Fabrication Lead

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems-the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security.

Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Friends & Family Capital, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.

Valinor Harbor is seeking a Fabrication Lead to build and own the production capability behind its mobile, modular medical systems equipped for precision care, rapid response, and remote monitoring in austere environments. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can work directly with engineers to turn designs into manufacturable assemblies, run the shop floor, and manage the outside contractors who will execute a significant portion of the fabrication work. You'll own the project management side of that relationship, keeping contractors on schedule and on spec while maintaining quality standards. You'll work closely with engineers and fabrication staff to drive quality and efficiency from day one, and you'll set the standard for fabrication excellence across the team.

• Translate engineering designs into fabrication plans, identifying opportunities to simplify construction and improve manufacturability

• Source, manage, and coordinate outside fabrication contractors, serving as the primary project manager for contracted work from scoping through delivery

• Fabricate and assemble modular structures and specialty enclosures using press brakes, laser cutting equipment, welding processes, and related tooling

• Review drawings and collaborate directly with engineers to resolve design-for-fabrication issues before they reach the shop floor

• Own shop quality and inspection, ensuring all assemblies, whether built in-house or by contractors, meet design requirements and production standards

• Establish fabrication procedures, workflows, and documentation as the department's foundational systems

• Continuously improve fabrication methods, tooling, and labor utilization to increase production efficiency

• Build out the internal fabrication team over time, eventually supervising in-house fabricators and welders as the department grows

• Maintain a safe, organized, and high-output shop environment

• 7+ years of hands-on fabrication experience, including structural steel and aluminum, sheet metal, and welding processes

• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and fabrication packages with extreme attention to detail

• Demonstrated experience in fabrication process planning and production workflow development

• Experience leading or supervising a fabrication team, or clear readiness to step into that role

• Proficiency with press brake and sheet metal fabrication equipment; CNC/laser programming experience a plus

• Ability to edit CAD drawings a major plus

• Background in military shelters or defense fabrication, oil and gas, or heavy equipment manufacturing strongly preferred

• Experience with quality control and inspection processes for fabricated assemblies

• AWS CWI certification or familiarity with D1.1 structural welding standards beneficial but not required

• Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401(k), development stipends, among others.

• Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.

• We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.

• Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

This role requires the candidate to be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance preferred, but not required.

Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!