Fabrication Technician

About the Role

• Position: Fabrication Technician
• Location: Santa Clara Valley, CA
• Salary: $95k-$105k/annum
• Job Type: Full Time

Role Summary

Fabrication Technicians produce prototype components and study hardware using selective laser sintering (SLS) additive manufacturing and post-processing. Key responsibilities include maintaining build schedules, delivering parts that meet specifications, and adhering to strict powder handling and safety practices. Technicians receive assignments from the Managed Service Manager, work from documented procedures, and manage all fabrication materials and consumables. Schedules may flex to overlapping shifts or weekend work when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Build Execution: Start builds and process parts on the set daily cadence, ensuring build quality and turnaround.
• Build Preparation: Prepare builds in slicer software, packing and nesting parts for optimal density and yield.
• CAD Validation and Design: Validate CAD files before printing, and design solutions to client problem statements.
• Assembly: Assemble printed parts and components into finished study hardware.
• Quality Inspection: Inspect finished parts against drawing tolerances and reject out-of-spec work.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance on lab equipment and keep maintenance history current.
• Materials: Monitor powder and consumable stock, manage refresh ratios, and submit replacement requests.
• Records: Maintain build logs, maintenance records, and Jira status.
• Requester Guidance: Advise requesting teams on design best practices for SLS printing.
• Lab Support: Support lab relocation and equipment setup.
• Safety: Follow all combustible dust, powder handling, and site EHS requirements.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, production manufacturing, or a comparable technical shop.
• Proficiency with computer software, including slicer or build preparation tools.
• Accurate written records and clear communication.
• Willingness to cross-train and support peers.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs, and to stand, kneel, and operate machinery for extended periods.
• Onsite availability during regular business hours, with flexibility to work overlapping shifts or weekends.
• Completed combustible dust safety training before the first onsite day.

Qualifications

• Technical degree, trade school, certificate, military technical training, or demonstrated equivalent shop experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior hands-on SLS or powder-based process experience.
• Experience with the Formlabs Fuse 1+ 30W and the Fuse ecosystem.
• Nylon 12 / PA12 process knowledge, including refresh ratio tuning.
• Familiarity with NFPA 652 or equivalent combustible dust standards.
• Dimensional inspection: calipers, micrometers, reading drawings, and GD&T.
• CAD proficiency (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or NX) for fixture design, mesh repair, and editing.
• Experience with laser cutting, CNC, CMM, EDM, or robotics.
• Prior work in a confidential or IP-sensitive environment.