Machine Operations Technician III

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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
• 4+ years of experience in additive manufacturing, machine operation, manufacturing, equipment testing, automation, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting technical manufacturing or automated equipment.
• Ability to interpret work instructions, drawings, specifications, procedures, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems, sensors, actuators, motors, motion systems, and industrial equipment.
• Experience with structured troubleshooting and technical problem-solving.
• Proficiency with computer software and manufacturing systems.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate across technical teams.

• Experience with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) or other additive manufacturing processes.
• Experience operating large-format or multi-laser additive manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with depowdering, powder recovery, sieving, or other AM post-processing activities.
• Experience with lasers, robotics, CNC, motion systems, controls, or automated equipment.
• Experience supporting machine qualification, process development, or production ramp-up.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, robotics, additive manufacturing, or other advanced manufacturing environments.
• Experience with ERP, MES, or other manufacturing execution systems.
• Experience with Lean or continuous improvement.

• 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.

• 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.

• Use ERP and manufacturing systems to record work orders, machine status, material consumption, print activity, and equipment history.
• Maintain accurate machine, material, configuration, and qualification records.
• Identify recurring equipment issues, downtime, process variability, and opportunities for improvement.
• Recommend and support improvements to operating procedures, tooling, print processes, and machine utilization.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to standardized operating methods.

• Work closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Controls, Software, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and other technicians.
• Provide technical support and knowledge transfer to less-experienced technicians.
• Communicate machine status, technical issues, risks, and required support clearly.
• Support a safe, professional, FOD-free, and quality-focused work environment.

• Fully onsite in a development and manufacturing environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, bending, reaching, climbing, and hands-on machine operation.
• Work around lasers, large-format machinery, robotics, powder-handling systems, electrical systems, and automated equipment.
• Follow applicable PPE, laser, electrical, inert-gas, powder-handling, ESD, chemical/process, and machine-safety requirements.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds independently; heavier components require assistance or appropriate equipment.
• May require extended hours, shift work, or weekend support during testing, qualification, development printing, and production ramp-up.