the shop and at a whiteboard, and you thrive when a designer or ... Ability to model and modify complex 3D parts in CAD and optimize for rapid * Strong interpersonal ...

Apple

Additive Prototype Fabricator

Sunnyvale, CA

$51.19 - $89.84/hr

If you are equally comfortable in the shop and at a whiteboard, and you thrive when a designer or ... model and modify complex 3D parts in CAD and optimize for rapid prototyping Strong interpersonal ...

Wing

Lab Support Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$133K - $141K/yr

What You'll Need: * 3 years of relevant experience in a hardware engineering lab, machine shop, model shop, or prototyping environment. * Associate degree, technical certification (e.g., Machining ...

Kelly Services

Model Maker Technician

Foster City, CA

$58 - $63/hr

As a Model Maker Technician, you'll play a pivotal role in building prototypes and first articles ... Shop Organization & Safety * Keep your workspace clean, organized, and compliant with all safety ...

Excelta Corporation

Shop Technician

Buellton, CA · On-site

Design and modify jigs and fixtures to support machining, assembly, and prototype work. * Inspect ... Maintain accurate production and material transfer documentation. * Assist with training and cross ...

Excelta Corporation

Shop Technician

Buellton, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Design and modify jigs and fixtures to support machining, assembly, and prototype work. * Inspect ... Maintain accurate production and material transfer documentation. * Assist with training and cross ...

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Assistant Prototype Model Shop information

What is an assistant prototype model shop?

Assistant Prototype Model Shop jobs involve supporting the creation and assembly of prototypes and models, often for engineering, design, or manufacturing purposes. Individuals in this role typically help with tasks such as preparing materials, operating basic machinery, maintaining tools, and assisting senior technicians or model makers. They may also be responsible for keeping the work area organized and ensuring projects stay on schedule. These positions require attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow instructions closely. The role is an entry point for those interested in model making, engineering, or product design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant prototype model shop?

To thrive as an Assistant Prototype Model Shop, you need strong mechanical aptitude, hands-on fabrication skills, and familiarity with prototyping processes, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant experience. Proficiency with tools such as CNC machines, 3D printers, and CAD software, along with safety certifications, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help individuals collaborate and adapt to evolving project demands. These skills ensure accurate prototype creation, efficient workflow, and safe, high-quality output in a fast-paced development environment.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant prototype model shop employee, and how can they be overcome?

Assistant Prototype Model Shop employees often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, adapting to evolving design requirements, and working with unfamiliar materials or fabrication techniques. To overcome these challenges, it's important to maintain strong communication with engineers and designers, be proactive in seeking clarification on project specifications, and continually develop hands-on skills through on-the-job learning. Collaborating closely with team members and staying organized can also help ensure prototypes are completed accurately and efficiently.

What is the difference between Assistant Prototype Model Shop vs Prototype Model Maker?

AspectAssistant Prototype Model ShopPrototype Model Maker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingTechnical training or certification in model making
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or workshop setting, assisting senior staffWorkshop or studio, creating detailed prototypes
Employer & IndustryAutomotive, aerospace, product design companiesSimilar industries, often working independently or in teams
Primary ResponsibilitiesSupporting model making tasks, preparing materialsBuilding, assembling, and finishing prototype models

The Assistant Prototype Model Shop role primarily involves supporting and assisting senior model makers in a workshop environment, focusing on preparation and support tasks. In contrast, Prototype Model Makers are responsible for creating detailed, finished prototypes. Both roles require technical skills and industry experience, but the Model Maker role involves more hands-on creation and craftsmanship.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Prototype Model Shop jobs in California?

For Assistant Prototype Model Shop jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Prototype Model Shop jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Prototype Model Shop jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Prototype Model Shop jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Prototype Model Shop job openings:

Assistant Prototype Model Shop jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Prototype Model Shop job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Prototype Machinist / Machine Shop Lead

San Diego, CA • On-site

Comma.ai, Inc.
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Comma.ai, Inc.external

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Run and help build out comma.ai's in-house prototype machine shop

  • Lead prototype manufacturing for current and future comma.ai products, from CAD models to finished prototypes

  • Program, set up, and operate CNC milling and turning equipment

Job description

Company: comma.ai, Inc.
Location: San Diego, California
Pay: $80,000–$120,000 per year
Job type: Full-time
Work environment: On-site
Machines: Haas VF-2 • CNC lathe • 3D printers
Focus: Prototype machining • CAM programming • Shop leadership

Why this role is worth considering

comma.ai is a small team building openpilot, an open-source driving agent, and the comma four hardware that runs it — both designed and built right here in San Diego. The company is bringing prototype manufacturing fully in-house, and this role runs that effort.

This is a lead position, not a production machining seat: you'll own prototype parts from CAD to finished component for every future comma.ai product, from comma four-style hardware to new datacenter systems, working directly with the hardware team as designs evolve. The shop already has a Haas VF-2, a CNC lathe and 3D printers, with budget to add whatever else the work needs.

⚙️ What you'll be doing

  • Run and help build out comma.ai's in-house prototype machine shop
  • Lead prototype manufacturing for current and future comma.ai products, from comma four-style hardware to new datacenter systems
  • Take parts from CAD models or ambiguous early designs through to finished prototypes
  • Program, set up and operate CNC milling and turning equipment
  • Handle fixturing, workholding and tooling for one-off and short-run prototype work
  • Inspect finished parts and iterate with the hardware team as designs change
  • Recommend additional machines, tooling and equipment as the shop grows

️ Machines, controls & software

CNC mill: Haas VF-2
Turning: CNC lathe
Additional equipment: 3D printers
Controls: Haas experience is a plus
Software: CAM experience required; specific platforms not listed

✅ What we're looking for

Required

  • Experience with CAM, CNC setup and machining
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to take an ambiguous design from sketch to a working prototype
  • Examples of projects you've personally built, submitted with your application

Preferred

  • Haas CNC experience
  • Mechanical engineering and CAD skills

Pay, benefits & schedule

Pay: $80,000–$120,000 per year

Full-time, on-site in San Diego, CA.

comma.ai's standard benefits include:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible paid time off
  • On-site gym and yoga studio
  • Chef-prepared lunch and dinner
  • Visa and green-card sponsorship

About comma.ai

comma.ai is a San Diego technology company building openpilot, an open-source driving agent designed to make supported vehicles more capable, and the comma four, the hardware that runs it. Its fleet drives hundreds of millions of miles a year across real-world roads.

Unlike companies that focus only on software, comma.ai designs and manufactures its own hardware in San Diego, and is now bringing prototype manufacturing for that hardware fully in-house — this role leads that shop.

Apply today

Want to run a new prototype machine shop and help build the hardware behind self-driving cars? Email work@comma.ai with examples of cool projects you've built.

Apply