Fabrication Technician -Fulltime role Location : Santa Clara Valley, CA – Onsite

AppLab Systems, Inc; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

AppLab Systems, Inc. seeks an experienced Fabrication Technician to support prototype production using selective laser sintering (SLS) and related post-processing.

You will manage builds to cadence, validate CAD files, and ensure parts meet strict dimensional specifications while adhering to powder handling and safety rules. The role involves collaboration with the Managed Service Manager and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in additive manufacturing or a comparable technical shop.
• Completed combustible dust safety training before the first onsite day.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with computer software, including slicer or build preparation tools.

Responsibilities

• Build execution: Start builds and process parts on the daily cadence; ensure quality and turnaround.
• Build preparation: Prepare builds in slicer software, nesting parts for density.
• CAD validation: Validate Apple CAD files and design solutions per workflow.
• Assembly: Assemble printed parts into study hardware such as enclosures and rigging.
• Quality inspection: Inspect parts against tolerances and reject out-of-spec work.
• Equipment maintenance: Perform routine maintenance and keep records.
• Materials: Monitor powder and consumables, manage stock and replacement requests.
• Records: Maintain build logs and Jira status.
• Lab support: Assist lab relocation and equipment setup when needed.
• Safety: Follow combustible dust, powder handling, and site EHS requirements.
• Hands-on experience in additive manufacturing or production environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Education

Technical degree or trade training

Tools

Formlabs Fuse 1+ 30W

Slicer software

Job description

Salary: $75k for Level 3, 60k to 80K for Level1 & Level 2

Experience range Level 3 is 6-10 years

Level 2 is 3-6 years

Level 1 is 1 to 3 years,

Job Description:

Role summary: Fabrication Technicians produce prototype components and study hardware using selective laser sintering (SLS) additive manufacturing and post-processing. They keep builds on cadence, deliver parts that meet dimensional and quality specifications, and follow strict powder handling and safety practices. Three technicians work regular business hours, with schedules that may flex to overlapping shifts or weekend work when required (Section 4.1). They receive assignments from the Managed Service Manager, work from documented procedures, and manage all fabrication materials and consumables.

Deliverables and responsibilities

• Build execution: Start builds and process parts on the set daily cadence. The vendor is accountable for build quality and turnaround.
• Build preparation: Prepare builds in slicer software, packing and nesting parts for the best density and yield.
• CAD validation and design: Validate Apple-provided CAD files before printing, and design solutions to Apple problem statements, following the workflow in Section 4.5.
• Assembly: Assemble printed parts and components into finished study hardware, such as enclosures and collection rigging.
• Quality inspection: Inspect finished parts against drawing tolerances and reject out-of-spec work before it reaches requesters.
• Equipment maintenance: Perform routine maintenance on lab equipment and keep maintenance history current.
• Materials: Monitor powder and consumable stock, manage refresh ratios, and submit replacement requests through Apple DRIs.
• Records: Maintain build logs, maintenance records, and Jira status.
• Requester guidance: Advise requesting teams on design best practices for SLS printing.
• Lab support: Support lab relocation and equipment setup when needed.
• Safety: Follow all combustible dust, powder handling, and site EHS requirements.
• Hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, production manufacturing, or a comparable technical shop.
• Completed combustible dust safety training before the first onsite day. The vendor provides this training at its own cost and provides Apple documentation of completion before the person's start date.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with computer software, including slicer or build preparation tools.
• Accurate written records and clear communication.
• Willingness to cross-train and support peers.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs, and to stand, kneel, and operate machinery for extended periods, with or without reasonable accommodation. Loads over 50 lbs require mechanical aids or team lifts, following site safety practices.
• Onsite availability during regular business hours, with flexibility to work overlapping shifts or weekends when required.
• Technical degree, trade school, certificate, military technical training, or demonstrated equivalent shop experience.

Preferred qualifications

• Prior hands-on SLS or powder-based process experience (strongly preferred).
• Experience with the Formlabs Fuse 1+ 30W and the Fuse ecosystem.
• Familiarity with NFPA 652 or equivalent combustible dust standards.
• Dimensional inspection: calipers, micrometers, reading drawings, and GD&T.
• CAD proficiency (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or NX) for fixture design, mesh repair, and editing.
• Experience with laser cutting, CNC, CMM, EDM, or robotics.
• Prior work in a confidential or IP-sensitive environment.