Prototype Model Making Lead

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology.

We are looking for a hands-on Prototype Model Making Lead to help establish and operate Anduril’s Model Shop.

Responsibilities

• Own physical hard-model builds from initial request and design data through fabrication, assembly, surfacing, paint, inspection, and final presentation.
• Translate CAD, drawings, renderings, and incomplete design direction into practical build plans, material choices, fabrication sequences, estimates, and inspection points.
• Create frames and internal structures using steel and aluminum; cut, fit, form, machine, join, and finish components across multiple materials.
• Apply broad working proficiency in welding, manual machining, sheet-metal fabrication, composites, plastics, wood, fillers, coatings, and paint to produce convincing, durable models.
• Partner with Design and Engineering to clarify intent, surface manufacturability risks, propose alternatives, and preserve the visual and dimensional goals of each model.
• Establish craftsmanship, safety, organization, documentation, and quality standards for a new model-making capability.
• Coordinate concurrent requests, communicate capacity and schedule tradeoffs, and protect finish quality under changing priorities.
• Mentor model makers and adjacent fabricators through demonstrations, feedback, and repeatable work practices.
• Support shop equipment, material, vendor, and inventory decisions needed to deliver builds reliably.

Required Qualifications

• 8–10 years of extensive hands-on experience building physical hard models, appearance models, show models, concept models, or comparable high-finish prototypes from start to finish, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality outputs.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate several fabrication disciplines,such as metal fabrication, welding, manual machining, composites, woodworking, plastics, surfacing, bodywork, and paint,within a single build.
• Strong craftsmanship and exceptional finish judgment, supported by a portfolio or specific examples of work delivered to demanding visual and dimensional standards.
• Proficient in interpreting CAD models, drawings, and renderings, with the ability to translate design intent into safe, practical build approaches.
• 5+ years of experience selecting appropriate materials and fabrication processes, sequencing work, troubleshooting defects, and inspecting finished work for quality.
• 3+ years of experience leading complex builds, setting technical direction, mentoring team members, and coordinating work in a prototype/model shop environment.
• 3+ years of directly mentoring teams, managing priorities, coordinating workflows, and ensuring adherence to defense manufacturing standards and deadlines in a high-performance fabrication environment.
• A demonstrated commitment to strict safety standards and the responsible use of advanced fabrication equipment.
• Ability to work onsite full-time in Costa Mesa, California.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive or transportation design studios, aerospace/defense, motorsports, industrial design, entertainment fabrication, or another high-end model/prototype environment.
• Experience helping launch, scale, or improve a model shop or prototype fabrication capability.
• Working knowledge of 3D printing, Fabrication processes, composites tooling, paint systems, or vendor management.
• Experience planning capacity and priorities across multiple time-sensitive builds.
• Formal lead or supervisory experience in a highly hands-on technical environment.