Maker - Fabrication & Prototyping Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Maker - Fabrication & Prototyping Specialist

Company: Arrive AI Inc.

Location: Fishers, IN, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Manufacturing / Hardware Operations

Date Posted: May 6, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive hardware innovation by fabricating and assembling complex components and prototypes for Arrive AI's Autonomous Last Mile™ platform.

• Operate and maintain a range of advanced fabrication equipment, including CNC mills, routers, and large-format 3D printers, with a focus on precision and efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to iterate on physical product designs, ensuring quality and adherence to specifications throughout the prototyping lifecycle.

• Manage material inventory, preparation, and handling to optimize workflow and minimize waste in a fast-paced R&D environment.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of fabrication processes, tooling, and build procedures to enhance repeatability and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data does not explicitly state "Revenue Operations," "Sales Operations," or "GTM," the role of a Maker in a hardware R&D setting has direct implications for the speed and quality of product development, which indirectly impacts Go-To-Market (GTM) timelines and the company's ability to deliver on its value proposition. This enhancement focuses on the operational aspects of hardware prototyping and its contribution to the broader business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Fabrication & Machine Operation:

  • Proficiently operate and maintain CNC mini mills (HAAS or similar), CNC routers, metal bending/forming machines, plastic heat forming equipment, and large-format 3D printers (including those handling carbon fiber/composite materials).
  • Generate CAM tool paths (g-code) and set up jobs, selecting appropriate tooling and adjusting machine parameters for optimal results and part quality.
  • Interpret basic technical drawings, CAD outputs, and work instructions to accurately produce components according to specifications.
  • Order and manage inventory of necessary materials, tools, and supplies for fabrication projects.

• Material Handling & Preparation:

  • Inspect incoming raw materials to ensure they meet quality standards and are free from defects.
  • Prepare materials for fabrication processes, including cutting, staging, and surface preparation.
  • Implement efficient material usage strategies to minimize waste and control costs.

• Finishing & Refinement:

  • Perform detailed finishing work such as deburring, sanding, trimming, and precise assembly of fabricated parts.
  • Ensure all finished components meet both functional requirements and aesthetic standards.
  • Actively support prototype refinement and iteration cycles by providing feedback and implementing design adjustments.

• Quality & Inspection:

  • Conduct rigorous in-process and final quality checks on all fabricated components.
  • Utilize precision measuring tools to verify parts against specifications and tolerances.
  • Proactively identify defects and collaborate with the engineering team to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

• Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization:

  • Propose and implement improvements to existing fabrication processes, tooling, and overall workflow for enhanced efficiency and output.

  • Assist in refining build procedures to ensure repeatability, scalability, and consistency across production runs.

  • Maintain a meticulously clean, organized, and safe workspace, adhering to all safety protocols.

  • Travel up to 5 days per month to support various project needs or collaborate with external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to reflect the hands-on nature of the role, emphasizing operational execution within a hardware development context. The inclusion of travel indicates a need for adaptability and on-site support, common in fast-paced prototyping environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Hands-on Fabrication Expertise: Proven experience operating and maintaining a variety of fabrication tools and shop equipment.

• CNC Machining Proficiency: Demonstrated track record of successfully operating 3-axis CNC mills (e.g., HAAS) and large-format 3D printers.

• Technical Drawing Interpretation: Ability to read and interpret basic technical drawings, blueprints, or CAD outputs to guide fabrication.

• Attention to Detail & Craftsmanship: Exceptional focus on precision, quality, and delivering high-standard workmanship in all fabricated parts.

• Material Knowledge: Familiarity with handling and processing common fabrication materials such as metals, plastics, and composites.

• Problem-Solving Acumen: Aptitude for identifying issues, troubleshooting, and proposing practical solutions in a dynamic environment.

• Safety Consciousness: Commitment to maintaining a safe and organized workspace, adhering to all relevant safety protocols.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced Material Experience: Experience working with composite or carbon fiber materials, understanding their unique fabrication requirements.

• Prototyping/R&D Exposure: Prior experience in prototyping, research, or development settings, understanding the iterative nature of product creation.

• CAD/CAM Software Familiarity: Basic knowledge or experience with CAD software (e.g., Creo Parametric, SolidWorks) and CAM for generating tool paths is a significant advantage.

• Startup/Rapid Development Environment: Previous experience in a fast-paced startup or rapid development setting, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.

• Tooling and Fixturing: Understanding of basic tooling and fixturing principles for efficient and accurate machining operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from the "2-5 years" AI-generated data point. Preferred skills are extrapolated from the "Nice to Have" section of the original description, providing a clearer picture of an ideal candidate profile for advanced operations in hardware development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Fabrication Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed examples of complex components or prototypes fabricated, highlighting the process from design interpretation to final product.

• Process Documentation Examples: Include samples of documented build procedures, material handling protocols, or quality check checklists developed or improved by the candidate.

• Tooling & Machine Operation Evidence: Visual evidence (photos/videos) or detailed descriptions of projects involving specific machines like CNC mills, routers, or advanced 3D printers, demonstrating proficiency.

• Problem Resolution Examples: Case studies illustrating how fabrication challenges or quality issues were identified and resolved, demonstrating analytical and problem-solving skills.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of how to design and optimize workflows for fabrication processes, ensuring efficiency and minimizing bottlenecks.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how processes were implemented or improved through the use of tooling, jigs, or basic automation techniques.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Evidence of how fabricated parts were measured against specifications, and how data was used to inform process adjustments or quality improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a hands-on fabrication role, a traditional "operations portfolio" focusing on software systems is less relevant. This section is tailored to showcase practical skills, process documentation capabilities, and the ability to demonstrate tangible results in a physical production environment, aligning with hardware operations and R&D expectations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• High Equity Incentive: Significant ownership stake in Arrive AI, aligning personal success with company growth and innovation.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday policies.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and skill enhancement in fabrication technologies.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Options for long-term financial planning.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. While the role is primarily on-site, flexibility may be available for project-critical tasks, with potential for occasional overtime depending on project demands and deadlines. The role requires comfort working in a fabrication/lab environment with associated noise and equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on common compensation for skilled fabrication specialists in the US Midwest, considering the provided experience level and the mention of "market competitive" salary. The "Equity Incentive" is explicitly called out as a key component of compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• Hardware Engineering & Prototyping: This role is likely embedded within a hardware engineering or R&D team, working alongside mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and other specialists.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with design engineers, software developers (for integrated systems), and potentially operations/deployment teams to ensure prototypes meet real-world requirements.

• Reporting: The Maker will likely report to a Hardware Engineering Lead, Fabrication Manager, or a similar role overseeing the physical development process.

Methodology:

• Build-First Approach: Arrive AI emphasizes a "build-first" environment, meaning rapid prototyping and iteration are core to their development methodology.

• Data-Driven Iteration: Prototypes are likely tested, and feedback is used to drive design improvements, requiring meticulous fabrication and accurate measurement.

• Agile Development Principles: The fast-paced nature of a startup in this sector suggests adherence to agile principles, enabling quick adaptation to new insights and market demands.

Company Website: www.arriveai.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of Arrive AI's mission and industry provides context for the "Maker" role. The emphasis on "Autonomous Last Mile™" and "hardware, robotics, and AI" suggests a technically demanding and innovative environment. The "build-first" aspect is crucial for understanding the operational tempo.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Advanced Fabrication Techniques: Opportunity to gain expertise in specialized materials (composites, advanced plastics) and cutting-edge fabrication technologies.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Potential to take on more responsibility for refining and documenting fabrication processes, potentially leading to a Senior Maker or Fabrication Supervisor role.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to mechanical and electrical engineering principles, robotics, and AI through close collaboration with other teams.

• Specialization: Development of niche expertise in areas like CNC programming, advanced 3D printing, or specific material handling.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior makers or interns as the team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the "Maker" role within a broader operational context, highlighting its critical role in hardware development and outlining clear pathways for professional growth and skill enhancement relevant to the manufacturing and R&D sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While much of the work is individual, the space is designed for collaboration, with engineers and other team members working in proximity. This encourages informal knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art fabrication tools, including CNC machines, 3D printers, hand tools, and precision measurement equipment. This is a hands-on role where the technology is the primary medium of work.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with engineering teams for design clarifications, feedback, and problem-solving sessions. This ensures alignment between fabrication capabilities and engineering requirements.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule is primarily on-site, supporting the operational needs of the fabrication lab. Standard business hours are typical, but the nature of prototyping and hardware development may require flexibility to meet project deadlines, potentially involving occasional overtime or adjusted hours to accommodate critical build phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description focuses on the practical aspects of a fabrication lab environment, emphasizing the hands-on nature of the work and the collaborative yet independent aspects of the role, relevant for candidates considering such a position.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess your hands-on fabrication experience, machine operation skills, and understanding of technical drawings.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve detailed discussions about your experience with specific fabrication equipment (CNC mills, 3D printers), material handling, and problem-solving scenarios encountered in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss your approach to quality control and process improvement.

• Shop/Practical Assessment: Potentially a hands-on test or a detailed walkthrough of a fabrication project you've completed. You may be asked to demonstrate your familiarity with specific tools or machines, or to discuss how you would approach a given fabrication task.

• Team & Culture Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and discuss your working style, adaptability, and how you contribute to a collaborative, fast-paced R&D environment.

• Final Interview: Discussions with leadership, potentially focusing on your long-term career goals and how they align with Arrive AI's growth trajectory.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Machine Proficiency: Include clear photos or videos of projects where you operated CNC mills, routers, or advanced 3D printers. Detail the setup, tooling, and materials used.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: For each project, describe any challenges encountered (e.g., material limitations, machining difficulties) and how you overcame them.

• Highlight Quality & Precision: Present examples of parts where precision was critical. Discuss your methods for ensuring accuracy and meeting tight tolerances.

• Detail Process Improvements: If you improved a fabrication process, workflow, or build procedure, clearly articulate the changes made and the resulting benefits (e.g., reduced time, improved quality, less waste).

• Material Understanding: If you have experience with composites or specialized plastics, showcase projects that demonstrate this expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Fabrication Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to fabricate a specific part with given constraints. Think about material selection, machine choice, tooling, fixturing, and potential challenges.

• Process Improvement Task: You might be asked to outline how you would improve the efficiency or quality of a common fabrication task.

• Safety Protocol Discussion: Be ready to discuss your understanding of workshop safety protocols and your approach to maintaining a safe working environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice on preparing a portfolio and navigating the interview process for a hands-on technical role, focusing on demonstrating practical skills and problem-solving abilities relevant to fabrication and prototyping.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Fabrication Tools:

• CNC Mini Mill: HAAS or similar 3-axis milling machines, requiring knowledge of setup, tooling, and basic G-code operation.

• CNC Router: Versatile for cutting various materials, including plastics and composites.

• Large-Format 3D Printers: Expertise with FDM or similar technologies, capable of handling robust and potentially composite materials.

• Metal Bending/Forming Machines: Equipment for shaping sheet metal.

• Plastic Heat Forming Equipment: Tools for shaping plastics using heat.

• Hand Tools & Power Tools: A comprehensive set of tools for assembly, finishing, and general workshop tasks.

Measurement & Inspection Tools:

• Calipers & Micrometers: For precise dimensional measurements.

• Height Gauges & Dial Indicators: For accurate setup and inspection.

• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM): Potentially available for advanced inspection needs.

Design & Manufacturing Software:

• CAD Software: Familiarity with interpreting files from Creo Parametric and/or SolidWorks is essential. Direct experience with these or similar CAD packages is a plus.

• CAM Software: Ability to generate G-code tool paths for CNC machines.

• 3D Printer Slicing Software: Various software for preparing models for additive manufacturing.

Material Handling & Storage:

• Systems for organizing and managing raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished components.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the specific types of machinery and software a Maker would encounter, providing a clear picture of the technical environment and the tools essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Build & Iterate: A core value of creating physical prototypes rapidly and continuously improving them based on feedback and testing.

• Precision & Quality: A commitment to accuracy, attention to detail, and delivering high-quality fabricated parts that meet stringent specifications.

• Problem-Solving & Ingenuity: Valuing individuals who can creatively overcome technical challenges and find practical solutions in a hands-on environment.

• Safety & Organization: Upholding high standards for workplace safety and maintaining an organized, efficient workspace.

• Collaboration & Communication: Encouraging open communication and teamwork to ensure alignment between design intent and fabrication reality.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-on Partnership: Collaboration often involves working directly with engineers, discussing designs at the bench, and jointly troubleshooting issues as they arise during fabrication.

• Feedback Loop: A culture where feedback on designs from a fabrication perspective (e.g., manufacturability, material limitations) is actively sought and valued.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, techniques, and learnings related to fabrication and machine operation.

• Shared Responsibility: A sense of collective ownership over the product development process, where everyone contributes to bringing innovative hardware to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates the likely cultural values and collaboration styles at Arrive AI, based on the nature of their work in hardware prototyping and their startup environment, providing insight into the expected team dynamics for a Maker.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Demands: The need to produce prototypes quickly for fast-paced development cycles can be demanding, requiring efficient workflow management and adaptability.

• Material & Process Variability: Working with diverse materials and processes means encountering unique challenges that require creative problem-solving and continuous learning.

• Balancing Speed and Precision: Achieving both speed in fabrication and high precision in output requires constant attention to detail and optimization of methods.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: The field of fabrication and prototyping is constantly evolving, requiring a commitment to learning new tools, software, and techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Machine Operation & Programming: Opportunities to become an expert on specific CNC machines or additive manufacturing technologies.

• Material Science Exploration: Deepening knowledge of properties and fabrication techniques for advanced materials like composites.

• Process Optimization & Documentation: Developing skills in defining, documenting, and improving manufacturing processes, potentially leading to roles in manufacturing engineering or operations management.

• CAD/CAM Skill Enhancement: Formal training or hands-on experience to improve proficiency in design and manufacturing software.

• Exposure to Robotics & AI Systems: Gaining insight into the broader context of the hardware being built, understanding how fabrication directly supports Arrive AI's core technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights potential challenges inherent in a fast-paced prototyping role and outlines clear growth paths focused on technical skill development and operational process improvement, relevant for ambitious individuals in fabrication roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex prototype you fabricated. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?"

  • Preparation: Select a project that showcases your skills with specific machines (CNC, 3D printing), material handling, and problem-solving. Detail your process step-by-step, focusing on your contributions and the outcome.

• "How do you ensure the precision and quality of parts you fabricate, especially when working under tight deadlines?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your methods for setup, calibration, in-process checks, and final inspection. Mention specific tools you use and your mindset towards quality.

• "Imagine you're given a CAD model for a part that seems difficult or impossible to manufacture with our current equipment. What would be your approach?"

  • Preparation: Focus on your communication with the design engineer, your understanding of the equipment's limitations, your ability to suggest alternative methods or design modifications, and your problem-solving process.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Arrive AI and our mission to redefine the Autonomous Last Mile™?"

  • Preparation: Research Arrive AI's technology, recent news, and their overall vision. Connect your passion for fabrication and innovation to their goals.

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a team culture, especially in a fast-paced R&D setting."

  • Preparation: Emphasize your preference for hands-on work, collaboration, adaptability, and your proactive approach to problem-solving and maintaining a positive team dynamic.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality photos and videos to showcase your work. Explain the context, your role, and the impact of your fabrication.

• Focus on Process, Not Just Product: Detail the steps you took, the tools and materials you used, and any challenges or innovations involved.

• Quantify Results: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate efficiency gains, accuracy improvements, or waste reduction achieved through your work.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Clearly articulate specific problems you encountered and the solutions you implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: This guide provides targeted advice for preparing for interviews specific to a Maker role, focusing on demonstrating practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within an innovative hardware startup.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Maker - Fabrication & Prototyping Specialist position:

• Submit your application through the Comeet application link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your proficiency with CNC mills, 3D printers, and your ability to interpret technical drawings. Showcase specific examples of fabrication challenges you've overcome and any process improvements you've implemented.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your hands-on experience with relevant fabrication equipment and materials. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Reduced fabrication time by X%" or "Achieved Y tolerance").

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your fabrication process, problem-solving approaches, and your understanding of quality control. Be ready to walk through portfolio examples and answer scenario-based questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Arrive AI's mission, technology, and the Autonomous Last Mile™ concept. Understand how your role as a Maker directly contributes to their innovation and product development 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.

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