Advanced Manufacturing Technician — Large-Format 3D Printing

Formative 3D; Virginia; On-site; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits: medical, dental,/

Competitive PTO plans

Retirement plans

Job summary

Formative 3D in Falls Church, VA is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Technician to operate and maintain large-format robotic and FDM printers, manage print jobs, and ensure high-quality parts. This hands-on role supports a growing startup’s production facility and modular furniture manufacturing using additive tech.

You will work with engineering and design teams, handle pellets/filaments, and participate in continuous improvement while adhering to safety and efficiency standards.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Additive manufacturing

Mechanical aptitude

Hand tools

PrusaSlicer

Fusion 360

MS Office

ERP systems

Detail-oriented

Startup environment

Education

None

Tools

PrusaSlicer

Fusion 360

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

Formative 3D in Falls Church, VA is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Technician to operate and maintain large-format robotic and FDM printers, manage print jobs, and ensure high-quality parts. This hands-on role supports a growing startup’s production facility and modular furniture manufacturing using additive tech.

You will work with engineering and design teams, handle pellets/filaments, and participate in continuous improvement while adhering to safety and efficiency standards.