Virtual Research Jobs in Buttonwillow, CA (NOW HIRING)

Description

Company Profile:

Plant Prefab is a certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation that manufactures customized prefabricated building components-enabling general contractors, developers, and homebuilders to construct high-quality architectural homes faster, more reliably, and more affordably. From its $40M, 270,000-square-foot automated factory in Tejon Ranch-the first in the nation purpose-built to produce both modular and panelized housing components at scale-Plant can manufacture 1,000-2,000 homes per year. Its patented Plant Building System combines automation, design flexibility, and sustainable construction to deliver superior quality and efficiency compared to traditional building methods. Plant brings extensive experience in fire-resilient construction and is currently involved in dozens of rebuilding projects comprising dozens of homes in Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu.

Job Summary:

Plant Prefab is seeking an experienced CAD Engineer to model structures and building components for Plant projects utilizing our next-generation Plant Building System (PBS) components. Joining a small, but rapidly growing engineering team, the PBS CAD Engineer will follow Plant's industry-leading best practices to create shop drawings, takeoffs, machine files, and executable BOMs. The position will also work with factory management and production teams to continuously improve Plant's virtual fabrication and operational processes, driving production efficiency and accuracy with a design-for-manufacture mindset. This position reports to the  Manager of Engineering. It is remote but limited to California residents and will require visits to our Tejon Ranch, CA facility approximately once every three months.

Core Responsibilities:

• Seamlessly integrate Revit files and PDF plans to CAD and CAM data as required.
• Create fully executable BOMs for material ordering and project costing, cut lists for material optimization, and construction drawings for production. Continue to iterate on each, striving for world-class quality and processes.
• Create and maintain detailed standard operating procedures for CAD processes to achieve production efficiencies and drive productivity.
• Develop virtual build process initiatives to manage projects from design-for-manufacture through the virtual fabrication process and its implementation into the Plant production system.
• Create detailed quality control protocols for the virtual build process; conduct tests and quality assurance checks to verify the quality of information output (autonomous quality).
• Spearhead various research and development initiatives to identify new methods and opportunities for process improvement.
• Communicate and collaborate with other managers, suppliers, and contractors.
• Prepare and deliver various Plant Virtual Build/CAD presentations, both internally and externally, as required for business needs.
• Ensure adherence to Plant standard processes, procedures, and corporate health, safety, and sustainability goals.
• Perform other activities as assigned to support the success of the organization.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• B.S. in engineering, architecture, building science, or related technical discipline
• A minimum of four years of experience in building design, covering various types of structures.
• Minimum of three years' experience in 3D modeling, preferably of business or residential structures using CadWork; 
• Experience in creating coordination plans, detailed shop drawings, and installation manuals, with a strong understanding of aligning design intent with on-site execution and ensuring clear, precise documentation for fabrication and installation teams
• Analytical and mathematical mindset, capable of evaluating and solving complex problems
• Excellent time management, organization, and project management skills with a demonstrated ability to keep projects, processes, and virtual information on track
• Knowledge of typical manufacturing facilities, terminology, and industrial operations (experience in automated fabrication, facility layout, and production workflow is a plus)
• Experience in modular and panelized construction, including familiarity with design, fabrication, and assembly processes specific to these construction methods.
• Ability to interpret SMEPF (Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire protection) construction documents and understand their integration within the overall building design.
• Understanding of general construction building systems, with specific expertise in light frame construction (experience in heavy timber and mass timber is a plus).
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze inefficiencies and problems, identify root causes, and provide effective solutions
• Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, timeline-driven startup environment that requires a high degree of self-motivation
• A team player with a positive attitude and ability to work with cross-functional teams in a multi-cultural setting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to explain technical information to non-technical audiences
• Interest in and ability to mentor less experienced staff
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Benefits:

•  Competitive compensation (salary, discretionary bonus, and stock options) commensurate with experience and skills 
•  Excellent medical, vision, and dental insurance 
•  The opportunity to work with great architects and meaningfully contribute to projects that improve the quality of life for people and the planet 

Application Instructions:

Please apply on Paylocity, taking care to complete all required fields. 

Applicants must be authorized to legally work in the U.S.; sorry, no sponsorship is available. Applicants may be subject to passing a background check, drug screening, and pre-employment physical. Plant Prefab has an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.