Lead Fabricator at The Menderi Lead Fabricator at The Menderi in Piedmont, California Posted in about 6 hours ago.

Type:

full-time About The Menderi The Menderi is a fiscally sponsored initiative of the Victor Pineda Foundation developing personalized assistive devices with disabled individuals as co-designers at every stage. From its Oakland Digital Foundry and Design Lab, the team moves participant-led ideas through modeling, prototyping, fabrication, testing, refinement, and open documentation. The current 10-person pilot is building the foundation for a larger personalized assistive technology service. Position at a

Glance Engagement:

Independent contractor

Schedule:

Project-based, with hours increasing during active fabrication periods

Location:

100% onsite at the

Oakland Digital Foundry and Design Lab Compensation:

$55 per hour

Experience:

At least 5 years. 10 years preferred

Status:

Open until filled The Role The Lead Fabricator is the hands-on technical lead responsible for turning design direction into durable prototypes, testable assemblies, and reproducible build records. Working closely with the principal designer, disabled co-designers, advisors, clinicians, vendors, and project manager, this person will move concepts through fabrication, fitting, troubleshooting, and refinement. Primary design direction will remain with the principal designer. The Lead Fabricator is expected to contribute practical design judgment, identify build risks, and improve how parts are made, assembled, maintained, and documented. Core Responsibilities Fabricate prototypes and finished components from sketches, drawings, CAD files, and physical references. Operate and maintain FDM and SLA printers, CNC mills, woodworking tools, metalworking equipment, electronics benches, and casting systems. Prepare CAM files and toolpaths, select materials and processes, and troubleshoot failed builds. Support participant fittings and technical testing with patience, discretion, and close attention to feedback. Maintain shop organization, materials inventory, machine maintenance schedules, and safe operating practices. Create bills of materials, build logs, quality-control records, safety checks, and fabrication notes. Coordinate approved purchases, vendors, outsourced processes, temporary shop help, packing, transport, and installation. Assist with photography and documentation so another builder can understand and reproduce the work. Required Qualifications At least 5 years of professional fabrication, engineering, prototyping, or closely related experience. 10 years is preferred. A portfolio showing complex, functional, well-finished physical work is required. Deep experience with rapid prototyping and FDM and SLA 3D printing. Practical skill in CNC milling, CAM and toolpaths, woodworking, basic carpentry, metal fabrication, welding, and some machining. Experience with resin casting, mold making, and/or electronics, soldering, Arduino or Raspberry Pi systems, and electromechanical assembly. Basic CAD fluency in Rhino, Fusion 360, SketchUp, or comparable tools. The judgment to build accurately, move efficiently, document decisions, and stop when a safety or fit question requires review. A collaborative, steady, detail-oriented working style and a strong commitment to serving disabled individuals. Ability to perform the essential duties of active shop work, with or without reasonable accommodation. Preferred Background Mechanical engineering with substantial hands-on build experience. Professional fabrication, industrial design, medical devices, assistive technology, or low-volume product development. Relevant degree, apprenticeship, trade education, or comparable formal technical training. Experience supervising outside fabricators or temporary shop support. How to Apply a resume, a short introduction, and a portfolio or photographs of relevant work to info@menderi.org with Lead Fabricator Application in the subject line. Accessible and Inclusive Hiring The Menderi welcomes qualified applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to an accessible selection process. Lived experience of disability or chronic illness is welcomed but not required. To request an accommodation during the application process, email info@menderi.org.

Learn more:

menderi.org