Manufacturing & Prototyping Technician

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manufacturing & Prototyping Technician

Company: Becoming

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations (Manufacturing & Prototyping Support)

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the fabrication, assembly, and sterilization of custom biological devices and bioreactor platforms within a cutting-edge AI for biology company.

• Execute precision assembly and aseptic workflows, ensuring the integrity of experimental systems.

• Collaborate with engineering and scientific teams to rapidly iterate on prototypes and optimize manufacturing processes.

• Maintain rigorous quality control and documentation standards for all fabricated components and assemblies.

• Contribute to lab operations, including inventory management and SOP adherence, to ensure seamless experimental execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Manufacturing & Prototyping Technician," the context of "Developmental Intelligence: AI for predicting how organisms change over time" and "engineered metabolic environments, longitudinal measurement, and predictive models" strongly indicates this role supports R&D operations, specifically within a biotech/life sciences context. The emphasis on "biological devices" and "bioreactor platforms" points towards a need for sterile techniques and an understanding of biological experiment support, aligning it with operations roles that bridge engineering and lab science.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manufacture and assemble custom biological devices utilizing 3D printing (e.g., SLA, FDM, SLS) and laser cutting technologies.

• Perform critical post-processing steps on fabricated parts, including cleaning, curing, polishing, deburring, bonding, and meticulous visual inspection to ensure quality and performance standards.

• Assemble sterile fluidic systems, including tubing, fittings, pumps, and connectors, maintaining strict aseptic technique throughout the process.

• Support the setup, preparation, configuration, and routine maintenance of experimental bioreactor systems and associated hardware.

• Prepare and organize all necessary components, tubing, fittings, and experimental assemblies for biological experiments, ensuring readiness and accuracy.

• Uphold and rigorously apply strong aseptic techniques and clean handling practices during all assembly and component manipulation stages to prevent contamination.

• Execute Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) consistently and accurately, providing clear and detailed documentation of all manufacturing and assembly steps.

• Conduct quality control inspections on fabricated parts and assembled systems, proactively identifying and reporting any defects, inconsistencies, or deviations from specifications.

• Assist with inventory management, organization of components and consumables, and general lab operations to ensure efficiency and availability of necessary materials.

• Collaborate closely with R&D engineers and scientists to facilitate rapid prototyping cycles, provide feedback on manufacturability, and iterate on designs and manufacturing workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed highlight a blend of hands-on technical execution and process adherence, critical for R&D operations support in a life sciences context. The emphasis on "custom devices," "rapid iteration," and "working closely with engineers and scientists" underscores the dynamic nature of this role within a startup environment, requiring adaptability and problem-solving skills in addition to technical proficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While formal education requirements are not explicitly stated, a degree or certification in a relevant technical field (e.g., Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, or a related science discipline) would be highly beneficial.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing, prototyping, or laboratory technician role, with a focus on fabrication and assembly.

• Proven experience with 3D printing technologies (e.g., FDM, SLA, SLS) for prototyping and functional part creation.

• Demonstrated experience with laser cutting operations and post-processing of cut materials.

Required Skills:

• 3D Printing Proficiency: Hands-on experience operating and maintaining various 3D printers, including material selection, slicing software, and troubleshooting common print issues.

• Laser Cutting Operations: Familiarity with laser cutter operation, material compatibility, and post-processing techniques.

• Aseptic Technique & Clean Handling: Strong understanding and practical application of aseptic techniques, sterile workflows, and clean room practices relevant to biological applications.

• Precision Assembly: Ability to perform intricate assembly tasks requiring fine motor skills, attention to detail, and the use of small tools and components.

• Fabrication & Post-Processing: Expertise in manual fabrication techniques, finishing, deburring, bonding, and quality inspection of manufactured parts.

• SOP Execution & Documentation: Demonstrated ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) meticulously and document processes accurately.

• Quality Control & Inspection: Keen eye for detail and ability to perform visual inspections, identify defects, and ensure parts meet specifications.

• Fluidic System Assembly: Experience preparing, assembling, and testing fluidic components like tubing, fittings, and pumps.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with bioreactor systems, cell culture, or other biological laboratory environments.

• Familiarity with fluid dynamics and microfluidics.

• Basic understanding of CAD software for reviewing designs or minor modifications.

• Inventory management and lab supply organization skills.

• Experience working in a fast-paced startup or R&D environment.

• Knowledge of sterilization methods (e.g., autoclaving, chemical sterilization).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Who You Are" section provides strong behavioral indicators that translate into essential soft skills for an operations role. These include high agency, ownership, integrity, direct communication, self-awareness, systems thinking, and adaptability. These should be considered alongside technical skills during candidate evaluation. The lack of explicit education requirements suggests that practical, demonstrated experience is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Fabrication Case Studies: Showcase examples of custom parts or devices manufactured using 3D printing and/or laser cutting, detailing the materials used, fabrication process, post-processing steps, and any design challenges overcome.

• Assembly Process Examples: Illustrate the assembly of complex systems, particularly fluidic or mechanical assemblies, highlighting attention to detail, precision, and quality control measures implemented.

• Aseptic Workflow Documentation: Provide evidence or descriptions of experience with sterile assembly processes, including steps taken to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.

• Problem-Solving Demonstrations: Include examples where you identified a manufacturing or assembly issue (e.g., print failure, assembly defect) and how you troubleshot and resolved it.

• Process Optimization Contributions: If applicable, highlight instances where you suggested or implemented improvements to existing fabrication or assembly workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, or improve quality.

Process Documentation:

• SOP Adherence & Creation: Demonstrate experience in following established SOPs and, ideally, contributing to their development or refinement. Portfolio items could include examples of completed SOP checklists or brief descriptions of SOPs you’ve worked with.

• Manufacturing Logs & Records: Present examples of clear, organized documentation of manufacturing steps, including part tracking, material usage, and quality checks performed during production.

• Quality Control Reports: Showcase examples of inspection reports or defect tracking logs that illustrate your ability to identify and document quality issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations role focused on manufacturing and prototyping support, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills. Candidates should curate examples that directly map to the responsibilities, emphasizing their ability to execute precise technical tasks and adhere to rigorous process standards. Highlighting contributions to workflow improvements or problem-solving will be particularly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the San Francisco, California location, experience level (2-5 years), and the specialized nature of the role in a high-growth biotech startup, a competitive annual salary range is estimated to be between $65,000 - $90,000.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A salary commensurate with experience and local market rates.

• Meaningful Equity: Opportunity to receive stock options or equity in a rapidly growing startup, aligning employee success with company growth.

• Full Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• High-Trust, High-Ownership Environment: A workplace culture that empowers employees with autonomy and responsibility.

• Opportunity to Define a New Scientific Category: The chance to be at the forefront of developing novel AI-driven biological systems.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Given the startup environment and the hands-on nature of the role, there may be occasional needs for flexibility to meet project deadlines or experimental timelines, though the primary focus is on a consistent, on-site work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry standards for similar roles in San Francisco, CA, for the specified experience level. The "competitive salary and meaningful equity" benefit suggests the compensation package is designed to attract and retain talent in a competitive market. The "high-trust, high-ownership environment" implies a culture that values initiative and autonomy, which can be a significant draw for motivated individuals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology / Artificial Intelligence / Life Sciences Tech

Company Size: Small to Medium-sized (Likely under 50 employees, based on startup trajectory and the need for hands-on technicians)

Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but the description implies it is in an early to growth stage, focused on establishing a new scientific category.

Team Structure:

• Operations Support: This role is part of the broader operations function, directly supporting R&D engineering and scientific teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The technician will work closely with R&D Engineers (likely mechanical, electrical, or bio-engineers) and Scientists (biologists, data scientists) to prototype, build, and refine experimental systems.

• Reporting: Likely reports to an Engineering Manager, Lab Manager, or Head of Operations, depending on the company's internal structure.

Methodology:

• Iterative Prototyping: The company emphasizes rapid iteration on prototypes and manufacturing workflows, suggesting an agile approach to product development.

• Data-Driven Development: The core mission involves using AI for prediction, indicating a strong reliance on data collection, analysis, and model refinement.

• Systems Integration: The role requires thinking like a "systems integrator," connecting biological components, engineered environments, hardware, and data.

Company Website: https://jobs.workable.com/company/k29iG3FFzgK7i6tsQ87HBy/jobs-at-becoming

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "Developmental Intelligence" and building systems that "don't fail when metabolic demands become too high" positions it at the intersection of advanced AI and synthetic biology. This implies a culture that values scientific rigor, innovation, and a deep understanding of complex biological and engineering principles. The "speed, rigor, integrity, and ownership" values are key indicators of the expected work ethic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Technician

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g., specific 3D printing materials, advanced post-processing, microfluidics).

• Process Improvement: Potential to take on more responsibility in refining SOPs, optimizing workflows, and contributing to the design of new manufacturing processes.

• Biotech Operations Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in biomanufacturing, aseptic techniques, and bioreactor systems, becoming a valuable asset in the rapidly growing biotech industry.

• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and initiative, there could be opportunities to mentor junior technicians or lead specific fabrication projects as the team expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed within the context of a specialized, high-growth industry. The emphasis on "defining a new scientific category" suggests that individuals who contribute significantly can see substantial career development and impact within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site laboratory and fabrication space.

Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, United States.

Workspace Context:

• Fabrication Area: Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, hand tools, post-processing equipment, and inspection tools.

• Assembly Area: Dedicated space for precise assembly, likely with clean benches or laminar flow hoods for aseptic work.

• Lab Integration: Proximity to biological labs where bioreactor systems and experimental setups are utilized.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The environment is designed for close collaboration between technicians, engineers, and scientists, fostering a dynamic and fast-paced work setting. Access to necessary operations tools and technology will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The primary work schedule is full-time, on-site. The nature of R&D and biological experiments may occasionally require some flexibility in working hours to meet critical deadlines or ensure continuous operation of experimental setups. However, the core expectation is a standard work week focused on efficient task completion and process adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role, the physical workspace and its organization are critical. The description implies a need for both dedicated fabrication/assembly areas and integration with biological lab spaces, requiring a technician who is comfortable and proficient in both environments, particularly regarding aseptic protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application, focusing on relevant fabrication, assembly, and lab experience.

• Technical Interview (Phone/Video): Discussion of hands-on skills, experience with specific tools (3D printers, laser cutters), understanding of aseptic techniques, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions about your approach to quality control and SOP adherence.

• Portfolio Review & On-site Interview: This will likely involve presenting specific examples from your portfolio, demonstrating your fabrication and assembly skills, and discussing how you've handled similar responsibilities. You will likely tour the lab and fabrication space and meet with key team members (engineers, scientists, potential manager).

• Skills Assessment/Practical Test: Potentially a hands-on test involving a fabrication or assembly task to evaluate your practical skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership or hiring manager to assess cultural fit, ownership mindset, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers to illustrate your impact (e.g., "reduced assembly time by 15%," "produced 50+ custom parts per week," "maintained 99% quality pass rate").

• Showcase Process Flow: For each portfolio item, clearly outline the steps involved, from raw material to finished product, highlighting your specific contributions at each stage.

• Detail Problem-Solving: When presenting a challenge, explain the issue, your analysis, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome.

• Tailor to the Role: Select portfolio items that most closely align with the responsibilities of a Manufacturing & Prototyping Technician supporting biological devices and bioreactors. Emphasize aseptic technique and fluidic assembly if possible.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Beyond just showing the work, be ready to talk about your thought process, the tools you used, and any lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Fabrication/Assembly Task: Prepare for a potential hands-on challenge that tests your ability to operate a 3D printer or laser cutter, perform precise assembly, or follow a complex set of instructions accurately.

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would troubleshoot common issues with 3D prints (e.g., warping, layer adhesion) or assembly processes.

• Aseptic Technique Discussion: Be prepared to explain your understanding of aseptic principles and how you would apply them in a practical setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential practical skills assessment is critical for this role. Candidates should proactively prepare by documenting past projects and being ready to articulate their process and problem-solving abilities. The company's values ("high agency," "ownership") should be woven into responses.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Printers: Various types (e.g., FDM, SLA, SLS) and brands. Proficiency in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting these machines is key.

• Laser Cutters: Familiarity with operating laser cutters for materials like acrylic, wood, or certain plastics.

• Post-Processing Equipment: Abrasive tools, polishing machines, curing stations (UV lamps), bonding agents, and inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers).

• Hand Tools & Assembly Equipment: Precision screwdrivers, tweezers, soldering irons (if applicable for electronic components), crimpers, and specialized assembly fixtures.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Quality Control Tools: Calipers, micrometers, visual inspection aids, potentially basic measurement software.

• Documentation Software: Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets), word processors (Word, Google Docs), and potentially specialized manufacturing execution system (MES) or lab information management system (LIMS) elements for record-keeping.

CRM & Automation:

• Inventory Management Software: Basic systems for tracking parts, consumables, and lab supplies.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for tracking tasks and project progress, especially in collaboration with engineering teams.

• CAD Software (Basic Familiarity): Ability to view and potentially make minor edits to CAD files (e.g., in SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) to understand designs or prepare for fabrication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on fabrication and assembly hardware. While specific software isn't heavily detailed, proficiency in documentation and basic project tracking tools is implied. A candidate's ability to quickly learn and adapt to new equipment and software used by the company will be important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• High Agency & Initiative: Employees are expected to take proactive steps, identify needs, and drive tasks forward without constant supervision.

• Ownership of Outcomes: A deep sense of responsibility for the results of one's work, going beyond just completing tasks to ensuring successful project completion.

• Speed & Momentum: A culture that values rapid progress and efficient execution in a fast-paced scientific environment.

• Rigor & Integrity: A commitment to high scientific and manufacturing standards, with honesty and transparency in data and communication.

• Systems Thinking: The ability to understand how different components (biology, hardware, data) interact within a complex system.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Clear Communication: Open and honest communication is encouraged, especially when issues arise or feedback needs to be shared.

• Interdisciplinary: Technicians will work closely with individuals from diverse scientific and engineering backgrounds, requiring effective communication across disciplines.

• Feedback-Receptive: A culture that values both giving and receiving constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement.

• Agile & Iterative: The team likely operates with a degree of flexibility, adapting to changing priorities and experimental needs common in R&D.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's explicitly stated values ("high agency," "ownership," "speed," "rigor," "integrity") are critical for understanding the desired candidate profile. This isn't just about technical skills; it's about embodying a proactive, responsible, and collaborative approach to work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: The need to quickly produce and assemble prototypes for frequent design changes can be demanding and requires adaptability.

• Balancing Speed and Precision: Maintaining high standards of accuracy and sterility while working under tight deadlines.

• Working with Novel Systems: Fabricating and assembling components for cutting-edge, potentially unproven biological and AI systems.

• Cross-functional Communication: Effectively translating technical needs and feedback between engineering, science, and operations teams.

• Maintaining Sterility in Fabrication: Integrating aseptic practices directly into fabrication and assembly processes, which can be complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Fabrication Techniques: Gaining deeper expertise in specialized 3D printing materials, multi-material printing, or advanced post-processing.

• Bioreactor System Knowledge: Developing a comprehensive understanding of bioreactor operation, maintenance, and integration with experimental setups.

• Process Optimization & Design: Contributing to the design and implementation of new, more efficient manufacturing and assembly workflows.

• Exposure to AI/Biotech Frontier: Working at the cutting edge of AI and biology, offering unique learning experiences in a rapidly evolving field.

• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from experienced engineers and scientists on technical challenges and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to work on the "frontier tech" in a nascent scientific field. The challenges are significant but are directly tied to opportunities for acquiring unique, high-demand skills in advanced manufacturing and biotech R&D operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to quickly fabricate a component for an urgent project. What was your process, and what were the challenges?" (Assesses agency, speed, problem-solving)

• "How do you ensure precision and quality when performing repetitive assembly tasks?" (Assesses attention to detail, rigor, process adherence)

• "Imagine a key component failed during a critical experiment. How would you approach troubleshooting and finding a solution?" (Assesses problem-solving, systems thinking, integrity)

• "Describe your experience with aseptic techniques. How do you maintain sterility during assembly?" (Assesses technical knowledge, practical application)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on what you know about Becoming, why are you excited about this specific role and company?" (Assesses research, cultural fit, motivation)

• "Describe a situation where you had to take ownership of a problem that wasn't directly assigned to you." (Assesses ownership, initiative)

• "How do you handle receiving constructive feedback on your work or processes?" (Assesses self-awareness, receptiveness to feedback)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar narrative structure.

• Visuals: Use high-quality photos or short videos of your work. Diagrams showing assembly steps or fabrication processes are also effective.

• Quantify: Highlight any metrics or improvements you achieved.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the steps you took, the tools you used, and the challenges you overcame.

• Connect to Becoming: Explain how your skills and experience directly apply to the Manufacturing & Prototyping Technician role at Becoming.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating the company's core values (agency, ownership, rigor, speed) through your responses and portfolio examples. Being able to articulate your process and problem-solving approach is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features examples of your 3D printing, laser cutting, precision assembly, and aseptic technique experience. Prioritize projects that showcase custom fabrication for technical or scientific applications.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "3D Printing," "Laser Cutting," "Aseptic Technique," "Fluidic Systems," "Prototyping," "SOP Execution," and "Quality Control." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on demonstrating high agency, ownership, and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss your understanding of aseptic workflows and your comfort with fast-paced, iterative environments.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review Becoming's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your approach to work aligns with their emphasis on speed, rigor, integrity, and ownership, and how you envision contributing to their goal of defining a new scientific category.

⚠️ 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.