The posting
About the team
Droyd builds autonomous robotic systems that automate repetitive manual work in production environments.
Because our hardware team moves quickly, the machine shop and prototype lab are core to how we iterate and build.
The prototype team at Droyd supports both R&D and production. The work ranges from one-off parts and fixtures to repeatable components that keep engineering moving.
About the role
As a Prototype Technician at Droyd, you will support the build of robot hardware across prototyping, fabrication, and assembly. Working under the guidance of the Prototype Team Lead, you will execute the day-to-day 3D printing workflow, set up laser cutting operations, maintain lab organization, and ensure high-quality prototype components are delivered reliably.
This is a hands-on role for someone who can wear many hats across 3D printing, laser cutting, and electromechanical assembly. You won't just run equipment; you'll help make good decisions about print orientations, cutting parameters, and part setup based on how parts will actually be used. Beyond additive and laser fabrication, you will also contribute as an agile technician supporting robotic builds, mechanical rework, and general lab overflow tasks.
This role is based in San Francisco, CA. We're an in-person company. We build faster that way.
In this role, you’ll
- Execute the day-to-day operation of the 3D printing workflow, maintaining a fleet of printers (FDM, SLA, SLS) and managing print queues to hit engineering deadlines.
- Prepare, process, and optimize print jobs, making smart setup choices regarding print orientation, infill strategy, and material selection based on part function.
- Set up and operate CO2 and fiber laser cutters, establishing appropriate nesting and optimizing power, speed, and frequency parameters to cleanly cut or engrave various engineering substrates.
- Perform post-processing operations including support removal, washing, curing, sanding, deburring, and preparing fabricated parts for assembly.
- Inspect completed parts for dimensional accuracy, cosmetic quality, and geometric integrity using calipers, micrometers, and basic metrology tools before delivery.
- Handle materials and inventory management, including the proper storage, drying, and care of filaments, resins, sheet stock, and hardware consumables to ensure maximum machine uptime.
- Troubleshoot and maintain equipment, identifying process or print quality failures and performing routine calibration on lab machinery.
- Collaborate closely with engineers and the prototype team to track incoming requests, identify fabrication bottlenecks, and flag design or print optimization issues early.
- Maintain strong standards for safety, cleanliness, and lab care, following strict EHS protocols, including proper laser safety and ventilation standards, to keep the workspace organized.
- Because we move fast, everyone on the floor pitches in. You will regularly step in to execute assembly work for small manufacturing runs, assist with facility setup tasks, and maintain lab organization to ensure the team remains agile and supported.
We’re looking for someone who
- Has hands-on experience building hardware in a shop, lab, startup, or prototyping environment.
- Has strong hands-on experience with 3D printing workflows, understanding that good printing requires technical judgment, not just uploading a file and pressing start.
- Can work across multiple fabrication methods rather than only one specialty, making sound setup choices based on part function, tolerances, and assembly requirements.
- Can read engineering drawings, CAD models, and schematics to execute builds carefully and precisely.
- Is highly organized and detail-oriented, maintaining a clean, structured work area while keeping multiple machines and priorities running smoothly.
- Is comfortable troubleshooting, tuning, and maintaining mechanical hardware and lab machinery.
- Communicates well with engineers and fellow technicians, proactively flagging quality issues before they become downstream build problems.
- Is physically capable of standing for long periods, wearing required PPE, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
Nice to have
- Experience setting up or operating CO2 or fiber laser cutting systems (on-the-job training will be provided for candidates who meet all other criteria).
- Training or basic experience with machining processes (manual or CNC mills and lathes).
- Familiarity with cable fabrication, harness assembly, or the ability to read basic wiring diagrams.
- Experience in prototype-heavy environments such as robotics, aerospace, motorsports, or hardware startups.
- Experience documenting data (build logs, print parameters, or process notes) within an MES, PLM, or tracking system.
About Droyd
Droyd builds autonomous robotic systems to automate manual work for enterprises. We design the hardware, write the control stack, and deploy robots that operate in production environments.
If we do this right, robots stop being prototypes and start being infrastructure.
Join us and help build hardware that ships.
