Lead Production Technician

Clark Schaefer Hackett; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Career development

Job summary

Formative 3D in Falls Church, VA seeks a Lead Production Technician to advance post-processing of 3D-printed parts and provide hands-on training to the production team. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on technical guidance rather than direct supervision.

You will work with drills, sanders, CNC-related tasks, ensure safety, efficiency, and quality, and help develop work instructions while supporting the Post-Processing Manager in daily planning. Weekend availability is required.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with hand tools and power tools.
• Background in manufacturing, carpentry, fabrication, or assembly.
• Ability to measure, drill, cut, finish materials with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and quality control.
• Ability to train and guide team members.

Responsibilities

• Perform post-processing on 3D-printed parts including drilling, sanding, and finishing.
• Provide hands-on training and guidance on tool use.
• Coordinate daily tasks with Post-Processing Manager.
• Review work for quality and accuracy.
• Help develop SOPs and work instructions.
• Troubleshoot production challenges and improve productivity.
• Support assembly, material handling, and part organization.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Communicate progress and needs to management.

Skills

Hand tools

Power tools

Train others

Quality focus

Safety awareness

Tools

CNC machine experience

3D printing

Job description

Job Opportunity: Lead Production Technician with Formative 3D in Falls Church, VA

Are you experienced with hand tools and power tools and enjoy helping others develop their skills? Do you take pride in quality work, solving technical challenges, and keeping production moving? Ready to bring your hands‑on experience to advanced manufacturing and 3D printing? If so, we’d love to meet you!

As a Lead Production Technician, you'll support manufacturing and post‑processing operations at our new production facility. Working closely with the Post‑Processing Manager, you'll perform advanced finishing and assembly work, provide hands‑on training to Production Technicians, and help coordinate daily production activities.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys staying actively involved in production while providing technical guidance to others. You'll help ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to quality standards while contributing to our first project and helping grow the business. This is a hands‑on leadership role, not a direct supervisory position.

Salary range:

$28-$34 per hour, depending on experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform advanced post‑processing tasks on 3D‑printed parts, including drilling, hole cutting, sanding, trimming, deburring, and finishing.


• Provide hands‑on training and technical guidance on the safe and proper use of hand tools, power tools, and equipment.


• Support the Post‑Processing Manager in coordinating daily tasks, prioritizing work, and maintaining efficient production workflows.


• Review completed work for quality, accuracy, and consistency with established standards.


• Help develop and improve work instructions, standard operating procedures, and post‑processing techniques.


• Troubleshoot technical challenges and recommend practical solutions to improve productivity and reduce rework.


• Support assembly operations, material handling, and organization of finished parts and supplies.


• Promote a clean, safe, and organized work environment, reinforcing safety procedures and proper PPE use.


• Communicate production progress, technical concerns, and operational needs to the Post‑Processing Manager.

Qualifications:

• Strong hands‑on experience operating hand tools and power tools, including drills, impact drivers, hole saws, sanders, and cutting equipment.


• Previous experience in manufacturing, construction, carpentry, fabrication, or assembly.


• Ability to accurately measure, drill, cut, assemble, and finish materials with minimal supervision.


• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and resolve quality issues.


• Ability to train, guide, and support team members with patience and clear communication.


• Strong organizational skills and ability to balance hands‑on work with team coordination.


• Ability to follow and reinforce work instructions, measurements, safety requirements, and standard operating procedures.


• Dependable, proactive, and comfortable taking initiative in a fast‑paced production environment.


• CNC machine experience preferred; experience with 3D printing or advanced manufacturing is a plus. Neither is required.


• Willingness to work weekends.


• Ability to move regularly between production areas, assembly stations, and shipping/receiving; stand or walk for extended periods, up to 8 hours per day, 6 days a week; and regularly lift materials or equipment weighing 25–50 pounds.


• Ability to work in an industrial environment with noise, dust, and varying temperatures, using required PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.


• Competitive paid time off plans.


• Competitive retirement plans.


• Opportunity to develop your technical and leadership skills as we grow our advanced manufacturing operations.

Why Join Formative 3D?

At Formative 3D, we’re a 3D-printing startup on a mission to change the built environment. By leveraging large-format and FDM additive manufacturing, we’re building sustainable, scalable, modular systems.

Our shared purpose is to build trust with our clients, partners, subcontractors, and teammates while creating extraordinary experiences. No matter your background, education, or career path, if you share that vision, you belong at Formative 3D.

As we launch our new production facility, we're looking for dependable, hands‑on team members to help produce our first project and grow the business. Join us to share your expertise, support our production team, and contribute to a new approach to manufacturing.

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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