Manufacturing Engineer II

The Opportunity:

Helogen is hiring a Manufacturing Technician II to support machining, fabrication, mechanical assembly, and hardware integration at our Los Angeles engineering and manufacturing facility. You'll join a small team of engineers, scientists, builders, and operators working to unlock the potential of the microgravity environment for industrial applications. We value execution over perfection, clarity over complexity, and ownership over handholding. We move quickly, learn fast, and adapt as the hardware evolves.

As a Manufacturing Technician II, you'll turn engineering designs into precision components, functional assemblies, and test-ready hardware. You'll independently set up and operate CNC equipment, fabricate parts and tooling, assemble mechanical systems, and work directly with engineers to build and iterate on prototypes. This is a hands-on role for someone who takes pride in their workmanship, enjoys solving problems, and is comfortable working in a fast-moving environment where priorities evolve as hardware develops.

Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate 3-axis CNC mills to manufacture precision mechanical components from engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing specifications

• Prepare CNC programs and CAM toolpaths for moderately complex parts; select cutting tools, establish workholding, and determine appropriate machining parameters

• Machine aluminum, stainless steel, engineering plastics, and other materials; perform manual machining, drilling, tapping, deburring, and finishing operations

• Fabricate prototypes, fixtures, brackets, enclosures, and custom tooling; inspect finished parts and work in progress using calipers, micrometers, and other precision measurement tools

• Assemble mechanical components, subassemblies, and flight hardware according to engineering drawings and procedures, including installing fasteners, fittings, tubing, and other hardware

• Support the integration of electromechanical systems, fluid handling equipment, and instrumentation; perform fit checks, troubleshoot issues, and carry out controlled rework as needed

• Work directly with engineers to manufacture and iterate on prototypes, providing practical feedback on manufacturability, tolerances, materials, and machining methods

• Support 3D printing and other rapid prototyping processes, engineering tests, experimental setups, and hardware modifications

• Maintain CNC machines, shop equipment, tooling, and supplies; perform basic troubleshooting, document manufacturing activities and inspection results, and keep the workspace clean, organized, and safe

• Conduct incoming inspections and support the preparation, packaging, and handling of hardware for testing and shipment

What We're Looking For:

• Requirements:

  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in CNC machining, precision manufacturing, mechanical fabrication, or a related field

  • Comfortable independently setting up and operating 3-axis CNC milling machines

  • Proficiency with CNC programming, CAM software, tooling selection, and workholding

  • Ability to read mechanical drawings and interpret dimensions, tolerances, and manufacturing specifications

  • Familiar with precision measurement tools, including calipers and micrometers

  • Experience with mechanical assembly, hand tools, and general fabrication equipment

  • Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills; attentive to detail and workmanship

  • Autonomous, with high ownership of your work and workspace

  • Flexible and collaborative, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities, solve problems, and jump in where needed

• Nice to have:

  • Experience in aerospace, robotics, medical devices, or other precision hardware manufacturing environments

  • Proficiency with Fusion 360 CAM, Mastercam, or similar software; familiarity with SYIL, Haas, or similar CNC milling equipment

  • Experience with 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and rapid prototyping

  • Knowledge around machining aluminum, stainless steel, and engineering plastics

  • Understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and dimensional inspection

  • Comfortable assembling electromechanical systems or precision mechanical hardware

  • Experience working with flight hardware, controlled assembly procedures, or manufacturing traceability

  • Familiarity with cleanroom or electrostatic discharge (ESD)-controlled environments

Compensation:

The compensation range for this position is $40.00-$55.00/hour. Qualified candidates must be based in Los Angeles, California and willing to work full-time from our office near LAX .

Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO

• Health, dental, vision and life insurance

• 401(k) program

• Membership to OneMedical

• Be part of creating something new that will change the world

Export Control Requirements

Due to the nature of the work performed, applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by U.S.* export control regulations or otherwise eligible to access export-controlled information and technology.
*U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)