Model Maker III

A-dec, Inc. (USA); Newberg (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A-dec, Inc. in Newberg, OR is seeking a Model Maker III to build prototypes, special parts, and assemblies from engineering drawings. You’ll operate lathes, mills, 3D printers, and sheet metal tools, ensuring tight tolerances and quality in every part.

You’ll collaborate with mechanical designers and engineers, apply CAD/CAM skills (MasterCam, Esprit), and help plan manufacturing feasibility while guiding junior makers as a department lead.

Qualifications

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Able to program complex 3D parts and validate features with hand metrology equipment.
• Proficient with prototype materials including steels, aluminum, and plastics.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and able to improvise with minimal supervision.
• Able to communicate technical concepts with engineering and manufacturing groups.
• Basic shop math, CAD/CAM software, and CNC operations understanding.

Responsibilities

• Builds prototypes, parts, components, assemblies, jigs, fixtures, and tools from drawings and verbal instructions.
• Sets up and operates all machines in the Model Shop (lathes, mills, press brake, etc.).
• Performs soldering and welding with minimal assistance.
• Provides input on design and manufacturing feasibility.
• Uses CAM/CAD software to create CNC programs and manages materials and timelines.

Skills

3D CAD/CAM

CNC programming

Prototype fabrication

Metrology with hand tools

Shop math

Education

8+ years experience in model making / machining / fabrication

Tools

MasterCam

Esprit

Lathes

Milling machines

3D printing

Job description

At A-dec, we do more than create the highest quality products and services for the dental industry; we strive to deliver a superior employment experience for each of our team members. With an environment that encourages and assists each person in developing to their highest potential, a career at A-dec is incredibly rewarding.

Overview

The Model Maker III requires expertise in building prototypes, special parts, components, and assemblies to verify design and manufacturability. The role involves assisting mechanical designers and engineers in design, providing input on manufacturing feasibility, and serving as a department lead.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Builds prototypes and other special parts, components, assemblies (to +/- .0001 tolerances), jigs, fixtures, and tools necessary for prototype fabrications working from engineering drawings, sketches, and verbal instructions. Acts as the expert in setting up and operating all machines and equipment in the Model Shop, (i.e., lathes, milling machines, press brake, shear, surface grinders, and 3D printing) and performs sheet metal work as well as routine equipment lubrication and maintenance. Performs soldering and various types of welding with minimal assistance. Also utilizes concepts of efficient tooling with some assistance. Assists mechanical designers and engineers by providing input on design and manufacturing feasibility. Frequently applies knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics and electrical principles and uses their expertise on the concepts of efficient tooling. Assesses incoming jobs, assigns work accordingly, and cross trains less experienced Model Makers. Records necessary job data and utilizes CAM/CAD (MasterCam, Esprit) software to create efficient CNC programs with minimal assistance. Responsible for procurement of necessary materials, manages time and assigned work effectively, ensuring deadlines are met, maintains an acceptable dependability level, and follows all safety guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Able to program complex 3D parts. Adept at working with a variety of prototype materials including steels, aluminum, and plastics. Able to validate critical features and dimensions using hand metrology equipment. Must possess a strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to improvise and work effectively with minimal supervision. Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts, both orally and in writing, with engineering and manufacturing groups. Must possess basic hand tools and standard measuring equipment as required to fabricate and accurately measure work being performed. Must also have a basic understanding of shop math, CAD/CAM software, and CNC operations. Ability to sequentially plan and perform polishing and finishing operations, with a working knowledge of plating and anodizing. Competent understanding of shop math, trigonometry, CAD/CAM software, and CNC operations. Ability to remain flexible under changing priorities and non-routine interruptions. Education and Experience Generally, requires 8+ years of experience in model making, machining, maintenance, tooling operations, and/or precision sheet metal fabrication or must have a combination of relevant education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

A-dec product knowledge including function, interrelationships, and desired operating characteristic is a plus.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise maneuver up to 35 pounds with or without assistance on a routine basis. Must have manual hand dexterity to grasp, operate tools and equipment repetitively. Able to walk, stand, sit, bend, reach, and occasionally kneel, climb steps, and twist throughout an entire shift. Some areas may be exposed to chemicals, noise, vibration and /or dust, and require the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); such as, but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, foot protection, etc.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not to be construed as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A-dec reserves the right to assign job duties and days and hours of work based on factors such as workload requirements, staffing levels, and customer demands.

At A-dec, we value our people and show it by prioritizing an inclusive culture, total well-being, and opportunities for learning and career advancement.

A background check and screen for the illegal use of drugs is required.

A-dec is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition, A-dec will not discriminate against applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another.

*VEVRAA Federal Contractor” A-dec is interested in qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States for US-based positions. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas.

What's your next thing? You are a dreamer. A doer. The one who never stops seeking a better way. You are the kind of person we are looking for to join our team. If you know A-dec, you know that we are a global, family-run company with a big name in the dental industry. But we didn’t get here by settling for the status quo. We are perpetually pursuing ways to improve our products and consequently, the lives and well-being of our doctors and patients. A-dec encourages collaboration, believing that curiosity leads to innovation, and diversity and cross-function create the unexpected.

We work hard. We play hard. And we never forget that the time you balance outside of work shapes and defines you as a person. Let's make a difference together.