Lead Composite & Prototype Technician

DoorDash USA • San Francisco, CA

16h • $53 - $78 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Composite & Prototype Technician to join the Prototype Integration (PI) Team. In this role, you will be the primary authority on advanced materials, responsible for fabricating the lightweight, high-strength structural components that enable our robotic platforms. This is a physically demanding, craftsmanship-focused role that requires a high degree of precision in layup techniques and tooling preparation. When fabrication needs are met, you will pivot to support the broader team as a Prototype Technician, assisting with the physical assembly and maintenance of complex electromechanical systems.

Requirements

• Minimum 2+ years of relevant working experience in composite manufacturing, aerospace, or high-performance fabrication.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency in the use of hand and power tools and a high degree of manual dexterity for precision assembly.
• Mastery of vacuum bagging and lamination techniques with Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, and Kevlar.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
• Capacity to work in physically demanding environments, including bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and standing for extended periods.
• Tolerance for exposure to dust, fumes, adhesives, and fiberglass (with proper PPE provided).
• Ability to wear and work safely with required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including respirators, gloves, and eye/ear protection.
• Visual acuity to measure accurately and perform detailed craftsmanship on structural parts.
• Willingness to travel within the US and abroad occasionally if required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with advanced tooling creation from machined aluminum or 3D-printed masters.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Solidworks, Onshape) for model navigation and design verification.
• Background in making composites for fun projects
• Valid U.S. driver’s license

Responsibilities

• Perform tooling prep operations in preparation for lamination.
• Prepare and organize composite materials in preparation for lamination.
• Apply composite materials onto molds or tooling surfaces using techniques like hand layup or automated processes.
• Ensure proper ply orientation, ply thickness, and material consolidation is achieved.
• Utilize advanced vacuum bagging techniques for composite layup operations, including Pre-Preg, Infusion, and Wet/Vacuum Bag Lamination.
• Mix and use Epoxy resins, fairing compounds, and industry-standard paints for structural and finishing needs.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications to ensure build accuracy.
• Operate and control a variety of power tools, including sanders, drills, impact drivers, and routers, safely and effectively for extended periods.
• Maintain and manage specialized shop infrastructure, including the cleanroom, curing ovens, and hazardous material storage.
• Support the physical assembly, wiring, and mechanical troubleshooting of robotic vehicles and test fixtures during peak build cycles.
• Use computers for basic documentation, record-keeping, and tracking of material shelf life.
• Work comfortably alone on complex components or in a team environment during full vehicle builds.
• Verbally communicate, read, and comprehend complex written and verbal instructions.

Benefits

• DoorDash cares about you and your overall well-being. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, which includes a 401(k) plan with employer matching, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, wellness benefits, commuter benefits match, paid time off and paid sick leave in compliance with applicable laws (e.g. Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act). DoorDash also offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, 11 paid holidays, disability and basic life insurance, family-forming assistance, and a mental health program, among others.
• For salaried roles: flexible paid time off/vacation, plus 80 hours of paid sick time per year.
• For hourly roles: vacation accrued at about 1 hour for every 25.97 hours worked (e.g. about 6.7 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 3.4 hours/month if working 20 hours/week), and paid sick time accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked (e.g. about 5.8 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 2.9 hours/month if working 20 hours/week).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED