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 considering material, labor, and capital investment costs and meeting project schedules. The position designs products for manufacturing and assembly, documents designs through drawings and specifications that identify key characteristics, and manages assigned product design projects with customers. It works with production to understand processes and supports design development, quoting, pilot production, quality improvements, and implementation of engineering changes. The role also prepares and operates 3D printers, finishes and inspects printed parts, maintains records and CAD data, and follows safety and ISO Design and Development procedures. The work may include customer travel for field design reviews or first-article fit-up.

Requirements

Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Safety-minded approach to work.

Responsibilities

Develop products that meet design inputs, product specifications, performance criteria, and customer requirements.
Design products with consideration for material, labor, and capital investment costs, and implement designs within schedule.
Design products for manufacturing (DFM) and assembly (DFA), and document designs through drawings and specifications identifying key characteristics.
Manage assigned product design projects with customers.
Work with production to understand the manufacturing process.
Design and revise 3D models based on drawings, specifications, or customer requirements.
Prepare print files by checking geometry, orienting parts, adding supports, and selecting print settings.
Set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain 3D printers; monitor print jobs and troubleshoot failures.
Remove supports, clean and finish printed parts, and inspect parts against specifications.
Maintain records of print settings, material use, maintenance, and completed jobs.
Follow equipment safety procedures and keep the work area organized.
Ensure fabricated-part and assembly designs are completed in time for customer quote submissions, using team members or other resources, including outside engineering services, as available.
Participate in design development reviews with Designers, Manufacturing, Quality, and Sales, including concept and alternate designs, DFM/DFA development, design progress, and final acceptance.
Prepare task requests and required documentation for laboratory and model-shop work.
Prepare Engineering Change Requests and track them through implementation.
Review and approve First Article Inspection 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.