3D Printing Specialist

Overview

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain FDM, SLA, SLS, and PolyJet printers across the shop.
• Prepare and slice files in the appropriate software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer, PreForm, Magics, GrabCAD Print, Materialise).
• Recommend the optimal process (FDM / SLA / SLS / PolyJet) and material for each part based on function, tolerance, cost, finish, and lead time.
• Manage print orientation, supports, infill, multi-material assignments, and nesting to maximize quality and machine utilization.
• Perform post-processing: support removal (including water-jet for PolyJet), washing and UV curing (SLA), depowdering and bead blasting (SLS), sanding, dyeing, and finishing.
• Inspect printed parts against drawings and report on dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
• Maintain material inventory, log machine hours, and follow preventive maintenance schedules.
• Document process parameters and build a library of validated print recipes.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on production experience operating FDM, SLA, SLS, and PolyJet printers.
• Strong understanding of polymer materials: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, Nylon, TPU, SLA photopolymer resins, PA12 powder, and PolyJet rigid/flexible/clear/digital materials.
• Proficient with at least one slicer per technology and comfortable troubleshooting failed prints.
• Experience with post-processing equipment: wash/cure stations, depowdering stations, water-jet/support-removal stations, bead blasters, sanders.
• Ability to read 2D drawings and interpret tolerances.
• Strong attention to detail and good shop-floor discipline (5S, cleanliness, safety).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with industrial-grade systems (e.g., Stratasys F-series and J-series PolyJet, Formlabs Fuse, EOS, HP MJF, Markforged).
• Experience with multi-material and multi-color PolyJet workflows (e.g., GrabCAD Print with digital materials).
• Familiarity with engineering-grade materials (PA-CF, PEEK, ULTEM, tough/high-temp resins).
• CAD literacy (Fusion 360, SolidWorks) to make minor part edits before printing.
• Exposure to AM workflow software (e.g., Materialise Magics, Netfabb).
• Experience supporting jig, fixture, or end-use part production.