Associate, 3D Printing

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Associate, 3D Printing
Job Description:
The Research & Development Department's mission is to set the industry standard by finding new materials, methods, and technology to change the built environment and how we work. We are looking for dynamic, innovative, and passionate team members to join us in our movement to change our industry. The 3D Printing Associate will be responsible for the installing, maintaining, and operating large format and desktop format 3D printers in support of R&D projects at HITT. This team member will support 3D printing initiatives from concept through completion and coordinate across interdisciplinary teams, including project teams, consultants, and suppliers. The ideal candidate must have an in-depth knowledge of thermoplastic printing, including the key factors contributing to success. The candidate must be self-motivated, highly organized, and capable of working independently to execute complex projects. Keys to success in the role include conducting, observing, and refining efforts in material and design testing to develop actionable insights for future prints. The candidate will support the development of drawings for parts and implement quality control processes to support manufacturing. Key to this position are strong written and verbal communication skills, project management skills, creative thinking, relationship management, and meticulous attention to detail. Most importantly, candidates should be curious and excited about operating in new territory without fear of failure. This team member will report to the R&D Additive Manufacturing Lead.
Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain LFAM (Large Format Additive Manufacturing) machines in series, running multiple machines simultaneously.
• Operate and maintain Prusa FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) Printers in a print farm environment.
• Both create and refine CAD models with surface and solids-based applications for on-the-fly revisions to accommodate part tolerances and redesign efforts.
• Establish and nurture relationships with external vendors to support the expansion of print infrastructure, including collaboration with industry experts for power and maintenance requirements.
• Effectively manage and track inventories of materials and tools, ensuring accurate accounting of bulk quantities of polymer pellets and FDM material rolls, physically in the workshop environment and digitally through spreadsheet documentation.
• Diligently document print parameters and outcomes of material and design testing, analyzing these insights to formulate actionable best-practice guidelines for continuous improvement in future print projects.
• Lead the documentation, administration, and project management process for 3D printing research and development projects.
• Serve as a brand ambassador, actively participating in facility tours and providing comprehensive overviews of ongoing R&D projects.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or industrial design from an accredited institution.
• Proficiency in CAD software, with a preference for Rhino/Grasshopper and Fusion 360.
• Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of optimal print orientation and support structure strategies in 3D printing, ensuring the highest quality and efficiency in print output.
• Ability to create production-ready build drawings in both metric and imperial measurements.
• Exhibits exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate and simplify complex manufacturing processes, ensuring clarity and comprehension among diverse audiences, including team members without specialized technical knowledge.
• Confident in operating and maintaining industrial equipment with strict adherence to safety standards.
• Resilience in facing production challenges, with a willingness to revise and adapt strategies, including commissioning multiple systems in a large-scale 3D Printing infrastructure.
• Enthusiasm for expanding additive manufacturing to consumer-level production and the innate desire to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of the 3D printing industry.
• Thrive on working in a fast-paced environment while being detail-oriented, organized, and prioritizing tasks across multiple project pipelines.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in hand sketching for quickly demonstrating mechanical and manufacturing concepts.
• Passion for Creative Fabrication: Actively engaged and interested in woodworking, furniture design, and CNC machining, showcasing an appreciation for craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail in material creation and design.
• Proficiency in Programming Languages: Possesses a solid understanding of GCode for stepper motor-driven operations and/or Python programming, enabling efficient customization and optimization of manufacturing processes.
• Possesses a valid forklift certification, demonstrating skilled and safe handling of heavy machinery within the manufacturing environment.