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Senior Model Maker information

What is a senior model maker?

Senior Model Makers are experienced professionals who design, construct, and refine physical or digital models used in industries such as film, architecture, engineering, and product design. They interpret technical drawings or concepts and bring them to life by crafting detailed prototypes, scale models, or mock-ups. Senior Model Makers often lead teams, oversee complex projects, and ensure the quality and accuracy of the final models, making them integral to the development and visualization process.

How does a senior model maker typically collaborate with design and engineering teams throughout a project?

Senior Model Makers often work closely with both design and engineering teams to interpret concept drawings, resolve feasibility issues, and ensure that prototypes meet technical specifications. Regular communication is essential, as they provide feedback on material choices, manufacturability, and construction methods. Collaboration often involves attending project meetings, suggesting improvements, and iterating on models based on team input. This teamwork helps ensure that the final physical models accurately represent the intended design and function.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior model maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Model Maker, you need expertise in model construction, prototyping, and material selection, typically supported by a degree in industrial design or a related field and several years of hands-on experience. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printers, CNC machines, and traditional workshop tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are key soft skills that set exceptional model makers apart. These abilities ensure the creation of precise, functional prototypes that meet design specifications and facilitate successful collaboration within design and engineering teams.

What is the difference between Senior Model Maker vs Model Maker?

AspectSenior Model MakerModel Maker
CredentialsTypically requires several years of experience, specialized training, and sometimes certifications in model making or related fieldsEntry to mid-level experience, basic training or apprenticeship often sufficient
Work EnvironmentAdvanced projects, leadership roles, overseeing junior staff, working in studios or production facilitiesHands-on model creation, assisting senior staff, working in workshops or studios
Industry UsageUsed in film, animation, special effects, and product design industries for complex modelsCommon in similar industries for basic to intermediate model creation tasks

The main difference between a Senior Model Maker and a Model Maker lies in experience, responsibilities, and project complexity. Senior Model Makers often lead projects and mentor others, while Model Makers focus on executing model creation tasks. Both roles are essential in industries like film, animation, and product design, but the senior position requires more expertise and leadership experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Model Maker jobs in California?

The most popular types of Model Maker jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Model Maker jobs in California?

For Senior Model Maker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Model Maker jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Model Maker jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Model Maker jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Model Maker job openings:

Senior Model Maker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Model Maker job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Prototype Model Fabricator

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$47.60 - $62.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,712 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Model Shop is a new in-house capability that partners with Design, Engineering, and business stakeholders to turn digital concepts into full-scale, presentation-quality physical models. These models help teams communicate design intent, evaluate physical form, and showcase Anduril products to customers and other stakeholders. By bringing this capability in house, the team will improve speed, iteration, craftsmanship, and control while reducing significant reliance on external vendors.
ABOUT THE JOB
We are looking for a Prototype Model Fabricatorto join our rapidly growing team in Costa Mesa, Ca. In this role you will be part of the Model Shop team, building scale physical design and aerodynamic models utilizing a wide range of model making disciplines.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Build scale physical design models utilizing a wide range of model-making techniques (i.e., metal, plastic, composite fabrication, woodworking, surface, and paint).
  • Execute final surface prepping, hand-sanding, bonding, and priming to ensure a flawless finish.
  • Read and interpret design blueprints and technical drawings.
  • Collaborate with designers, engineers, and fellow fabricators.
  • Utilize and help maintain shop machinery and equipment.
  • Monitor and report shop consumables inventory needs.
  • Maintain strict accuracy and quality standards.
  • Participate in team meetings to improve workflow and efficiency.
  • Keep the shop organized, clean, and safe.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 10+ years experience in physical model builds
  • Ability to operate machining, fabrication, wood working equipment (manual mill/lathe, bench grinders, variety of saws, shears, etc.)
  • Sheet metal fabrication experience (using press brakes, finger brakes, slip rollers, bead rollers, and other forming equipment)
  • Welding (GMAW/FCAW/GTAW) of steel, stainless, and aluminum with 5+ years experience
  • Ability to work through Model Making tasks with limited oversight (evaluate, design, order materials, execute)
  • Ability to fit, surface and paint high quality physical models
  • High level of mechanical aptitude (aerospace/automotive/motorsports background)
  • Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship
  • Advanced knowledge of engineering design and model making procedures
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Ability to work overtime and weekends
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding, flexible team environment
  • U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • CAD experience
  • Additive Manufacturing experience

US Hourly Range
$47.60-$62.50 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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