Additive Design 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

Job Opportunity: Additive Design Technician in Falls Church, VA

Do you enjoy turning digital designs into high‑quality, finished products? Are you energized by hands‑on problem‑solving, advanced manufacturing, and the opportunity to help shape a growing production operation? If so, we would love to meet you!

As an Additive Design Technician, you will be at the center of the design and production process, operating and maintaining large‑format robotic and FDM 3D printers, preparing print jobs, post‑processing parts, and ensuring quality in every component produced. Reporting to the Design Director, you will work closely with design and engineering teams to translate design intent into finished, manufacturable products.

Salary range:

$22-$30 per hour, based on experience.

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 to balance surface finish, strength, and cycle time.
• 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.

Qualifications:

• Three years of experience in additive manufacturing, FDM printing, or a related production environment such as woodworking, metalworking, aerospace, CNC, a model shop, or prototyping.
• Comfort operating hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment.
• Familiarity with PrusaSlicer and 3D modeling in Fusion 360 is a plus.
• Experience with networked, PC‑based computer systems, including Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on problem‑solving skills.
• Understanding of industrial design principles and how form, function, materials, and manufacturability come together in a finished product.
• A background in industrial design, product design, or a related field is a plus.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced startup environment.
• Detail‑oriented, dependable, and committed to quality and safety.

Physical Demands:

• Regular movement between production areas, assembly stations, shipping and receiving.
• Standing or walking for extended periods, up to eight hours per day.
• Regular lifting of materials and equipment weighing 25-50 pounds.
• Exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures typical of an industrial environment.
• Use required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Competitive paid time off plans.

Why Join Formative 3D?

We are a 3D‑printing startup on a mission to change the built environment, starting with furniture. By leveraging large‑format and FDM additive manufacturing, we are building sustainable, scalable, component‑based furniture systems.

As we are launching our new production facility, we are looking for passionate, dependable, and hands‑on team members to help produce our first product and grow the business. Join us to build your technical skills, influence how our systems evolve, and contribute to a new approach to design and manufacturing.

Formative 3D is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to hiring and developing the most qualified individuals based on job‑related experience, skills, and merit. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We value a respectful, inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Formative 3D maintains a drug‑free workplace consistent with applicable local, state, and federal laws.