CNC Operator

Clark Schaefer Hackett; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits (medical, dental,

Vision

Competitive PTO plans

Competitive retirement plans

Job summary

Formative 3D in Falls Church, VA is seeking a CNC Operator to support post‑processing and fabricate fixtures and jigs for our production workflow. You will operate CNC and robotic milling equipment to post‑process large-format 3D‑printed components and contribute to efficiency improvements across shop operations.

The role blends hands‑on machining with technical precision in a collaborative environment with production and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating CNC milling machines in a production or prototyping environment.
• Ability to read technical drawings and use measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers.
• Familiarity with G-code, CAM software, and CNC setup procedures (Fusion 360 preferred).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Experience with post‑processing plastics or composite materials (preferred).
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Comfort lifting up to 50 lbs and working in a hands‑on shop setting.

Responsibilities

• Operate 3‑axis CNC routers and 6‑axis robotic milling machines to post‑process 3D‑printed components and produce fixtures and jigs
• Interpret technical drawings and CAD files to set up and execute milling operations
• Perform post‑processing tasks on printed parts, including trimming, sanding, and surface finishing
• Inspect machined and printed parts for dimensional accuracy and quality standards
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot CNC equipment and tooling
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve fixture design and workflow efficiency
• Assist with general shop duties, including material preparation, organization, and equipment upkeep

Skills

Reading drawings

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Tools

Fusion 360

CAM software

Calipers

Micrometers

Job description

Job Opportunity: CNC Operator with Formative 3D in Falls Church, VA

Do you enjoy working hands‑on with machines, tools, and materials to create high‑quality parts? Are you detail‑oriented and energized by technical craftsmanship in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment? Ready to support innovative production workflows using CNC machining and advanced 3D printing? If so, we'd love to meet you!

Formative 3D is seeking a CNC Operator to support post‑processing operations and fabricate custom fixtures and jigs that enhance our production workflow. This role blends hands‑on machining with technical precision and close collaboration across production and engineering teams.

You’ll operate CNC and robotic milling equipment to post‑process large‑format 3D‑printed furniture components while contributing to continuous improvements in efficiency, quality, and shop operations.

Salary range: $28 - $33/hour

Key Responsibilities

You will work closely with production and engineering teams to:

• Operate 3‑axis CNC routers and 6‑axis robotic milling machines to post‑process 3D‑printed components and produce fixtures and jigs
• Interpret technical drawings and CAD files to set up and execute milling operations
• Perform post‑processing tasks on printed parts, including trimming, sanding, and surface finishing
• Inspect machined and printed parts for dimensional accuracy and quality standards
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot CNC equipment and tooling
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve fixture design and workflow efficiency
• Assist with general shop duties, including material preparation, organization, and equipment upkeep

What You Bring

• 2+ years of experience operating CNC milling machines in a production or prototyping environment
• Proficiency in reading technical drawings and using measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers
• Familiarity with G‑code, CAM software, and CNC setup procedures (Fusion 360 preferred)
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
• Experience with post‑processing plastics or composite materials (preferred)
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Comfort lifting up to 50 lbs and working in a hands‑on shop setting
• Experience with 3D printing or furniture assembly—or a strong desire to learn—is a plus

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.