Lead Additive Manufacturing Technician

Divergent • Long Beach, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Additive Manufacturing Technician is the technical and operational lead for an assigned production work center, supporting the production of high-quality, precision components through FOD-free additive manufacturing and post-processing operations. The technician sets the example for safety, quality, and execution; keeps work flowing through the work center; and trains and mentors other technicians so parts meet engineering, quality, and customer specifications while production targets are met safely and efficiently.

The role operates and maintains industrial additive manufacturing and post-processing equipment, coordinates workflow and staffing, maintains 5S, FOD, powder, and material controls, and owns preventive maintenance completion and documentation. It uses digital manufacturing and maintenance systems to document work and maintain standardized practices, and leads shift handoffs across teams.

The Lead Technician troubleshoots equipment and process issues, performs first-level electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical diagnostics, and coordinates with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Service to resolve complex problems. The role also supports investigations and corrective actions, continuous improvement, scheduling and planning, and the development of other technicians. The position is based on the production floor in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment and follows a consistent first- or second-shift schedule of 3–4 11-hour shifts, with occasional extended or weekend hours as needed.

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 an MES and CMMS, or demonstrated ability to learn similar systems quickly.
• Ability to train and mentor less experienced team members and lead a small team.
• Strong work ethic, dependable attendance, and a self-starting approach to work.
• 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 to support production needs.
• Ability to lift and move 50+ lbs and to stand, walk, kneel, bend, reach, and climb for extended periods while performing hands-on work with tools and equipment.

Nice To Haves

• At least 3 years of hands-on additive manufacturing experience, 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.

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; serve as the on-floor technical resource.
• Train, mentor, and coach team members and verify competency through observation and sign-off.
• Maintain 5S, FOD control, and powder and material controls; keep the work area clean, organized, and audit-ready.
• Ensure scheduled preventive maintenance, inspections, and calibrations are completed on time and documented accurately in the maintenance management system.
• Execute and enforce standardized work, document activity in the MES and other digital systems, and maintain consistent practices across shifts, technicians, and equipment.
• Lead structured shift handoffs that communicate equipment status, work in progress, quality concerns, and open actions across shifts and functions.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, perform first-level diagnostics of 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 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, including 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 salary, 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.
• 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