3D Printing Lab Technician / Model Builder

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled 3D Printing Lab Technician / Model Builder to lead day-to-day operations of our additive manufacturing lab and produce high-quality demonstration models, mockups, fixtures, and test assets that support engineering, manufacturing, and customer-facing activities.

Essential Functions

• Run the daily operations of the 3D print lab, including managing print queues, setting priorities, and balancing scheduled work with walk-in demand
• Create, prepare, modify, and optimize CAD models for additive manufacturing, with Siemens NX preferred
• Produce high-quality demonstration items, representative product models, fixtures, mockups, and test support assets
• Support large model builds and complex print jobs from setup through post-processing and final delivery
• Select appropriate print methods, materials, orientations, support strategies, and finishing approaches based on intended use
• Operate additive systems across polymer and metal printing workflows, including setup, build monitoring, post-processing coordination, and quality checks
• Maintain high printer utilization while making sound decisions about schedule, urgency, and available machine capacity
• Perform routine printer maintenance and upkeep, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with service contractors to minimize downtime
• Manage raw material inventory to ensure adequate stock levels, proper storage, rotation, and expiration control
• Track lab usage, machine health, and material needs to support efficient operations and planning
• Attend additive manufacturing conferences, monitor emerging technologies, and help develop capital requests for new printers, materials, and capabilities
• Help evaluate and bring new capabilities in-house, including multi-material printing, carbon fiber printing, and advanced metal printing options such as dual-alloy processes

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma, technical certification, associate degree, or equivalent hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, model making, fabrication, or a related field

Preferred Additional Skills

• Exceptional CAD skills with experience creating accurate, production-quality 3D models; Siemens NX strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience with polymer additive manufacturing processes such as FDM, MJF, and DLS
• Familiarity with metal additive manufacturing, including aluminum printing workflows and handling considerations
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving ability
• Experience producing realistic, high-quality physical models that accurately represent final products or assemblies
• Ability to manage multiple requests, shifting priorities, and a high-mix workload with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams
• Experience running or coordinating a shared additive manufacturing lab or model shop
• Experience with post-processing, finishing, assembly, and cosmetic improvement of printed parts and presentation models
• Experience creating fixtures, jigs, and other support hardware for engineering or manufacturing teams
• Exposure to additive technology scouting, vendor engagement, and capital equipment planning
• Familiarity with advanced or emerging additive capabilities such as continuous fiber reinforcement, multi-material systems, or dual-alloy metal printing

Work Environment and Additional Requirements

• This role may require occasional evening or weekend work to support large builds, urgent requests, or maximize printer utilization
• The role involves hands-on work in a lab environment, including moving materials, working around equipment, and following established safety procedures for additive manufacturing operations