ATDM Precision Manufacturing Lab Technician - Additive Manufacturing (1st or 2nd Shift)

INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LEARNING AND RESEARCH; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 77,366,000 - 80,231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options including PPO

Retirement benefits with VRS match

Paid time off including vacation, sick

Paid holidays including winter break

Employer-paid life insurance

Shift differentials where applicable

Job summary

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, VA, seeks an Additive Manufacturing Lab Technician to maintain a safe, well-equipped high-precision lab for training the next generation of makers. You will support instructors and students, ensuring access to top-quality equipment, materials, and technical support.

Responsibilities include setting up AM equipment, assisting during labs, maintaining systems, and coordinating repairs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in manufacturing, technical, industrial, or lab environment.
• Experience with additive manufacturing technologies (metal and/or polymer 3D printing).
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing prep and slicing software.
• Ability to read technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Knowledge of shop safety procedures and best practices.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong organizational and detail orientation.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Set up and prepare additive manufacturing equipment, tooling, and materials for training activities.
• Assist instructors during hands-on lab exercises and demonstrations.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain metal and polymer additive manufacturing systems.
• Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate minor repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Maintain inventory of consumables, materials, and lab supplies.
• Ensure compliance with shop safety standards and lab procedures.
• Support student success by providing technical assistance during training activities.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and professional learning environment.
• Assist with special projects, equipment installations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support occasional evening, weekend, or special training events as needed.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Additive manufacturing

3D printing

Slicing software

GD&T interpretation

Shop safety

Mechanical troubleshooting

Organizational skills

Communication skills

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical training in manufacturing/engineering tech

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Job description

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research – Danville, VA

Job Location: The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research - Danville, VA 24540, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School, Travel Percentage: Up to 25%, Job Shift: Any, Job Category: Education, This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified and other regulated technical information in accordance with applicable federal requirements. This role is not eligible for remote work and will be based onsite in Danville, Virginia.

Pay, Perks, & Benefits

• $27.00 – $28 per hour (with shift differentials where applicable)
• Retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with employer match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and paid family leave
• Paid holidays including a two-week paid winter break
• Health insurance options including PPO and HSA plans with dental coverage
• Employer-paid life insurance

How You Will Help the Team

The ATDM program prepares the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals for careers supporting the U.S. defense industrial base. As the Additive Manufacturing Lab Technician, you will play a critical role in ensuring students have access to high-quality equipment, materials, and technical support needed for successful hands-on training experiences. Your contributions will help create an engaging learning environment while supporting operational excellence across the program.

What You Will Do

Support the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program by maintaining a safe, organized, and productive additive manufacturing lab environment. Working alongside instructors and students, you will help prepare equipment, support hands-on training activities, maintain inventory, and ensure lab operations run efficiently.

Key responsibilities include:

• Set up and prepare additive manufacturing equipment, tooling, and materials for training activities.
• Assist instructors during hands-on laboratory exercises and demonstrations.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain metal and polymer additive manufacturing systems.
• Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate minor repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Maintain inventory of consumables, materials, and lab supplies.
• Ensure compliance with shop safety standards and laboratory procedures.
• Support student success by providing technical assistance during training activities.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and professional learning environment.
• Assist with special projects, equipment installations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support occasional evening, weekend, or special training events as needed.

Shift Availability

ATDM Instructors and Technicians are assigned shifts based on training needs. Shift assignments are determined by business needs at the time of hire, performance, and tenure. This position requires flexibility to work any shift as program needs evolve. Compensation includes a shift differential based on assigned instructional hours. This position will support training on first or second shift. The shift will be determined by business needs.

• First Shift: Classes begin at 7:00 a.m.
• Second Shift: Classes begin at 3:00 p.m.
• Third Shift: Classes begin at 11:00 p.m.

Evening, weekend, and off site instructional assignments may be required.

Qualifications: Your Knowledge & Expertise

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, technical, industrial, or laboratory environment.
• Experience with additive manufacturing technologies, including metal and/or polymer 3D printing.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing preparation and slicing software.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Knowledge of shop safety procedures and best practices.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical training in manufacturing, engineering technology, machining, mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience supporting training, education, or workforce development programs.
• Working knowledge of technical mathematics and manufacturing processes.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout lab and manufacturing environments for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment and hand tools.
• Ability to work in a shop environment with exposure to noise, machinery, and manufacturing materials.
• Ability to travel occasionally as required.

What Makes Working Here Different

At IALR, you will be part of a mission-driven organization advancing workforce development, technology, and economic growth. Through the ATDM program, you\'ll help prepare skilled manufacturing professionals for careers that strengthen the nation\'s defense industrial base while working with state-of-the-art equipment and industry-leading training technologies.

Our team values collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and service. We offer a supportive environment where employees can make a meaningful impact while growing professionally.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.