The 3D Printing Technician is responsible for supporting day-to-day additive manufacturing operations in a fast-paced production environment. This role focuses on operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and supporting 3D printing equipment and post-processing systems to ensure high-quality production output. The technician works closely with engineering and production teams to maintain print schedules, meet production deadlines, and ensure all printed components meet required specifications.
Essential Functions
- Assist with operating and monitoring 3D printing equipment including FDM and similar additive manufacturing technologies
- Assist with preparing and configuring print jobs using slicing software, including material selection, print orientation, support generation, and machine setup
- Load raw materials including filaments, resins, and other consumables required for production
- Assist with routine equipment maintenance and calibration including nozzle cleaning, bed leveling, and machine inspections
- Troubleshoot print failures, hardware issues, and software errors to maintain production efficiency and print quality
- Inspect printed components for dimensional accuracy and surface quality using basic measurement and inspection tools
- Support post-processing operations including support removal, sanding, cleaning, and finishing printed parts to final specifications
- Manage and prioritize multiple print jobs while maintaining production schedules and deadlines
- Maintain accurate production logs, machine maintenance records, and build documentation
- Utilize hand tools and light mechanical equipment during assembly, maintenance, and finishing operations
- Assist with mechanical assembly and integration of 3D printed parts into higher level systems
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production workspace in accordance with company procedures
- Follow all operational, safety, quality, and documentation requirements
- Perform other related duties as assigned
- Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
- Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
- Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.
Qualifications and Competencies
- Security Clearance-Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.
- Understanding of print parameters: layer height, infill, supports, nozzle temperatures, bed adhesion, material shrinkage)
- Familiarity with FDM printing technologies and associated materials, specifically familiarity with INDUSTRIAL or prosumer 3D printers
- Working knowledge of slicing software such as Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio), print settings, support structures, and material properties
- Ability to troubleshoot printer issues including extrusion problems, print defects, and calibration errors
- Ability to optimize print settings for speed, strength, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy
- Comfortable using hand tools and performing light mechanical maintenance tasks
- Ability to read and follow technical instructions, work procedures, and production requirements
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment
- Ability to independently diagnose print failures, optimize print settings, and maintain reliable production output across multiple machines
Education / Certifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience
- 3+ years of experience working with 3D printing equipment in a professional, production, or hands-on technical environment
- Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting FDM printers
- Experience with post-processing and quality inspection of printed components
- Proven knowledge of competencies for skill level may be considered in lieu of experience
- Candidates are encouraged to provide photos, portfolios, or examples of completed 3D printing projects and equipment experience
- Experience printing with common and engineering-grade materials including PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, Nylon, or composite filaments
Physical Requirements
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is: Frequently required to stand for extended periods of time Frequently required to lift up to 15 pounds Frequently required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.
About AEVEX
AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.
AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.