Machine Operations Technician III

Divergent; Long Beach (CA, NM); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Divergent in Long Beach, CA, is seeking a Machine Operations Technician III to operate large-format LPBF 3D printers and related equipment, maintaining safety and quality.

You will prepare machines, verify configurations, run test and development prints, monitor processes, perform post-print activities, and document results to support engineering and manufacturing teams. This role emphasizes independent problem solving and continuous improvement of workflows.

Responsibilities

• Operate large-format LPBF printers and supporting manufacturing equipment following approved procedures.
• Prepare machines, materials, tooling and work areas for testing, qualification and print operations.
• Verify machine configuration and safety before operation; monitor process conditions during printing.
• Execute test prints, qualification builds and development builds.
• Perform post-print activities including build removal, powder recovery, cleaning and setup.
• Document equipment issues, results, and actions taken.

Job description

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies.

Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.

Purpose

The Machine Operations Technician III is responsible for operating, monitoring, and supporting large-format laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) 3D printers and associated manufacturing equipment during machine testing, qualification, development printing, and ongoing machine operation.

The role prepares machines, materials, tooling, and work areas for operation; executes defined machine and print processes; monitors equipment and process performance; identifies abnormal conditions; and performs troubleshooting and recovery activities. The Technician works closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Controls, Software, Quality, and other technicians to safely operate equipment, resolve issues, and generate reliable machine and process data.

The Technician III is expected to independently perform complex machine operations, recognize conditions that may affect machine performance or print quality, troubleshoot non-routine operating issues, and provide technical feedback that improves machine operation, print execution, repeatability, and equipment utilization.

The Role

Machine & Print Operations

• Operate large-format LPBF printers and supporting manufacturing equipment in accordance with approved procedures and engineering requirements.
• Prepare machines, materials, tooling, and work areas for testing, qualification, and print operations.
• Verify machine configuration, calibration status, materials, process parameters, and safety conditions before operation.
• Execute test prints, qualification builds, and development builds.
• Monitor machine and process conditions throughout operation and identify abnormal conditions.
• Perform post-print activities including build removal, powder recovery, cleaning, and machine preparation.
• Maintain FOD-free, clean, and organized work areas.

Testing & Qualification

• Support machine commissioning, functional testing, qualification, and development activities.
• Execute approved test sequences and document machine and process results.
• Prepare equipment and materials for qualification activities.
• Support repeat testing following repairs, adjustments, calibration, or configuration changes.
• Provide technical feedback on machine performance, print results, and recurring issues.

Troubleshooting & Equipment Support

• Troubleshoot machine operating issues using alarms, machine data, observations, and technical documentation.
• Perform approved resets, adjustments, cleaning, material recovery, and corrective actions.
• Support troubleshooting and recovery of mechanical, electrical, motion, controls, powder-handling, and supporting equipment.
• Identify issues requiring escalation and work with Engineering and other technical teams to resolve them.
• Verify equipment operation following corrective actions or repairs.
• Document equipment issues, corrective actions, and results.

Material & Supporting Equipment

• Handle, load, recover, and maintain traceability of LPBF powder and associated materials.
• Operate supporting equipment including depowdering, powder recovery, sieving, robotic, and material‑handling systems.
• Follow established material‑handling, PPE, housekeeping, and safety requirements.
• Identify material or equipment conditions that may affect print quality or machine performance.

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Use ERP and manufacturing systems