Fabrication & CAD Technician

Job Description Summary

The robotics team technician plays a critical hands-on role supporting the Robotics & Computer Vision team at GE Vernova Advanced Research. This position provides CAD-to-fabrication support, light machining and assembly, and day-to-day ownership of laboratory spaces and equipment.
Working closely with engineers and researchers, the Technician helps transform designs and ideas into physical prototypes by preparing CAD files for fabrication, operating and maintaining lab equipment, and contributing practical insights that improve manufacturability, usability, and reliability. This role also serves as a steward of the robotics lab environment, ensuring tools, equipment, and spaces are safe, organized, and ready to support fast-moving research and development work.
The Robotics team values collaboration, craftsmanship, and shared ownership. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys building, maintaining, and improving things - and who takes pride in enabling others to do their best technical work.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Fabrication & CAD/CAM Support

• Support engineers by converting CAD designs into fabrication-ready files with expertise in and through understanding of CAM software and 3D printing slicers.
• Fabricate robotic components and prototypes using CNC machines, 3D printers, and external PCB manufacturing services.
• Perform light machining, assembly, and finishing of prototype components.

• Maintain and organize robotics laboratory spaces, ensuring tools, materials, and equipment are operational and readily available.
• Schedule, perform, or coordinate maintenance on lab equipment including 'fit and finish' metalworking equipment, 3D printers, laser cutters, and related tools.
• Maintain required supplies, tooling, and consumables for fabrication activities.

• Manage a queue of fabrication/assembly and lab support requests, including scheduling, prioritization, and job logging.
• Coordinate closely with engineering teams to align priorities and delivery timelines.

• Participate in technical discussions with engineers to provide input on designs for ease of fabrication, ergonomics, repairability, and operation.
• Independently troubleshoot and resolve mechanical and fabrication-related issues where objectives are defined but solutions require judgment and experience.

• Maintain standard laboratory equipment and facilities, including calibration of instruments and monitoring devices.
• Develop, maintain, and follow relevant Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) documentation and procedures.
• Perform all work in accordance with GE Vernova EHS guidelines and compliance policies.

• Document test setups, fabrication procedures, and key results or findings.
• Perform basic data processing and prepare reports using tools such as Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with a focus on machining, fabrication, and mechanical design

• Familiarity with Solidworks and a CAM package, (bonus if familiarity as well with AutoCAD)
• Hands-on experience with 3D printers, lathes, CNC mills, and laser cutters.
• Familiarity with lab and experiment tools such as Python, G-code, LabVIEW, or similar and a willingness to learn new software packages
• Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated track record of completing tasks and deliverables on schedule.
• Pride in craftsmanship, lab ownership, and maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
• Collaborative mindset and enjoyment of working closely with engineers and researchers.