3D Print Farm Operator / Print Lab Supervisor

confidential; United States; Remote; USD 34,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Zekai is seeking a remote contractor to operate and supervise a 3D print lab, focusing on high-quality outputs and efficient workflows. You will manage printer fleets, optimize slicing settings, and ensure robust QC across projects while collaborating with global teams.

Applicants with hands-on experience in FDM and resin printers, slicing software, and materials handling will thrive in a fast-paced environment. This role emphasizes practical knowledge and precise documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a fleet of 3D printers in a professional setting.
• Proficient with FDM and resin printer hardware and associated software.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex print failures and optimize slicer profiles.
• Strong documentation and reporting for QC and process improvements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain FDM and resin printer fleets.
• Perform advanced slicing for diverse geometries and materials.
• Diagnose print failures and document root causes.
• Manage material inventory, storage, drying, and changeover procedures.
• Oversee print queue organization and scheduling based on delivery timelines and project needs.
• Conduct rigorous quality control and part inspection.
• Provide feedback on process improvements and proposed technical fixes.

Skills

Printer fleet management

Print troubleshooting

Technical documentation

Quality inspection

Communication skills

Process improvement

Tools

Cura

PrusaSlicer

Chitubox

Remote monitoring tools

Job description

Role Title: 3D Print Farm Operator / Print Lab Supervisor

Role Type: Contractor

Location: Remote

our partner is engaging 3D Print Farm Operator / Print Lab Supervisor experts to contribute their deep practical knowledge to a specialized customer project. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters.

Scope of Work

• Operate and maintain FDM and resin printer fleets, ensuring optimal performance and uptime across all units.
• Perform advanced slicing, adapting settings for diverse geometries, materials, and performance outcomes.
• Diagnose and resolve print failures, documenting the root causes and best practices for complex troubleshooting scenarios.
• Manage material inventory, including filament and resin storage, drying, and changeover procedures to minimize contamination and waste.
• Oversee print queue organization, prioritizing assignments based on delivery timelines, machine availability, and project requirements.
• Conduct rigorous quality control and part inspection, applying industry standards to evaluate surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical integrity.
• Assess and provide detailed feedback on process improvements and proposed technical fixes within print farm environments, service bureaus, or academic lab settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a fleet of 3D printers in a print farm, makerspace, university lab, or service bureau environment.
• Strong command of FDM and resin printer hardware, slicing software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer, Chitubox), and related digital workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex print failures and optimize slicer profiles for a variety of materials and applications.
• Expertise in handling and conditioning 3D printing materials including proper storage, drying, and contamination prevention techniques.
• Meticulous approach to part inspection, dimensional measurement, and reporting using industry-accepted QC standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with clear, concise technical documentation and feedback capabilities.
• Nice to have: Familiarity with print farm automation systems, remote monitoring tools, and scalable workflow optimization strategies.

This is a 100% remote contract role, open to applicants worldwide in the countries the employer accepts.