---
title: 'Rapid Prototyping Technician at Neuralink'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/rapid-prototyping-technician-neuralink-austin-d19wx0vydfwt'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-16'
---

# Rapid Prototyping Technician at Neuralink

- **Company:** Neuralink
- **Location:** Austin, TX / South San Francisco, CA
- **Compensation:** $36–$59/hr
- **Posted:** 2026-10-08
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-16
- **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/neuralink/jobs/8017328003?gh_jid=8017328003

## Job description

About Neuralink:

We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.

Team Description:

The Machine Shop Team is responsible for supporting the entire company from machining high-precision robot prototype parts, to small batch runs for the Implant team, and also providing design and fabrication support for animal care teams. The Machine Shop team operates with a great sense of urgency. The team enables engineers to iterate quickly as we strive to create the world's best and most manufacturable Brain Computer Interface.

Job Description and Responsibilities:

As a Rapid Prototyping Technician, you'll play a crucial role in bringing innovative designs to life. We're seeking a mechanically-inclined individual who thrives on problem-solving and is passionate about fabrication methods. You are knowledgeable of each stage of the prototyping process, from conceptualization to manufacturing, ensuring the feasibility and efficiency of our designs.  The ideal candidate will be responsible for organizing and maintaining prototyping spaces, ensuring they are all in a tidy and optimal working condition.  You will be engaged with many day-to-day responsibilities including setup, running, post-processing, and cleaning of the parts we create.

- This role owns 3D printing from intake to hand-off and commits to safe operation and maintenance of FDM, SLA, MJP, and other 3D Printing systems
- Safe operation and maintenance of laser machines, including CO2 and UV laser systems, parametric tuning, and material testing
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize designs for production, give clear written and verbal updates
- Fabricate soft goods, including sewing, cutting, and pattern following for wearable or flexible assemblies
- Maintain and clean workspace and prototyping equipment, including preventative maintenance and inventory management of consumables
- Collaborate with design teams to understand project requirements and translate concepts into tangible prototypes
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet tight deadlines and production schedules, estimate effort level and deliver on time with minimal guidance
- Document all stages of the prototyping process, including materials used, machine settings, and any modifications made
- Stay updated on emerging technologies and fabrication techniques, continuously expanding your skill set and knowledge base
- Safe material and equipment handling at all times; adhere to shop safety for all personnel accessing the space (experience in regulated environments is a plus)

Required Qualifications:

- High school diploma or equivalent
- Proven experience in a fabrication or machining role, with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes
- Proficiency in operating a variety of machines and tools, such as 3D printers, lasers, and hand tools
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with the ability to identify and address potential issues early in the prototyping process
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills and techniques as needed
- A well organized individual
- Ability to work flexible hours as job duties demand, evening and/or weekend coverage if necessary
- Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds

Preferred Qualifications:

- 3+ years of hands-on experience in product model making, rapid prototyping, or an equivalent fabrication environment. (Candidates with less experience but the right skill set, attitude, and initiative will be considered)
- Technical certification or associate degree in a related field (Engineering, Design, Materials, or equivalent)
- Proficiency in operating a variety of machine tools including CNC and manual mills and lathes
- Experience with small and delicate assemblies where precision is critical. Strong fine motor skills and manual dexterity
- Experience in a regulated or safety-conscious environment (medical devices preferred)
- Formal safety training or certification (laser safety, chemical handling, PPE compliance)
- CAD experience (SolidWorks, Rhino) including basic CAD for jigs and fixtures
- Adobe Creative Suite familiarity
- Sewing or soft goods fabrication background
- Model making experience
- High-quality surface finishing experience -- plastics and metals from high polish to fine matte texture
- A working knowledge of adhesives
- Experience manufacturing tooling, jigs, and fixtures
- Experience assisting with equipment installation and lab moves

Expected Compensation:

At Neuralink, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. The anticipated hourly rate for this position is expected to be within the below range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Hourly Range $35.58—$59.13 USD

What We Offer:

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.

- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
- Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
- Paid holidays
- Commuter benefits
- Meals provided
- Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
- 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
- Parental leave *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
- Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded

## About Neuralink

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Neuralink develops implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that decode neural signals to restore autonomy for people with paralysis and other neurological conditions.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series D; total funding $1.35B as of Aug 2025)
- **Headquarters**: Fremont, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2016
- **Founders**: Elon Musk, Max Hodak, Benjamin Rapoport, Dongjin Seo, Paul Merolla, Philip Sabes, Timothy J. Gardner, Tim Hanson, Vanessa Tolosa

## Core Business
- Primary industry: Neurotechnology / Biotechnology (implantable medical devices)
- Target customers: B2C (patients with quadriplegia, ALS, spinal cord injury), B2B (hospitals, research institutions, clinical partners)
- Mission: "Building brain interfaces to restore autonomy" – initially helping people with unmet medical needs control computers and robotic arms with their thoughts, and ultimately unlocking human potential.

## Products & Services
- **N1 Implant (“the Link”)**: Coin-sized, surgically implanted BCI that records and stimulates brain activity via flexible neural threads. Enables users to control digital devices (mouse, keyboard, apps) using thought alone. Available only in clinical trials (PRIME Study).
- **Telepathy**: Product name for the N1 Implant’s capability to allow users to control computers and mobile devices (announced by Musk).
- **Blindsight**: Experimental implant designed to restore visual perception by directly stimulating the visual cortex. Received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in September 2024.
- **Speech BCI**: Device under development to restore communication for individuals with severe speech impairment (ALS, stroke, etc.). Received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in May 2025.
- **Neurosurgical Robot**: Custom robot for autonomous, precise insertion of neural threads during surgery.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: ~$9 billion (per Tracxn, as of 2026)
- **Key Metric**: Total funding ~$1.35 billion (13 rounds); annual revenue ~$20 million (pre-commercial, primarily from research partnerships)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Founders Fund (led Series D), CoreNest Capital (led 2025 venture round), Elon Musk (owns >50%). Partners include University Health Network (Toronto), FDA (regulatory collaboration).
- **Growth Signals**:
  - 21 human patients implanted as of January 2026
  - Headcount grew 31.3% year-over-year to ~400 employees (with 127 active job postings)
  - Received FDA Breakthrough Device Designations for Blindsight and speech BCI
  - Expanded clinical trials to Canada (first procedures outside the U.S. in Aug/Sep 2025)
  - Patients reached typing speeds of up to 40 words per minute and achieved information transfer rates comparable to able-bodied mouse users

## Competitive Advantages
- **First-mover with human implants**: Only BCI company with FDA-approved human trials and over 20 implanted patients.
- **Robotic precision**: Proprietary surgical robot capable of inserting ultra-thin threads (4–6 µm) that are too fine for human hands.
- **Regulatory momentum**: Multiple FDA Breakthrough Device Designations accelerating development for vision, speech, and motor restoration.
- **Interdisciplinary talent pool**: Recruits from Tesla, SpaceX, OpenAI, Stanford, UCSF; team spans neuroscience, electrical engineering, robotics, and microfab.
- **High-profile leadership**: Elon Musk’s visibility draws talent, funding, and media attention.

## Strategic Focus
- **Clinical expansion**: Scale the PRIME Study to more patients and new sites (Canada, additional countries).
- **Product pipeline**: Commercialize Blindsight (vision) and speech prosthetics; develop motor/sensory restoration capabilities.
- **Regulatory pathway**: Transition from trial-only to eventual commercial approval by the FDA.
- **R&D**: Advance silent speech interfaces, cognitive enhancement, and broader neurological applications (epilepsy, depression, etc.).

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-driven impact**: Work directly on technology that restores function and independence to people with paralysis, ALS, and blindness.
- **Rapid growth**: 31% annual headcount increase; employees often advance quickly due to cross-functional, ambitious projects.
- **Culture**: Open communication and collaboration champion “the best ideas, regardless of where they come from” ([neuralink.com/careers](https://neuralink.com/careers/)).
- **Disciplines welcome**: Engineering (embedded, software, optical, analog IC), surgery/robotics, neuroscience, manufacturing, and operations.
- **Perks & environment**: Fremont HQ with plans for a larger facility near Austin. Hands-on, lab-heavy work likely requires on-site presence.
- **Career development**: Internal growth opportunities, exposure to cutting-edge science, and cross-team collaboration.

## Sources
1. [neuralink.com](https://neuralink.com/)
2. [neuralink.com/careers](https://neuralink.com/careers/)
3. [linkedin.com/company/neuralink](https://www.linkedin.com/company/neuralink)
4. [tracxn.com/d/companies/neuralink](https://tracxn.com/d/companies/neuralink/__oUVI98zbdmLZga1LgBRb3oGJJBxjbzTc7bMWUfAOLws)
5. [builtin.com/hardware/what-is-neuralink](https://builtin.com/hardware/what-is-neuralink)

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