Lead Production Technician
About The Position
Formative 3D is hiring a Lead Production Technician to support manufacturing and post-processing operations at its new production facility in Falls Church, Virginia. The role performs advanced finishing and assembly work, provides hands-on training and technical guidance to Production Technicians, and helps coordinate daily production activities in close collaboration with the Post-Processing Manager. It is a hands-on leadership role, not a direct supervisory position. The Lead Production Technician will help keep production safe, efficient, and aligned with quality standards while contributing to the company’s first project and growth. The position pays $28–$34 per hour, depending on experience. Formative 3D describes itself as a 3D-printing startup focused on changing the built environment through large-format and FDM additive manufacturing and sustainable, scalable, modular systems. The company states that it values a respectful, inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It maintains a drug-free workplace consistent with applicable laws.
Requirements
- Strong hands-on experience operating hand tools and power tools, including drills, impact drivers, hole saws, sanders, and cutting equipment.
- Previous experience in manufacturing, construction, carpentry, fabrication, or assembly.
- Ability to accurately measure, drill, cut, assemble, and finish materials with minimal supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and resolve quality issues.
- Ability to train, guide, and support team members with patience and clear communication.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to balance hands-on work with team coordination.
- Ability to follow and reinforce work instructions, measurements, safety requirements, and standard operating procedures.
- Dependable, proactive, and comfortable taking initiative in a fast-paced production environment.
- Willingness to work weekends.
- Ability to move regularly between production areas, assembly stations, and shipping/receiving; stand or walk for extended periods, up to 8 hours per day, 6 days a week; and regularly lift materials or equipment weighing 25–50 pounds.
- Ability to work in an industrial environment with noise, dust, and varying temperatures, using required PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
Nice To Haves
- CNC machine experience is preferred.
- Experience with 3D printing or advanced manufacturing is a plus; neither is required.
Responsibilities
- Perform advanced post-processing on 3D-printed parts, including drilling, hole cutting, sanding, trimming, deburring, and finishing.
- Provide hands-on training and technical guidance on the safe and proper use of hand tools, power tools, and equipment.
- Support the Post-Processing Manager with coordinating daily tasks, prioritizing work, and maintaining efficient production workflows.
- Review completed work for quality, accuracy, and consistency with established standards.
- Help develop and improve work instructions, standard operating procedures, and post-processing techniques.
- Troubleshoot technical challenges and recommend practical solutions to improve productivity and reduce rework.
- Support assembly operations, material handling, and organization of finished parts and supplies.
- Promote a clean, safe, and organized work environment, reinforcing safety procedures and proper PPE use.
- Communicate production progress, technical concerns, and operational needs to the Post-Processing Manager.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Competitive paid time off plans.
- Competitive retirement plans.
- Opportunity to develop technical and leadership skills as the company grows its advanced manufacturing operations.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
