Advanced Manufacturing Technician

Clark Schaefer Hackett; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

PTO

Retirement plan

Job summary

Formative 3D in Falls Church, VA is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Technician to operate and maintain large-format robotic and FDM 3D printers, slice models, and manage materials for component-based production.

You will work with production, engineering, and design teams to optimize print quality and efficiency, with opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years in additive manufacturing or related production environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with hand tools and fabrication equipment; ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Experience with PrusaSlicer and Fusion 360 preferred.
• Comfort with networked PC systems and ERP software.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain large-format robotic and FDM 3D printers for component-based production.
• Slice 3D models using PrusaSlicer to generate print-ready G-code.
• Manage pellet and filament inventory and load materials to meet production demand.
• Schedule, queue, and monitor print jobs across a fleet of printers to support 24/7 output.
• Track material usage, print cycle times, and conduct quality inspections on all parts.
• Harvest prints and perform post-processing, including support removal and cleaning.
• Troubleshoot printer issues and perform routine maintenance and calibration.
• Fabricate jigs and shop fixtures as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment.
• Document production data and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams to optimize print quality.

Skills

Additive manufacturing

Mechanical aptitude

Hand tools

Problem solving

Safety-conscious

Tools

PrusaSlicer

Fusion 360

Job description

Job Opportunity: Advanced Manufacturing Technician with Formative 3D in Falls Church, VA

Are you energized by hands-on work that blends cutting-edge technology with real-world manufacturing? Do you thrive in fast-paced, startup environments where quality, ownership, and innovation matter? Ready to help build scalable, sustainable products using large-format 3D printing? If so, we'd love to meet you!

As an Advanced Manufacturing Technician, you'll be at the core of our production operations, supporting the launch and growth of our new manufacturing facility. You'll operate and maintain large-format robotic and FDM 3D printers, prepare and manage print jobs, post-process components, and ensure every part meets our quality standards.

This is a unique opportunity to join a growing startup at the ground floor and play a hands-on role in shaping innovative, modular furniture systems using advanced additive manufacturing technologies.

Salary range: $22 - $32/hour

Key Responsibilities

You will work closely with production, engineering, and design teams to:

• Operate and maintain large-format robotic and FDM 3D printers for component-based production
• Slice 3D models using PrusaSlicer and related software to generate print-ready G-code
• Manage pellet and filament inventory (PLA, PETG, etc.) and load materials to meet production demand
• Schedule, queue, and monitor print jobs across a fleet of printers to support 24/7 output
• Track material usage, print cycle times, and conduct quality inspections on all manufactured parts
• Harvest prints and perform post-processing, including support removal and part cleaning
• Troubleshoot printer issues and perform routine maintenance and calibration
• Fabricate jigs, fixtures, and other shop equipment as needed
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment
• Document production data and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams to optimize print quality and efficiency
  
  

Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience in additive manufacturing, FDM printing, or related production environments (e.g., woodworking, metalworking, aerospace, CNC)
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on problem-solving skills
• Comfort operating hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment
• Familiarity with PrusaSlicer and 3D modeling software such as Fusion 360 (preferred)
• Experience working with networked PC-based systems (MS Office, ERP systems)
• Detail-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to quality and safety
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, startup environment
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Willingness to work weekends as needed
  
  

What We Offer:

• Compensation commensurate with experience
• Full suite of healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision
• Competitive PTO plans
• Competitive retirement plans
  
  

Why Join Formative 3D?

Built environments can be manufactured the same way the best technology products are: faster, smarter and at scale.

Formative 3D deploys full-scale manufacturing solutions built for speed, flexibility and real-world impact. By combining advanced 3D printing, robotics and technology, we rethink how physical products for the built world are created — from concept to installation. We design and manufacture products that range from high-end furniture systems and architectural lighting to jigs, fixtures, and tooling.

Formative 3D pushes additive manufacturing forward and sets a new standard for how the built environment gets made. After years of research, our first production facility launched in 2026, and we're already proving that a new model of manufacturing isn't theoretical; it's operational.

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.

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