Lead Additive Manufacturing Technician

Divergent • Long Beach, CA

8h • $37 - $43

About The Position

The Lead Additive Manufacturing Technician is the technical and operational lead for an assigned production work center. The role supports production of high-quality, precision components through foreign-object-debris-free operations across additive manufacturing and post-processing equipment. The technician leads safe, efficient daily execution; keeps work flowing; and trains and mentors other technicians so parts meet engineering, quality, and customer specifications while production targets are achieved.

The role operates and maintains industrial additive manufacturing and post-processing equipment, enforces standardized work and safety practices, and maintains work-center 5S, FOD, powder, and material controls. It owns preventive maintenance completion and documentation, maintains accurate records in digital manufacturing systems, and leads structured shift handoffs. The technician troubleshoots equipment and process issues, coordinates with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Service, supports corrective action and continuous improvement, and helps coordinate equipment, staffing, and material flow.

The position is based in a production manufacturing environment with hands-on work on the production floor for most of the shift. The environment includes noise, machinery, metal powder, and industrial equipment. PPE is required and may include safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, protective footwear, and task- or area-required respirators. Work may involve crouching, climbing, confined spaces, working around operating machinery, and handling heavy or awkward items. The schedule is a consistent first- or second-shift schedule of 3–4 11-hour shifts, with occasional extended or weekend hours to meet production needs. Compensation is listed as $33–$43 per hour, depending on level and interview evaluation.

Requirements

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. 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.
• Ability to work in a digital manufacturing environment using a manufacturing execution system (MES) and maintenance management system (CMMS), or ability to learn similar systems quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor less experienced team members and lead a small team.
• Strong work ethic, dependable attendance, and a self-starting approach.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, with a working understanding of multimeters, electrical power, and pneumatic air systems.
• Experience 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, with the ability to give and receive feedback constructively.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional extended or weekend hours.
• Ability to lift and move 50+ lbs, stand, walk, kneel, bend, reach, and climb for extended periods, and perform hands-on work with tools and equipment.

Nice To Haves

• 3+ years of hands-on additive manufacturing experience, preferably metal laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) in a production setting.
• Proficiency in multiple post-processing operations such as support removal, wire EDM, heat treat, abrasive media blasting, 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily execution for an assigned additive manufacturing or post-processing work center, prioritize workflow, balance work across technicians, and escalate constraints, delays, and risks to the Supervisor.
• Operate and maintain industrial additive manufacturing and post-processing equipment according to work instructions, quality requirements, and safety procedures, serving as an on-floor technical resource.
• Train, mentor, and coach team members, and verify competency through observation and sign-off.
• Maintain 5S standards, FOD control, powder and material controls, and a clean, organized, audit-ready work area.
• Ensure scheduled preventive maintenance, inspections, and calibrations are completed on time and accurately recorded in the maintenance management system.
• Execute and enforce standardized work; accurately document activity in MES and other digital systems; and maintain consistent practices across shifts, technicians, and equipment.
• Lead shift handoffs that clearly communicate equipment status, work in progress, quality concerns, and open actions across shifts and functions.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, perform first-level diagnostics involving electrical power, pneumatics, and mechanical systems, and collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Service on complex problems and 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 improvements to safety, yield, cycle time, equipment utilization, and consumable usage, and help update work instructions based on lessons learned.
• Support work-center scheduling and planning, coordinating equipment availability, staffing, and material flow with Production Control and the Supervisor.
• Model company values and operational excellence, uphold safety and quality standards, and stop work and escalate promptly when conditions are unsafe.
• Develop a career path toward training others, leading teams, manufacturing process and inspection, or additive manufacturing service in partnership with the Supervisor.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including an equity plan and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown.
• Paid parental leave.
• Health and wellness benefits with HMO and Premium PPO options.
• Company-sponsored life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed