3D Printer Operator/Designer

InsulTech•Santa Ana, CA

About The Position

The 3D Printer Operator/Designer creates printable 3D models and produces high-quality parts. The role combines CAD design, print preparation, printer operation, and quality inspection. It is responsible for developing products that meet design inputs, including new product specifications, performance criteria, and customer requirements, while working within material, labor, and capital investment costs and meeting schedules. Products should be designed for manufacturing (DFM) and assembly (DFA), with designs documented through drawings and/or specifications identifying key characteristics needed to meet design inputs. The position manages assigned product design projects with customers and works independently or with minimal supervision, coordinating with production to understand processes. The position designs and revises 3D models based on drawings, specifications, or customer requirements, prepares and operates 3D printing equipment, and inspects and documents completed parts. It also supports product design and manufacturing activities across engineering, production, quality, and sales, including design reviews, engineering changes, first-article reviews, pilot and initial production, problem analysis, cost and quality improvements, customer visits, and compliance with ISO Design and Development policies and procedures.

Requirements

Ability to create and revise 3D models based on drawings, specifications, or customer requirements.
Ability to prepare files for 3D printing, including geometry checks, part orientation, support generation, and print-setting selection.
Ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain 3D printers.
Ability to monitor print jobs and troubleshoot failures.
Ability to finish and inspect printed parts against specifications.
Ability to maintain records of print settings, material use, maintenance, and completed jobs.
Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.
Safety-mindedness.
Ability to work with production to understand manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

Design and revise 3D models based on drawings, specifications, or customer requirements in a fast-paced environment.
Prepare files for printing by checking geometry, orienting parts, adding supports, and selecting print settings.
Set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain 3D printers.
Monitor print jobs, troubleshoot failures, and adjust designs or settings as needed.
Remove supports, clean and finish printed parts, and inspect them against specifications.
Maintain records of print settings, material use, maintenance, and completed jobs.
Follow equipment safety procedures and keep the work area organized.
Design products to meet design inputs, specifications, performance criteria, and customer requirements within material, labor, and capital investment costs and required schedules.
Design products for manufacturing and assembly, and document designs through drawings and/or specifications identifying key characteristics.
Manage assigned product design projects with customers and work with production to understand processes.
Ensure fabricated-part and assembly designs support on-time customer quote submissions, using team members and other available resources, including Outside Engineering Services.
Participate in design development reviews with Designers, Manufacturing, Quality, and Sales, covering concepts and alternate designs, DFM/DFA development, design progress, and final acceptance.
Prepare task requests and required documentation for work in the lab and model shop.
Prepare Engineering Change Requests and track them through implementation.
Review and approve First Article Reports (FAIRs).
Support operations during pilot and initial production.
Analyze problems, possible causes, and solutions, including quality rejections.
Travel to customers for field design reviews and/or first-article fit-up.
Identify and implement cost reductions and quality improvements on current products.
Follow ISO Design and Development policies and procedures.
Maintain and update the CAD database, including bills of materials and production information.
Manufacture parts according to prints, redline prints when necessary, and communicate changes to the Designer.
Create detailed process documentation for manufacturing parts.