NASAM Technician (Additive Manufacturing)

Institute For Advanced Learning And Research; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

VRS retirement match

Generous paid leave

Holiday breaks

Health plans

Job summary

Institute For Advanced Learning And Research (IALR) invites applications for the NASAM training support role in Danville, VA. The position focuses on maintaining efficient additive manufacturing lab operations, assisting instructors, and ensuring safety and readiness for defense-related educational programs.

The role requires hands-on AM experience, CAD and slicing proficiency, and the ability to work in a military-leaning environment, with opportunities for growth and collaboration across

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree preferred.
• Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing equipment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience using slicing software (Cura, Insite preferred).
• Strong understanding of blueprint reading and DFAM principles.
• Military or Dept of War manufacturing experience desirable.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day additive manufacturing lab operations.
• Operate metal and polymer additive manufacturing equipment.
• Prepare machines for builds, including setup, material loading, and parameter verification.
• Monitor active print jobs and troubleshoot issues.
• Perform post-processing tasks and basic inspection.
• Assist the Lead Instructor during hands-on training.
• Maintain documentation of builds, materials, and machine usage.
• Help manage inventory of materials, tools, and supplies.
• Conduct routine equipment cleaning and basic preventive maintenance.
• Ensure safety compliance in military/defense environments.
• Maintain a clean, organized lab space.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Additive manufacturing

CAD software

Slicing software

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

Tools

SolidWorks

Cura

Insite

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: IALR - Hawkins – Danville, VA 24540
• Position Type: Full Time
• Education Level: 2 Year Degree
• Travel Percentage: Up to 25%
• Job Shift: Any
• Job Category: Education
• This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified information (CUI) and export controlled data, and candidates must meet applicable federal requirements, including U.S. person status where required. This role is onsite in Danville, VA.

Pay, Perks, & Benefits

• Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and determined based on market benchmarks and internal equity.
• Retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with employer match.
• Generous time off, including vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year.
• Paid holidays, including a two-week paid winter break.
• Anthem PPO and HSA health plans, with excellent dental options.

How You Will Help the Team

The Naval Aviation School for Additive Manufacturing (NASAM) is a specialized training program designed to provide Sailors, Marines, and Department of War personnel with hands‑on expertise in additive manufacturing technologies for military applications.

In this role, you will support the delivery of NASAM instruction by working closely with the Lead Instructor to ensure smooth lab operations, reliable equipment performance, and a high‑quality learning environment. Your contributions will directly support mission readiness by helping learners successfully apply advanced manufacturing techniques in real‑world defense settings.

What You Will Do

• Support day‑to‑day additive manufacturing lab operations for NASAM training programs.
• Operate metal and polymer additive manufacturing equipment following established procedures.
• Prepare machines for builds, including setup, material loading, and parameter verification.
• Monitor active print jobs and assist with troubleshooting basic equipment or process issues.
• Perform post‑processing tasks such as part removal, cleaning, finishing, and basic inspection.
• Assist the Lead Instructor during hands‑on training sessions and demonstrations.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to builds, materials, and machine usage.
• Help manage inventory of materials, tools, and supplies.
• Conduct routine equipment cleaning and basic preventative maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, especially those related to military and defense environments.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional lab space.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Your Knowledge and Expertise

• High school diploma required; technical degree in manufacturing or equivalent experience preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with additive manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience using slicing software (Cura, Insite preferred).
• Strong understanding of blueprint reading and Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) principles.
• Prior experience in military or Department of War manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and adaptability to evolving technologies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in diverse and dynamic environments.
• Ability to perform physical tasks and work in a laboratory or industrial setting.

Essential Physical Requirements

The role requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, use basic hand tools, move frequently throughout a training lab environment, and use stepladders.

What Makes Working Here Different

At IALR, you’ll support nationally recognized programs that sit at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and defense readiness. NASAM provides a unique opportunity to work directly with military learners while handling advanced additive manufacturing technologies in a mission‑driven environment.

You’ll collaborate with experienced instructors and technical professionals, work with cutting‑edge equipment, and contribute to programs that have a meaningful impact on national defense and workforce training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.