Prototype Model Maker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Team
DoorDash Labs is an independent team within DoorDash. We are working on building autonomous delivery robots from the ground up and other automation solutions as part of DoorDash's core delivery platform. If you have a passion for applying AI and robotics solutions in a service used by millions of people, then we want to talk to you!
Please Note: This role is based in San Francisco, CA, and requires being in-person 5 days a week.
About the Role
We are seeking a master-level Prototype Machinist & Fabrication Specialist to join the Prototype Integration (PI) Team. This is a high-impact role designed for a "maker" with a deep technical pedigree in both traditional and cutting-edge manufacturing. You will be the primary resource for the engineering team, responsible for transforming complex designs into high-precision physical hardware. You are an expert in 5-axis CNC machining, CNC lathes, and manual machining, as well as a power user of a diverse 3D printing fleet. When not machining, you will serve as a Prototype and Integration Technician, helping the team assemble and troubleshoot the robotic platforms you helped create.
You're excited about this opportunity because you will...

• Operate and program 5-axis CNC machines, CNC lathes, and manual mills/lathes to produce high-tolerance prototype components.
• Oversee the daily operation, post-processing, and maintenance of 3D printing technologies including FDM, SLS, and SLA platforms.
• Design and fabricate custom jigs, fixtures, and specialized tooling to support complex assemblies and unique testing requirements.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models to ensure all builds meet exact specifications.
• Provide feedback to Mechanical Engineers on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) to optimize part production.
• Perform preventative maintenance on all shop machinery and shop-specific equipment to ensure zero downtime.
• Manage inventory for machinist-specific consumables including cutting tools, inserts, coolants, resins, and filaments.
• Support the physical assembly, wiring, and mechanical troubleshooting of robotic delivery vehicles and test fixtures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and OSHA-compliant machine shop environment.
• Lead EH&S efforts within the shop, including PPE compliance and hazardous material (MSDS) management.
• Use computers for documentation, record-keeping, and tracking of calibration schedules.
• Communicate effectively with the engineering team to prioritize high-urgency prototype requests.

We're excited about you because you have...

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in a high-precision machine shop, R&D lab, or prototype environment.
• Mastery of 5-axis CNC programming and operation, CNC lathes, and manual machining equipment.
• Proficiency in the use of precision measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and CMM.
• Hands-on experience managing professional-grade 3D printing platforms (e.g., Formlabs, Markforged, Carbon).
• Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination required for precision assembly and tool operation.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Capacity to work in physically demanding environments, including standing for extended periods and working around machinery.
• High visual acuity to read blueprints, measure accurately, and perform detailed craftsmanship.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (Mastercam, HSMWorks, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or Onshape) for toolpath generation and model navigation.
• Willingness to wear and work safely with required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including eye and ear protection.

Preferred experience includes...

• Advanced fabrication skills such as TIG/MIG welding or sheet metal fabrication.
• Experience in the robotics, aerospace, or automotive industry working on autonomous systems.
• Proficiency in electronics including reading schematics and performing basic soldering or wire harness fabrication.
• Familiarity with Linux or Python for basic robotic system testing and troubleshooting.
• Valid U.S. driver's license

Notice to Applicants for Jobs Located in NYC or Remote Jobs Associated With Office in NYC Only
We use Covey as part of our hiring and/or promotional process for jobs in NYC and certain features may qualify it as an AEDT in NYC. As part of the hiring and/or promotion process, we provide Covey with job requirements and candidate submitted applications. We began using Covey Scout for Inbound from August 21, 2023, through December 21, 2023, and resumed using Covey Scout for Inbound again on June 29, 2024.
The Covey tool has been reviewed by an independent auditor. Results of the audit may be viewed here: Covey
Compensation
Actual compensation within the pay range listed below will be decided based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, prior relevant experience, and specific work location. Base salary is localized according to employee work location.
DoorDash cares about you and your overall well-being. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, which includes a 401(k) plan with employer matching, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, wellness benefits, commuter benefits match, paid time off and paid sick leave in compliance with applicable laws (e.g. Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act). DoorDash also offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, 11 paid holidays, disability and basic life insurance, family-forming assistance, and a mental health program, among others.
To learn more about our benefits, visit our careers page here.
See below for paid time off details:

• For salaried roles: flexible paid time off/vacation, plus 80 hours of paid sick time per year.
• For hourly roles: vacation accrued at about 1 hour for every 25.97 hours worked (e.g. about 6.7 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 3.4 hours/month if working 20 hours/week), and paid sick time accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked (e.g. about 5.8 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 2.9 hours/month if working 20 hours/week).

The national base pay range for this position within the United States, including Illinois and Colorado.
$44.90-$66 USD
About DoorDash
At DoorDash, our mission to empower local economies shapes how our team members move quickly, learn, and reiterate in order to make impactful decisions that display empathy for our range of users-from Dashers to merchant partners to consumers. We are a technology and logistics company that started by enabling door-to-door delivery, and we are looking for team members who can help us go from a company that is known as the place you order food to a company that people turn to for any and all goods.
DoorDash is growing rapidly and changing constantly, which gives our team members the opportunity to share their unique perspectives, solve new challenges, and own their careers. We're committed to supporting employees' happiness, healthiness, and overall well-being by providing comprehensive benefits and perks including premium healthcare, wellness expense reimbursement, paid parental leave and more.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We're committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within our company, industry, and cities. That's why we hire and cultivate diverse teams of people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has room at the table and the tools, resources, and opportunity to excel.
Statement of Non-Discrimination: In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination and harassment based on "protected categories," we also strive to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at DoorDash. We value a diverse workforce - people who identify as women, non-binary or gender non-conforming, LGBTQIA+, American Indian or Native Alaskan, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, differently-abled, caretakers and parents, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Thank you to the Level Playing Field Institute for this statement of non-discrimination.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.
If you need any accommodations, please inform your recruiting contact upon initial connection.
Notice to Applicants for Jobs Located in NYC or Remote Jobs Associated With Office in NYC Only
We used Covey as part of our hiring and/or promotional process for jobs in NYC and certain features may qualify it as an AEDT in NYC. As part of the hiring and/or promotion process, we provided Covey with job requirements and candidate submitted applications. We began using Covey Scout for Inbound from August 21, 2023, through December 21, 2023. We resumed using Covey Scout for Inbound again on June 29, 2024, and ceased using Covey Scout for Inbound on April 30, 2026.
The Covey tool has been reviewed by an independent auditor. Results of the audit may be viewed here: https://getcovey.com/nyc-local-law-144.