Advanced Manufacturing Technician

About the role

Bowhead is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Technician to support the Manufacturing Science and Technology Branch (MSTB) within the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL).

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize advanced manufacturing equipment, including additive manufacturing systems (3D printers), thermal spray equipment, CNC machine tools, and robotic platforms in accordance with established procedures and guidance from technical staff.
• Perform manual and CNC machining operations.
• Program robotic systems to perform basic manufacturing operations.
• Prepare metallographic samples through sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing of metallic, polymer, and composite materials.
• Operate testing equipment to perform materials characterization and mechanical testing, such as tensile, hardness, adhesion, and related evaluations.
• Capture, document, and maintain experimental data, test results, and laboratory records.
• Fabricate and modify fixtures, tooling, and components using common shop equipment and power tools.
• Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and supply levels, including coordinating procurement of routine laboratory materials.
• Support hazardous waste management activities and maintain compliance with laboratory safety requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or vocational/technical school certification.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in manufacturing, science, or technology-related fields.
• Ability to follow technical procedures and work instructions.
• Experience using computer software to collect, organize, and present findings.
• Experience documenting work activities, technical procedures, laboratory activities, or project-related tasks.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet project schedules and deadlines.
• Willingness to work with laboratory materials and chemicals while following established safety procedures and training requirements.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:
• High school diploma or vocational/technical school certification.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in manufacturing, science, or technology-related fields.
• Ability to follow technical procedures and work instructions.
• Experience using computer software to collect, organize, and present findings.
• Experience documenting work activities, technical procedures, laboratory activities, or project-related tasks.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet project schedules and deadlines.
• Willingness to work with laboratory materials and chemicals while following established safety procedures and training requirements.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies.
• Experience working with CAD/solid modeling tools to manipulate existing models or generate new models from technical data.
• Experience in manufacturing, laboratory, or technical shop environments.
• Robotics, automation, or computer programming experience.
• Experience operating CNC and manual machining equipment.
• Experience with metallography, microscopy, materials characterization, and mechanical testing.
• Operation of power tools, machine tools, or fabrication equipment.
• Technical coursework, vocational training, or hands-on experience in manufacturing, engineering technology, or related fields.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification.

Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Interest in manufacturing, science, or technology-related fields.
• Ability to follow technical procedures and work instructions.
• Experience using computer software to collect, organize, and present findings.
• Experience documenting work activities, technical procedures, laboratory activities, or project-related tasks.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet project schedules and deadlines.
• Willingness to work with laboratory materials and chemicals while following established safety procedures and training requirements.
• Experience with additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies.
• Experience working with CAD/solid modeling tools to manipulate existing models or generate new models from technical data.
• Experience in manufacturing, laboratory, or technical shop environments.
• Robotics, automation, or computer programming experience.
• Experience operating CNC and manual machining equipment.
• Experience with metallography, microscopy, materials characterization, and mechanical testing.
• Operation of power tools, machine tools, or fabrication equipment.
• Technical coursework, vocational training, or hands-on experience in manufacturing, engineering technology, or related fields.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Security Clearance

Must be able to obtain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.