3D Printing & Prototyping Technician

Formative 3D; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Competitive paid time off

Job summary

Formative 3D in Falls Church, VA is seeking an Additive Design Technician to operate and maintain large-format robotic and FDM 3D printers, prepare print jobs, and ensure quality.

You will work with design and engineering teams to translate concepts into manufacturable products, manage print settings, schedule jobs, and handle materials like PLA and PETG. This role supports rapid prototyping in a startup environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in additive manufacturing or related production environments.
• Familiarity with PrusaSlicer and Fusion 360 is a plus.
• Comfort operating hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain large-format robotic and FDM 3D printers for component-based production.
• Prepare 3D models in PrusaSlicer and other software, optimizing print settings, orientation, and toolpaths.
• Schedule and queue jobs across a fleet of printers to support continuous output and meet production demand.
• Manage pellet and filament inventory, load materials such as PLA and PETG, and track material utilization and print cycle times.
• Harvest and post-process printed parts through support removal, cleaning, sanding, and finishing.
• Assemble modular furniture components and verify fit, tolerances, connections, surface quality, color consistency, craftsmanship, and alignment with design intent.
• Troubleshoot printer issues and perform routine maintenance and calibration.
• Support rapid prototyping and design iterations by producing test prints, samples, and mockups and evaluating new materials, colors, and finishes.
• Maintain a sample library and fabricate jigs, fixtures, and other shop equipment as needed.
• Document production data, maintain a clean and safe workspace, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to improve print quality, production efficiency, manufacturability, and the finished product.

Skills

Additive manufacturing

Hands-on problem solving

Mechanical aptitude

Industrial design principles

Detail-oriented

Strong work ethic

Education

Industrial design background

Tools

PrusaSlicer

Fusion 360

ERP systems

Job description

Formative 3D in Falls Church, VA is seeking an Additive Design Technician to operate and maintain large-format robotic and FDM 3D printers, prepare print jobs, and ensure quality.

You will work with design and engineering teams to translate concepts into manufacturable products, manage print settings, schedule jobs, and handle materials like PLA and PETG. This role supports rapid prototyping in a startup environment.