Lead Additive Manufacturing Technician

The Lead Additive Manufacturing Technician supports the production of high-quality, precision components through FOD-free operations across additive manufacturing and post-processing equipment. This role is the technical and operational lead on the production floor: it sets the example for safety, quality, and execution, keeps work flowing through the work center, and trains and mentors other technicians so parts consistently meet engineering, quality, and customer specifications while production targets are met safely and efficiently.

• Lead daily execution for an assigned additive manufacturing or post-processing work center, prioritizing workflow, balancing work across technicians, and escalating constraints, delays, and risks to the Supervisor before they affect production commitments.
• Operate and maintain industrial additive manufacturing equipment and related post-processing equipment in accordance with work instructions, quality requirements, and safety procedures, serving as the on-floor technical resource for the team.
• Train, mentor, and coach other team members, and verify their competency through observation and sign-off so qualification means demonstrated ability and not only completed training.
• Maintain 5S standards, FOD control, and powder and material controls for the work center, and ensure the area stays clean, organized, and audit-ready.
• Own preventive maintenance accomplishment for the work center, ensuring scheduled maintenance, inspections, and calibrations are completed on time and documented accurately in the maintenance management system.
• Execute and enforce standardized work, documenting activity accurately in the manufacturing execution system (MES) and other digital systems, and maintain consistent practice across shifts, technicians, and equipment.
• Lead structured shift handoffs so equipment status, work in progress, quality concerns, and open actions are communicated clearly across shifts and functions.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues using sound judgment, perform first-level diagnostics (electrical power, pneumatics, and mechanical systems), and work with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Service to resolve complex problems and drive corrective action.
• Identify and report quality concerns, nonconformances, and process gaps, support root cause investigations, and help implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Recommend and support continuous improvement efforts that improve safety, yield, cycle time, equipment utilization, and consumable usage, and help update work instructions based on lessons learned.
• Support scheduling and planning of work center activity, including coordinating equipment availability, staffing, and material flow with Production Control and the Supervisor.
• Model Divergent's core values and operational excellence, hold self and others to safety and quality standards, and promptly stop work and escalate when conditions are unsafe.
• Develop a career path toward training others, leading teams, manufacturing process and inspection, or AM service, in partnership with the Supervisor.

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls 
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining industrial additive manufacturing equipment and post-processing tools in a production environment, with proficiency across multiple machines or processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a digital manufacturing environment, including use of a manufacturing execution system (MES) and maintenance management system (CMMS), or demonstrated ability to learn similar systems quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor less experienced team members and to lead a small team.
• Strong work ethic, dependable attendance, and a self-starting approach that seeks out work without waiting to be told.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, with a working understanding of multimeters and electrical power and of pneumatic air systems.
• Experience with scheduling, planning, and prioritizing work in a production setting.
• Strong attention to detail and a safety-first mindset, with the ability to follow and enforce work instructions precisely.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including documentation, shift handoffs, and communication with engineers, quality inspectors, and supervisors.
• Team-oriented, professional, and respectful; able to give and receive feedback constructively.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional extended or weekend hours to support production needs.
• Physical demands: ability to lift and move 50+ lbs, and to stand, walk, kneel, bend, reach, and climb for extended periods and perform hands-on work with tools and equipment.

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, preferably metal laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) in a production setting.
• Proficiency across multiple post-processing operations such as support removal, wire EDM, heat treat, abrasive media blast, and part inspection.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, or defense manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP, or similar quality management systems and audit practices.
• Experience with highly technical equipment such as lasers, EDM, robotics, CNC, and CMM.
• Prior experience as a lead, trainer, or subject matter expert, including developing or delivering training and qualification.
• Track record of zero audit findings or consistently strong adherence to work instructions.
• Experience participating in root cause analysis, 5S, or continuous improvement projects with measurable results.

• Works in a production manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, machinery, metal powder, and industrial equipment; hands-on engagement on the production floor for most of the shift.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and may include safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, protective footwear, and respirators as required by the task and area.
• Work may involve crouching, climbing, confined spaces, working around operating machinery, and handling heavy or awkward items with proper lifting techniques and equipment.
• Follows a 3–4 x 11-hour shift schedule on a consistent 1st or 2nd shift; occasional extended or weekend hours may be required to meet production demands.
• Fast-paced, high-mix environment where priorities can shift based on equipment performance, engineering changes, and program milestones, requiring close collaboration with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and other teams.