Technicon Design is seeking a Prototype Specialist for an exciting opportunity in Southern California.

The Prototype Specialist will help give stakeholders and customers something they can see, touch, and try for themselves. The models are crucial for providing “proof of concept” – and for revealing any underlying problems that may require finetuning or redesign. Working closely with designers and engineers, Prototype Specialist’s ensure their finished models accurately represent the intended design and function within the requested parameters. The Prototype Specialist will also work with a variety of vendors that can produce model from start to finish, or in some cases will require coordination with many vendors all supporting with a different process.

Technical Skill Requirements:

CAD software (e.g. Autodesk Fusion 360, SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge, Siemens NX) Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat

Rendering software (e.g. Keyshot, VRED) 3D printing programs (3D file preparation and slicer software)

Knowledge of various materials and their properties

Hand tool proficiency

Typical Duties:

Examine drawings, CAD, and technical specifications for proposed models

Produce CAD packages with build process, materials and finishes for vendors

Work with vendor partners to to lay out production timelines and deliverables

Determine the best process and materials for production of model taking into account use case.

Collaborate with engineers and designers to adjust designs, as needed

Use CAD software to modify design elements

Determine dimensions for necessary materials to build models

Determine the necessary equipment and plan out the sequence of operations

Support offsite staff with part replacement orders, clean up, and assembly

Use hand tools, files, grinders, sanders, hammers, dies, molds, jigs, and other tools, as needed to shape and smooth workpieces to the required dimensions

Align and join parts using bolts and screws, or via gluing Insert mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models, ensuring proper wiring and soldering

Test prototypes for proper functioning

Present models to stakeholders for feedback and approval

Additional Responsibilities:

Keep track of all details such as materials used, final dimensions of parts, production processes, etc. to ensure standardization for future work.

Maintain and repair tools and equipment

Wear required personal protective equipment and follow established safety protocols

Create technical manuals for models to help ground teams understand sensitive areas, assembly process, and packaging

Maintain technical documentation and spreadsheets of inventory and deployment planning

Train and supervise junior model makers and apprentices Participate in design development meetings