About Glīd Technologies

Glīd Technologies is transforming first-mile logistics with autonomous road-to-rail vehicles, AI-powered logistics platforms, and human-centered workforce strategies. Our products — GliderM, EZRA-1SIX, and Rāden — move goods cleaner, faster, and smarter while creating economic opportunities in the communities we serve.
Founded by a U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force veteran with SpaceX experience, Glīd is led by a team with deep technical and operational expertise from industry leaders including Bombardier, Google, and other world-class organizations. We combine a mission-driven mindset with relentless innovation to deliver solutions that ben efit both industry and people.

Role Overview

The Lead Forger is Glīd’s advanced metalcraft specialist — an expert fabricator, machinist, and CNC programmer who can take rough sketches to production-ready parts and fixtures. You’ll build frames, brackets, mounts, and precision components; design and fabricate jigs/fixtures; and partner tightly with engineering to prototype, iterate, and improve manufacturability. This is a shop-first role (not a driver position).

Key Responsibilities

• Precision Fabrication & Welding: Perform TIG/MIG (steel, stainless, aluminum); fit-up, tacking, final welds; structural and sheet assemblies.
  

• Machine Shop & CNC Programming: Set up/run CNC mills and lathes; write/modify G-code; program toolpaths in CAM (e.g., Fusion 360/Mastercam); hold tight tolerances.
  

• Tooling, Jigs & Fixtures: Design and fabricate fixtures for repeatability and safety; build assembly aides and welding jigs.
  

• CAD/CAM & DFM: Interpret drawings and 3D models; provide feedback on manufacturability; create simple models/sketches when needed.
  

• Metrology & QA: Use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, surface plates; verify GD&T callouts; document inspections.
  

• Materials & Processes: Work across bar, plate, tube, and sheet; basic heat-treat/straightening; finishing (deburr, grind, passivate/coat coordination).
  

• Shop Leadership: Maintain 5S standards; schedule preventive maintenance; manage consumables and stock; help define SOPs and safety practices.
  

• Prototype to Production: Rapidly iterate early parts; transition to stable processes and traveler/route documentation.
  

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years professional experience in metal fabrication and machining or equivalent combination of trade school + experience.
  

• Expert TIG/MIG welding across ferrous and non-ferrous materials; strong fit-up and distortion control.
  

• Proficient in CNC mill/lathe setup and CAM programming (Fusion 360/Mastercam or similar).
  

• Fluent in blueprint reading and GD&T; understands stack-ups and datum schemes.
  

• Hands-on with manual mills/lathes, press brake, shear, band saw, drill press, grinders.
  

• Strong safety mindset (OSHA practices, LOTO, guarded setups, proper PPE).
  

• Clear communicator; able to mentor junior fabricators and collaborate with engineers.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in vehicle, robotics, or mobility assemblies (frames, brackets, drivetrain mounts).
  

• Tube bending/rolling; CNC plasma/laser/waterjet workflow.
  

• Familiarity with AWS D1.1/D17.1 test standards (formal certs a plus).
  

• Basic NDT (dye penetrant) exposure; crane/forklift certifications.
  

• ERP/MRP familiarity (BOMs, travelers, routings).
  

Work Environment & Travel

• Primary: Riverside shop (day shift), occasional OT during build pushes.
  

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $85,000 – $105,000 (DOE)
  

• Equity participation; health/dental/vision; PTO & holidays; certification costs covered.
  

Equal Opportunity Statement

Glīd Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We’re committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to access benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@glidtech.us.