Dominion Dynamics is an Ottawa-based defence technology startup developing autonomous combat aircraft and an Autonomous Collaborative Platform to operate alongside manned fighters.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN, PROTOTYPE & LOW-VOLUME MANUFACTURING Preferred Location: Onsite - Ottawa Reports to: Head of Hardware Type: Full-Time ABOUT DOMINION DYNAMICS See everything. Defend what matters. Dominion Dynamics is building tomorrow’s technology today: sovereign, next-generation defence systems for the harshest environments on Earth. We’re delivering a software-defined command and control capability that lets Canada and its allies see, respond, and defend across every domain, starting in the Arctic, where extreme cold demands technology no one else can deliver. From prototype to deployment in months, we move fast, co-develop with operators, innovate at the edge, and test in our North. Our founding team includes veterans from Anduril, Google, Amazon, and the Canadian Armed Forces. We’re building hard tech in hard places, and we're looking for system-level thinkers who thrive at the intersection of autonomy, aerospace, and national security. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS As Dominion builds sovereign autonomous systems, speed of execution matters just as much as engineering quality. This role bridges the gap between concept and reality — turning CAD, prototypes, and engineering ideas into functional hardware that can be tested, iterated, and deployed quickly. You will help accelerate product development by building, machining, assembling, and refining mission-critical systems in a highly hands-on environment where rapid iteration and practical problem-solving are essential. THE ROLE: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN (PROTOTYPE & LOW-VOLUME MANUFACTURING) This is a highly hands-on builder role focused on prototyping, fabrication, machining, and early-stage manufacturing. You’ll work closely with engineers and product teams to move quickly from concept to physical hardware, supporting everything from one-off prototypes to low-volume production builds. You’ll operate across machining, welding, additive manufacturing, composites, assembly, inspection, and tooling, helping shape products that are designed for real-world deployment in demanding operational environments. WHAT YOU’LL DO - Collaborate closely with engineers to rapidly iterate designs and provide feedback on manufacturability, tolerancing, and material selection - Fabricate and assemble mechanical prototypes using machining, welding, and general shop processes - Program, set up, and operate CNC mills and lathes to produce precision components from CAD models and engineering drawings - Develop and optimize CAM toolpaths, machining strategies, feeds, and speeds for prototype and short-run production - Perform dimensional inspections using metrology equipment and validate components against GD&T requirements - Design and build fixtures, jigs, molds, and work-holding solutions to improve repeatability and manufacturing efficiency - Operate and maintain additive manufacturing equipment for rapid prototyping and functional part production - Work with composite materials including carbon fiber and fiberglass, supporting layup, trimming, curing, and finishing processes - Support low-volume manufacturing runs while maintaining quality, consistency, and process documentation - Troubleshoot machining, fabrication, and assembly issues quickly in a fast-paced development environment - Maintain build documentation, inspection records, and revision control throughout the development lifecycle - Contribute to continuous improvement of shop processes, tooling, workflows, and manufacturing practices - Uphold safety standards and maintain a clean, organized, high-functioning shop environment WHAT YOU’LL BRING - Diploma or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering Technology or a related discipline - 5+ years of hands-on experience in CNC machining, fabrication, and prototype development - Strong experience operating CNC mills and lathes, including CAM programming and G-code fundamentals - Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks - Strong understanding of metrology, inspection techniques, and GD&T interpretation - Hands-on MIG and/or TIG welding experience - Experience with additive manufacturing technologies and rapid prototyping workflows - Experience working with composite materials and fabrication techniques - Experience designing and building tooling, molds, fixtures, or jigs - Demonstrated ability to move quickly from prototype to low-volume production - Strong troubleshooting skills and a practical, builder-oriented mindset - Comfortable operating in a startup, R&D, or fast-paced product development environment - Experience with multi-axis CNC machining, advanced toolpaths, or production scaling is considered an asset - Knowledge of composite curing methods such as vacuum bagging or autoclave processing is considered an asset No defence background required. We've hired people who didn't tick every box. If this is the work you want to do, please apply anyway. WHY JOIN US Building something meaningful starts with the right people. At Dominion Dynamics, you’ll: - Shape Canada’s future by building real defence capability for the CAF and our allies - Make decisions that ship in a high-trust environment with short feedback loops and rapid iteration - Move fast, field faster, and work directly with the operator — our systems are in the field with the CAF now - Have an impact from day one with equity, responsibility, and direct access to leadership If you’re curious, hands-on, and driven by the opportunity to make a difference, this is where you belong. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - Competitive base salary and company equity - Comprehensive health benefits - Additional equity granted based on impact We use AI tools to support parts of the hiring process, including screening and reviewing responses. Final hiring decisions are always made by people and follow all applicable privacy and employment laws in Canada.