Advanced Prototyping Center Tech Associate, Machine Shop (Cleantech Incubator, Non-profit)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Advanced Prototyping Center Tech Associate, Machine Shop

Company: Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Advanced Prototyping/Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: May 18, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead client-facing Job Shop projects and technical operations within a state-of-the-art Advanced Prototyping Center (APC), managing the end-to-end project lifecycle from initial client engagement and quoting through design support, fabrication coordination, assembly, and project closeout.

• Serve as the primary technical lead and owner for prototype evaluation, testing, and technical viability of the APC's labs and shops, ensuring high-quality delivery, clear communication, and timely invoicing/payment for clients.

• Champion a culture of safety and compliance by overseeing equipment training, user qualification, shop floor organization, and adherence to all safety protocols and hazardous materials management guidelines.

• Drive operational excellence through proactive maintenance, optimal utilization of advanced fabrication equipment, and continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging data analysis and root cause studies to enhance workflows and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of technical fabrication, project management, and client service within a non-profit incubator environment focused on cleantech. The "Tech Associate" title, combined with "Machine Shop" and "Advanced Prototyping Center," clearly indicates a hands-on operational role with a strong emphasis on managing both the physical assets (equipment) and the project-based work (client jobs). The mention of LACI's mission and the La Kretz Innovation Campus (LKIC) suggests a dynamic, sustainability-focused environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Job Shop / Client Project Management: Own the full project lifecycle for Job Shop and client projects, including initial client intake, technical feasibility assessment, material sourcing, design support, fabrication coordination, assembly, and final project closing, utilizing Asana for workflow management.

• Technical Operations Oversight: Manage and optimize the technical work and viability of the APC's labs and shops, ensuring optimal equipment utilization, safety, and cleanliness in a high-visibility environment with multiple stakeholders.

• Equipment Training & User Support: Develop, maintain, and deliver training materials and qualification processes for safe and effective use of APC equipment, providing ongoing technical assistance, problem-solving, ideation, and fabrication guidance to APC users and members.

• Equipment Maintenance & Facility Excellence: Conduct routine preventive maintenance, minor repairs, and upkeep on APC equipment, while also overseeing shop and lab layout for effective space and material organization, and ensuring compliance with hazardous materials management.

• Safety & Compliance Champion: Model and enforce a strong safety culture by upholding and suggesting updates to APC House Rules, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) forms, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and safety protocols, ensuring 100% JHA completion and efficiency for all users.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Maintain and analyze key operational metrics, including safety incidents, equipment usage/downtime, and performance data, preparing clear reports and actionable recommendations for workflow and process improvements.

• Compliance Audits & Corrective Actions: Conduct quarterly internal compliance audits, document findings, and support the development and tracking of corrective actions to ensure adherence to all facility and operational standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct technical execution, team/user management, and operational process ownership. The emphasis on "end-to-end execution," "technical operations," "equipment training," and "safety & compliance" points to a role requiring both technical depth and strong organizational/leadership capabilities. The mention of "Asana" and "workflow automation" indicates a need for digital process management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Design, or a related technical field is often preferred for roles involving advanced prototyping and technical leadership. Relevant certifications in machining or fabrication can also be highly valuable.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining equipment in a machine shop, makerspace, or laboratory environment.

• 1-2 years of experience leading or supervising technical staff in a shop or lab setting, demonstrating the ability to manage and mentor a team.

Required Skills:

• Machine Shop & Fabrication Expertise: Proficiency in operating and maintaining a variety of digital fabrication tools including CNC mills, manual mills, waterjets, lasers, and 3D printers; familiarity with saws, grinders, and other fabrication equipment.

• CAD Software Proficiency: Working knowledge of CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or CorelDRAW for design review, file preparation, and applications engineering support.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with project management platforms like Asana or similar for workflow management and task tracking.

• Technical Leadership & Supervision: Experience leading and supervising technical personnel, including training, qualification, and performance oversight.

• Safety & Compliance: Strong understanding and practical application of shop safety protocols, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), and hazardous materials (Hazmat) management.

• Client Engagement: Ability to manage client projects from initiation to closeout, including quoting, technical consultation, and expectation management.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for advanced technical problem-solving, including conducting exercises like 5 Why Analysis and Root Cause studies.

• Digital Tools: Proficiency with Google Workspace and basic workflow automation tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience delivering formal technical training and qualification programs to assess user readiness.

• Exceptional customer service skills with a focus on clear communication, expectation management, and effective problem resolution.

• Hands-on expertise in specific areas like welding/finishing, hardware assembly, and prototype testing/validation.

• Passion for sustainability, creative prototyping, and environmental stewardship.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented with excellent critical-path, multi-tasking, and team-leadership abilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Requirements" section is detailed and practical. The "Preferred Qualifications" further refine the ideal candidate, emphasizing customer service, specific fabrication skills, and a passion for the company's mission. The implied experience level of 2-5 years aligns well with the job responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed examples of client projects managed, detailing the initial client need, your role in the project, the fabrication processes used, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome.

• Process Optimization Examples: Provide documentation or descriptions of processes you have designed, improved, or managed, illustrating efficiency gains, cost savings, or quality improvements. This could include workflow diagrams, SOPs, or training materials.

• System Implementation Evidence: Highlight experience with implementing or managing systems for project tracking (e.g., Asana), equipment scheduling, or inventory management within a technical or fabrication setting.

• Safety Protocol Development/Adherence: Include examples of safety procedures you've developed, implemented, or rigorously enforced, demonstrating commitment to compliance and risk mitigation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping out and refining fabrication workflows, from client intake to project completion, to improve efficiency and throughput.

• Training Material Development: Present examples of training materials or qualification processes you have created for operating complex machinery or adhering to safety standards.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Showcase how you have tracked and reported on key operational metrics, such as equipment uptime, project completion times, safety incident rates, and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, the emphasis on project management, process improvement, safety, and data reporting strongly implies that candidates are expected to articulate their experience through concrete examples, which would naturally form the basis of a portfolio. The role's focus on "end-to-end execution" and "process optimization" makes portfolio-relevant examples critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $68,000 - $76,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits package.

• 401(k) plan with employer match.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Commuter benefits.

• Paid holidays.

• Generous paid vacation time.

• Paid sick leave.

• Paid parking at the downtown LA office.

• Employer-provided Metro pass for alternative transportation support.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with a requirement to work on-site at the Los Angeles office five days a week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $68,000 - $76,000 for an "Associate/Manager Range" in Los Angeles, CA, for a role requiring 1-3 years of hands-on experience and 1-2 years of supervisory experience, appears to be a reasonable market rate. Los Angeles has a high cost of living, and this range reflects a mid-level position in a specialized technical field within a non-profit organization. The benefits listed are standard and competitive for a full-time role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cleantech, Green Technology, Non-profit Incubator, Economic Development. LACI operates at the forefront of sustainability, supporting startups that aim to solve environmental challenges. This context means a mission-driven culture prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and positive environmental impact.

Company Size: LACI is a significant non-profit organization, implied by its operation of a large campus (La Kretz Innovation Campus - LKIC) and its role in economic development for Los Angeles. The "Advanced Prototyping Center Tech Associate" role manages up to 2 direct reports, suggesting a mid-sized team within the APC.

Founded: LACI was originally founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and LADWP. This origin story highlights its deep integration with civic and utility infrastructure, aiming to drive innovation and economic growth in the clean technology sector.

Team Structure:

• The APC team enables startups to build, assemble, and test prototypes, acting as a support hub. This team likely includes specialists in various fabrication methods.

• The Tech Associate reports to APC leadership and manages up to two direct reports, indicating a hierarchical structure within the APC's operational team.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Operations: Emphasis on maintaining and analyzing operational metrics (safety, usage, performance) to drive improvements.

• Process Optimization: Continuous focus on improving workflows, safety protocols, and equipment utilization through structured analysis (e.g., Root Cause Analysis, 5 Why).

• Lean & Efficient Fabrication: Utilizing advanced prototyping tools and techniques to support startups efficiently, while maintaining a focus on safety and compliance.

Company Website: http://laci.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is rich with information about LACI's mission and its operational environment. The La Kretz Innovation Campus is a differentiator, showcasing LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications, and advanced green technology. This sets a tone of innovation, sustainability, and high operational standards for any role within the APC.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Associate/Manager" level within the operations of an advanced prototyping and fabrication facility. It requires a blend of hands-on technical expertise (1-3 years) and leadership/supervisory experience (1-2 years), indicating a mid-level position with significant responsibility for both technical execution and team oversight. The role is pivotal in ensuring the day-to-day operational success and client satisfaction within the APC.

Reporting Structure: The Tech Associate reports to APC leadership and directly manages up to two technical staff members. This structure offers experience in managing direct reports and contributing to higher-level operational strategy and decision-making for the Advanced Prototyping Center. Collaboration with other LACI teams (e.g., startup support, facilities) is also implied.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts LACI's mission by enabling cleantech startups to rapidly prototype and commercialize their innovations. Success in this role contributes to the successful operation of the La Kretz Innovation Campus, LACI's reputation, and its economic development goals. Efficient operations, high-quality fabrication, and excellent client service are key to this impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Potential to deepen expertise in specific fabrication technologies or advance into a more senior operations management role within the APC or LACI, overseeing larger teams or more complex operations.

• Process & System Development: Opportunity to design and implement new operational processes, safety protocols, and reporting systems, contributing to the long-term efficiency and scalability of the APC.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining exposure to a wide range of cleantech innovations and startups, fostering a broad understanding of emerging technologies and market trends.

• Professional Development: LACI offers professional development, which can include training on new equipment, project management methodologies, or leadership skills, supporting career advancement within the organization or the broader cleantech/manufacturing sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate/Manager" title suggests a clear growth path from individual contributor to a supervisory role. LACI's stated commitment to professional development further supports this. The role's central function within the incubator means exposure to cutting-edge technology and diverse startups, offering significant learning opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the La Kretz Innovation Campus (LKIC), a LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certified facility in downtown Los Angeles. This indicates a modern, environmentally conscious, and technologically advanced workspace designed for collaboration and innovation. The Advanced Prototyping Center (APC) itself is a 10,000 sq ft dedicated area featuring machine shops and labs.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the LACI office/machine shop in downtown Los Angeles, CA (ZIP code 90013), described as being in the "bustling Downtown LA Arts District." This location is accessible by public transportation (Metro pass provided) and offers paid parking.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The campus and APC are designed to foster synergy between startups, community partners, workforce development fellows, and LACI staff, encouraging interaction and knowledge sharing.

• Advanced Tools & Technology: Access to a wide array of state-of-the-art green technology and fabrication equipment, including CNC mills, 3D printers, laser cutters, waterjets, and more, providing a rich technical environment.

• Hands-on Operations: The role is inherently hands-on, requiring active engagement with machinery, materials, and project execution within the shop and lab spaces. The environment is dynamic, with multiple public and private stakeholders.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position requiring the employee to be on-site at the downtown Los Angeles office five days a week. Standard working hours are implied to be around 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the La Kretz Innovation Campus is a significant asset. Emphasizing its LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications highlights LACI's commitment to sustainability and employee well-being, which can be attractive to candidates. The "bustling Downtown LA Arts District" location adds to the appeal.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Screening: Submit resume and cover letter. Candidates will be screened based on experience and qualifications outlined in the job description.

• Technical Assessment/Interview: Likely includes a technical interview to assess hands-on knowledge of machine shop operations, fabrication techniques, CAD software, and safety protocols. This may involve scenario-based questions or a review of past projects.

• Project Management & Leadership Interview: Focus on experience managing client projects, leading technical staff, problem-solving, and client relationship management. Behavioral questions will likely be used to assess leadership style and fit with LACI's values.

• Hands-on/Facility Tour: A tour of the Advanced Prototyping Center will likely be part of the process, allowing candidates to see the facilities and potentially a practical demonstration or discussion of equipment operation and maintenance.

• Final Interview: Conversation with APC leadership or hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm alignment with LACI's mission and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Project Management: Clearly articulate your role in managing 2-3 key client projects from start to finish. Use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe your contributions, challenges, and outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects and process improvements. For example, "Reduced project turnaround time by 15%," or "Successfully trained 20 users on CNC operation."

• Highlight Technical Skills: Include visual examples of your fabrication work or designs, and explain the technical processes involved. If you have created training materials or SOPs, be prepared to share examples.

• Demonstrate Safety Commitment: Provide specific examples of how you have implemented or enforced safety procedures, managed hazardous materials, or conducted risk assessments.

• Tailor to LACI's Mission: Connect your experience and portfolio examples to LACI's mission of cleantech innovation and sustainability. Highlight any projects or initiatives that align with these values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Improvement Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach improving a specific workflow within the APC, such as optimizing equipment scheduling or streamlining the client intake process.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about troubleshooting common issues with CNC machines, 3D printers, or other fabrication equipment.

• Safety Protocol Development: You might be asked to outline the key components of a Job Hazard Analysis or a new safety training program.

• Client Management Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a challenging client request, manage scope creep, or resolve a project dispute.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is inferred to be multi-stage, common for roles requiring technical, managerial, and client-facing skills. The emphasis on LACI's mission and the unique environment of an incubator suggests that cultural fit and passion for sustainability will be heavily weighted.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management: Asana (primary), or similar platforms (e.g., Trello, Jira) for workflow management, task tracking, and project lifecycle management.

• CAD Software: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, CorelDRAW, or equivalent tools for design review, file preparation, and applications engineering.

• Digital Fabrication Equipment: Extensive hands-on experience required with CNC mills (manual and computer-controlled), waterjets, lasers, and various types of 3D printers (e.g., FDM, SLA).

• Machine Shop Equipment: Familiarity with manual mills, saws, grinders, and other traditional machining tools.

• Welding & Finishing Equipment: Preferred, indicating potential use of welding tools, grinders, sanders, and finishing stations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret operational data, including equipment usage, downtime, safety incidents, and project performance metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency with tools to generate clear reports and actionable recommendations, likely leveraging Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs) and potentially data visualization tools if integrated into LACI's stack.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not explicitly mentioned, client interaction and project management suggest a need for client data management capabilities, potentially integrated with project management tools.

• Workflow Automation: Basic understanding and application of workflow automation principles, likely within project management tools or with general software like Google Workspace.

• Integration: Understanding of how different systems (e.g., CAD to CAM, project management to billing) might interface, though specific integration tools are not listed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack is heavily focused on fabrication machinery and project management software. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency with specific CAD and project management platforms, along with hands-on experience with a wide array of advanced manufacturing equipment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship: A core value, deeply embedded in LACI's mission. Operations professionals are expected to support this through efficient resource use, promoting sustainable practices, and contributing to the cleantech ecosystem.

• Innovation & Prototyping: A drive to support groundbreaking ideas and help bring them to life through advanced fabrication and problem-solving. Operations is seen as an enabler of innovation.

• Safety & Compliance: An unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, adhering to all protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This is paramount in a machine shop setting.

• Inclusivity & Collaboration: LACI values working with diverse individuals and fostering an inclusive environment. Operations team members are expected to collaborate effectively with startups, colleagues, and community members, respecting all backgrounds and experiences.

• Customer Service & Reliability: Providing high-quality, timely, and responsive service to APC users and clients is essential for the success of the incubator and its members.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with LACI startups, other APC staff, facilities management, and potentially external partners, requiring strong communication and teamwork.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages feedback on processes and workflows to drive continuous improvement, with an emphasis on constructive dialogue.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of technical expertise and best practices among team members and APC users to foster a learning environment.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A collective approach to identifying and resolving operational challenges, with an emphasis on shared responsibility and proactive solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are strongly tied to LACI's mission. Candidates should demonstrate how their operational approach aligns with sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, not just technical competence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling client project deadlines, equipment maintenance schedules, user training, and safety compliance in a dynamic environment.

• Managing Diverse User Needs: Supporting a wide range of startups with varying technical expertise, project scopes, and expectations for the APC's services.

• Equipment Uptime & Maintenance: Ensuring critical fabrication equipment remains operational and well-maintained, which can be challenging with heavy usage and the need for specialized repairs.

• Scaling Operations: As LACI grows and supports more startups, the APC operations will need to scale efficiently, requiring adaptability and continuous process improvement.

• Resource Constraints: Operating within a non-profit framework may present budget considerations for equipment upgrades or specialized materials.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Fabrication Techniques: Gaining hands-on experience with and potentially training on cutting-edge prototyping equipment and manufacturing processes.

• Project Management Mastery: Deepening skills in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from initiation to completion.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to grow management skills through direct reports, process ownership, and contributing to strategic operational planning.

• Industry Insight: Exposure to a vast array of cleantech innovations, providing a unique perspective on emerging technologies and market trends.

• Sustainability Focus: Developing a deeper understanding of sustainable manufacturing practices and cleantech solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are practical for an operations role in a busy incubator. The growth opportunities are significant, emphasizing both technical advancement and leadership potential within a mission-driven organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe how you would prioritize competing demands for APC resources (e.g., machine time, staff support) between different client projects and internal maintenance needs."

  • Preparation: Focus on prioritization frameworks (e.g., urgency, impact, client tier), communication strategies for managing expectations, and how you'd leverage Asana or similar tools for visibility.

• Leadership & Team Management: "Tell me about a time you had to train a new team member on complex machinery. What was your approach, and what were the results?"

  • Preparation: Prepare specific examples using the STAR method, highlighting your training methodology, safety emphasis, and ability to assess competency. Discuss how you manage performance and provide feedback.

• Problem-Solving & Process Improvement: "Imagine a critical piece of equipment in the APC breaks down unexpectedly, delaying multiple client projects. How would you address this situation?"

  • Preparation: Outline your immediate response (assessment, communication), troubleshooting steps, contingency planning, and how you would manage client communication and project rescheduling. Discuss your experience with root cause analysis.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "What interests you most about LACI's mission to create an inclusive green economy, and how does that connect with your role in operations?"

  • Preparation: Research LACI's specific initiatives, its role in Los Angeles, and articulate how your operational skills contribute to achieving these broader goals.

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a collaborative team culture, especially in a fast-paced, hands-on setting."

  • Preparation: Highlight your ability to work with diverse individuals, your communication style, and how you foster a positive and productive team dynamic, referencing LACI's values of inclusivity and collaboration.

• Operational Impact: "How do you measure the success of your operational contributions, and can you provide an example of a time your work significantly improved efficiency or quality within a fabrication or technical setting?"

  • Preparation: Prepare metrics-driven examples showcasing your impact on key operational areas like project delivery, safety, or equipment utilization.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project/example, clearly state the challenge, your specific role and actions, the tools/processes used, and the measurable outcome.

• Visual Aids: If possible, bring visual aids (photos, diagrams, short videos) of your work or processes to illustrate your capabilities.

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your machine shop, project management, leadership, and safety expertise, aligning them with the APC's functions.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about the technical specifics of your examples, including materials, tolerances, machining strategies, and CAD/CAM workflows.

• Quantify Results: Emphasize any quantifiable improvements you achieved, such as cost savings, time reductions, or quality enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements of the role, emphasizing technical skills, project management, leadership, and alignment with LACI's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on LACI's careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your hands-on machine shop experience (1-3 years), technical leadership or supervisory roles (1-2 years), proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360), digital fabrication equipment (CNC, 3D printers), and project management platforms (Asana). Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in LACI's mission, your relevant operational and technical skills, and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Advanced Prototyping Center Tech Associate role. Specifically mention your passion for sustainability and innovation.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Examples: Gather specific examples of client projects managed, processes you've optimized, safety protocols you've enforced, and any training materials you've developed. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Research LACI: Thoroughly understand LACI's mission, the La Kretz Innovation Campus, its cleantech focus, and its role in the Los Angeles community. This will enable you to articulate your alignment with their values and operational goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.