3D Printing Technicians & Machine Operators
Start your career in the 3D Printing industry and play a crucial role in transforming digital designs into physical parts. With competitive salaries, clear career progression and company benefits, learn how to secure a role as a 3D machine operator or technician.
Start your career in advanced manufacturing and play a crucial role in transforming digital workflows into physical products. With competitive salaries, clear career progression, and strong company benefits, learn how to secure a role as a CNC operator, production technician, or assembly specialist.
Why Start a Career in
3D Printing?
Machine operators and additive manufacturing technicians are currently some of the most in-demand roles in the additive manufacturing industry. In response, companies are adopting a ‘learning by doing’ approach, campaigning to attract new talent by incentivizing training and development programs. But what does this mean for those on the job market?
The increase in demand for machine operators and technicians means prospective candidates have the opportunity to break into a rapidly expanding industry with minimal prior experience. In turn, they can also access coveted benefits that span both company and industry-wide.
Machine operators and additive manufacturing technicians are currently some of the most in-demand roles in the additive manufacturing industry. In response, companies are adopting a ‘learning by doing’ approach, campaigning to attract new talent by incentivizing training and development programs. But what does this mean for those on the job market?
The increase in demand for machine operators and technicians means prospective candidates have the opportunity to break into a rapidly expanding industry with minimal prior experience. In turn, they can also access coveted benefits that span both company and industry-wide.
Averaging 40 hour work weeks
8-10 hour shifts
2-shift or 3-shift patterns
The earning potential for 3D technicians and machine operators depends on their working hours. Employees can boost their income by taking additional shifts beyond their contracted hours, often at overtime rates. For instance, night shift workers typically earn 1.5 times their regular hourly wage.
Working Hours
Averaging 40 hour work weeks
8-10 hour shifts
2-shift or 3-shift patterns
Salaries
The earning potential for 3D technicians and machine operators depends on their working hours. Employees can boost their income by taking additional shifts beyond their contracted hours, often at overtime rates. For instance, night shift workers typically earn 1.5 times their regular hourly wage.
How to Start a Career
in 3D Printing
Interested in joining the additive manufacturing workforce? Discover the different routes you can take to secure a role.
Harness Your Transferrable Skills
Thinking of switching careers? Whether you have previous experience working as a barista, nail technician or tattoo artist, there are a variety of transferrable skills you can acquire outside of the additive manufacturing industry that make you eligible for an entry-level 3D role. Some examples include:
• Experience operating machines of any kind
• Experience with standardized, repeatable processes
• Experience handling powders, liquids or similar materials
• Steady-hand precision
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
Gain Industry Experience Post Internship / Graduation
Ready to join the workforce following your degree or internship? Applying for a 3D technician role will give you the hands-on experience needed to progress in the additive manufacturing industry. From maintaining equipment to streamlining processes, experience operating 3D machinery lays the foundation for every additive manufacturing role. So, whether you have aspirations to become a:
• CAD Designer
• Computer Scientist
• Mechanical Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Software Engineer
It’s vital that you gain the necessary industry experience to accompany the knowledge you developed during your internship or degree.
Interested in joining the advanced and digital manufacturing workforce? Discover the different routes you can take to secure a role.
Thinking of switching careers? Whether you have previous experience working as a barista, nail technician or tattoo artist, there are a variety of transferrable skills you can acquire outside of the additive manufacturing industry that make you eligible for an entry-level 3D role. Some examples include:
• Experience operating machines of any kind
• Experience with standardized, repeatable processes
• Experience handling powders, liquids or similar materials
• Steady-hand precision
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
Ready to join the workforce following your degree or internship? Applying for a 3D technician role will give you the hands-on experience needed to progress in the additive manufacturing industry. From maintaining equipment to streamlining processes, experience operating 3D machinery lays the foundation for every additive manufacturing role. So, whether you have aspirations to become a:
• CAD Designer
• Computer Scientist
• Mechanical Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Software Engineer
It’s vital that you gain the necessary industry experience to accompany the knowledge you developed during your internship or degree.
Benefits
Some of the benefits you can expect to receive when working in the 3D printing industry include:
Data from our most recent Salary Survey Report shows that 72.9% of all additive manufacturing professionals feel they were compensated either fairly, very fairly or just right.
Entry-level positions like 3D printing technicians provide an excellent foundation for career development, as employees are able to familiarize themselves with the technology that underpins the wider additive manufacturing industry.
In turn, they can go on to diversify their skills and become CAD Designers, Engineers, R&D Managers and much more.
Unfortunately, paid sick days aren’t a universal benefit, but 68.8% of participating employers declared that they offer paid sick days in our most recent Salary Survey.
An invaluable resource for those without access to free healthcare, 65.6% of participating employers declared that they offer private healthcare, insurance and 401k contributions as a benefit in our most recent Salary Survey.
The value of retirement and pension contributions can often be overlooked for those at the start of their career. However, these contributions can ultimately dictate your retirement age and your financial status after leaving work, so they shouldn’t be overlooked.
Some of the benefits you can expect to receive when working in the 3D printing industry include:
Data from our most recent Salary Survey Report shows that 72.9% of all additive manufacturing professionals feel they were compensated either fairly, very fairly or just right.
Entry-level positions like 3D printing technicians provide an excellent foundation for career development, as employees are able to familiarize themselves with the technology that underpins the wider additive manufacturing industry.
In turn, they can go on to diversify their skills and become CAD Designers, Engineers, R&D Managers and much more.
Unfortunately, paid sick days aren’t a universal benefit, but 68.8% of participating employers declared that they offer paid sick days in our most recent Salary Survey.
An invaluable resource for those without access to free healthcare, 65.6% of participating employers declared that they offer private healthcare, insurance and 401k contributions as a benefit in our most recent Salary Survey.
The value of retirement and pension contributions can often be overlooked for those at the start of their career. However, these contributions can ultimately dictate your retirement age and your financial status after leaving work, so they shouldn’t be overlooked.
Entry-Level Requirements
With so many unique applications for 3D printing, there’s no shortage of entry-level roles available for prospective employees. With that said, there are some universal skills and responsibilities that must be fulfilled to be a successful candidate.
Skills
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Communication skills
• The ability to operate equipment
• The ability to adhere to quality standards
Responsibilities
• Operating 3D tools and machinery
• Maintaining equipment to ensure optimal performance
• Conduct quality checks
• Record output and any deviation from processes
• Contribute to the improvement and advancement of processes
• Collaborate with engineers and team members to ensure quality
With so many unique applications for 3D printing, there’s no shortage of entry-level roles available for prospective employees. With that said, there are some universal skills and responsibilities that must be fulfilled to be a successful candidate.
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Communication skills
• The ability to operate equipment
• The ability to adhere to quality standards
• Operating 3D tools and machinery
• Maintaining equipment to ensure optimal performance
• Conduct quality checks
• Record output and any deviation from processes
• Contribute to the improvement and advancement of processes
• Collaborate with engineers and team members to ensure quality
Entry-Level 3D Roles
Once you understand the requirements of starting a career in 3D printing, you’re able to determine which entry-level roles best suit your skillset and career aspirations.
CNC machine operators are responsible for operating and maintaining Computer Numerical Control machines. From calibration to troubleshooting, as a machine operator, you will play a vital role in the milling and finishing of 3D-printed parts.
Injection molding technicians are responsible for operating and maintaining injection molding machines to produce quality plastic products and components. From setting up molds to overseeing injection processes, as a technician you will monitor procedures to ensure consistent, quality output.
3D printed part finishers oversee the finishing processes, using techniques like sanding and polishing to produce quality parts without flaws or blemishes. The role of a 3D part finisher demands meticulous attention to detail and stringent adherence to quality standards.
Rapid prototype technicians are responsible for operating and maintaining machines to develop fast, functional prototypes. As a rapid prototype technician, your role is to create multiple iterations of a prototype in accordance with testing plans and design revisions.
Once you understand the requirements of starting a career in 3D printing, you’re able to determine which entry-level roles best suit your skillset and career aspirations.
CNC machine operators are responsible for operating and maintaining Computer Numerical Control machines. From calibration to troubleshooting, as a machine operator, you will play a vital role in the milling and finishing of 3D-printed parts.
Injection molding technicians are responsible for operating and maintaining injection molding machines to produce quality plastic products and components. From setting up molds to overseeing injection processes, as a technician you will monitor procedures to ensure consistent, quality output.
3D printed part finishers oversee the finishing processes, using techniques like sanding and polishing to produce quality parts without flaws or blemishes. The role of a 3D part finisher demands meticulous attention to detail and stringent adherence to quality standards.
Rapid prototype technicians are responsible for operating and maintaining machines to develop fast, functional prototypes. As a rapid prototype technician, your role is to create multiple iterations of a prototype in accordance with testing plans and design revisions.
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Take a look at some of the latest jobs on our career portal, and register to receive our hot job newsletter with a round up of the month’s jobs, latest ADG news and updates.
Regional Sales Manager - Service Bureau New England / D.C.
Our client is a plastics AND metal 3D printing service bureau located in the New England / Washington DC area...
Software Sales Representative: Solid Edge
The ideal candidate is a motivated, organized, and creative individual who welcomes the challenges of acquiring and developing new business through sales efforts...
Sales Manager
This is a remote position. Europe Sales Manager - Remote - Based in Spain. We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Sales Manager to lead the...
Alexander Daniels Global is Your Industry 4.0 Talent Partner
At Alexander Daniels Global, we have a simple vision: ‘To enable the 4th Industrial Revolution through talent.’ Through strategic support, consultation and partnership, you can trust our specialized recruitment consultants to identify, attract, engage and recruit high caliber professionals globally. We also work with talented individuals to source opportunities which will add value to their career.
Contact us to get started on your talent journey today.
Alexander Daniels Global is Your
Industry 4.0 Talent Partner
At Alexander Daniels Global, we have a simple vision: ‘To enable the 4th Industrial Revolution through talent.’ Through strategic support, consultation and partnership, you can trust our specialized recruitment consultants to identify, attract, engage and recruit high caliber professionals globally. We also work with talented individuals to source opportunities which will add value to their career.
Contact us to get started on your talent journey today.
