Model Maker Finishing/Painting
Prototyping
Your Charter: Own the cosmetic finishing, painting, and detailed assembly of appearance models and physical mock-ups, ensuring each model accurately represents the intended design direction. Your work will help the industrial design and engineering teams evaluate product form, surface quality, and visual details as we move NEO from concept to production.
Key Outcomes:- Deliver high-quality appearance models and physical mock-ups that meet defined design, finish, and quality expectations.
- Execute cosmetic hand finishing and painting across plastics, metals, and other model-making materials, achieving consistent surface quality from high polish to fine matte.
- Complete detailed model assembly with precision, ensuring components fit correctly and finished models accurately represent design intent.
- Maintain consistent craftsmanship and repeatable finishing standards across multiple models, materials, and surface types.
- Collaborate with industrial designers, model makers, and engineers to resolve finish, assembly, and appearance challenges.
- Support the timely delivery of physical models for design reviews, product evaluations, and prototype development.
Key Competencies:- Exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and pride in producing high-quality physical work.
- Strong hands-on finishing and painting skills, with the ability to achieve precise cosmetic results across different materials and surface conditions.
- Strong understanding of model-making techniques, tools, materials, and assembly processes.
- Ability to translate design intent into accurate physical models and finished surfaces.
- Resourceful, hands-on problem solver who can identify and resolve quality and finishing challenges.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced
Minimum Requirements:- 3-5 years of experience in product model making, finishing, painting, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience with cosmetic hand finishing and painting of physical models or product prototypes.
- Proficiency in finishing plastics and metals across a range of surface types, from high polish to fine matte.
- Demonstrated ability to perform detailed model assembly with precision and consistency.
- Strong craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
- A portfolio or samples demonstrating relevant model-making, finishing, painting, and assembly work is required.
Candidates with fewer years of experience but an exceptional portfolio and demonstrated initiative are encouraged to apply.
Preferred Skills:- Experience working in an industrial design studio, product development environment, or prototyping lab.
- Experience with appearance models, industrial design mock-ups, or consumer product prototypes.
- Familiarity with surface preparation, priming, sanding, polishing, masking, and paint application techniques.
- Experience working with a broad range of model-making materials, adhesives, and hand tools.
- Ability to interpret CAD models, technical drawings, and industrial design references.
Compensation Range:$150,000 - $160,000 pear year + equity Benefits:- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave
- 401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) options
- Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
- Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support
- Onsite snacks and catered lunches
