Machine Operator

Job Title: Additive Technician – 3D Printing / Machine Operator

Job Description

This role is based in Gaithersburg and focuses on the daily operation of additive manufacturing and 3D printing equipment, post-processing of printed parts, and maintaining a clean, organized shop environment. You will work in a fast-paced production setting, using a variety of industrial 3D printers and tools, while consistently delivering high-quality parts with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Operate a range of additive manufacturing machines, including EOS SLS systems, Stratasys Fortus 450, Stratasys 900, PostPro3D Vapor Smoother, Prusa i3Mk3s+ desktop FDM printers, and Stratasys Connex machines.
• Handle and process powder materials, including blending powders to meet shop specifications and performing SLS build breakouts.
• Remove support structures from FDM printed models using manual methods and soluble baths to ensure clean, finished parts.
• Perform post-processing tasks such as drilling and tapping holes, installing inserts and helicoils, dyeing, sanding, and preparing parts for shipment by bagging and tagging.
• Use hand tools and basic mechanical tools to assemble, refine, and finish 3D printed components as required.
• Follow production instructions, blueprints, and work orders to ensure parts meet specified quality and dimensional requirements.
• Maintain shop cleanliness and organization, including routine cleaning of machines, workstations, and common areas.
• Regularly use ERP and Magics software systems to track work orders, manage parts, and support production workflows.
• Work independently and unattended while effectively multitasking across multiple machines or processes.
• Perform all work in compliance with established quality and safety systems, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to resolve production issues and continuously improve processes.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• High level of manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude for working with tools, machines, and small components.
• Extreme attention to detail and patience when operating equipment and performing post-processing tasks.
• Ability to work unattended while multitasking across multiple machines or tasks.
• Strong algebra skills and basic computer proficiency for operating software and following work instructions.
• Experience with machine operation and assembly in a production or similar environment.
• Comfort using hand tools for mechanical assembly, finishing, and post-processing.
• Ability to read and follow basic production instructions and shop documentation.
• Eligibility to work in an ITAR-regulated facility
• Commitment to performing all work in compliance with established quality and safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 1+ year of manufacturing or assembly experience preferred.
• Machine shop or CNC experience is a plus.
• Experience working in demanding environments such as commercial kitchens or high-output manufacturing facilities.
• Basic understanding of blueprints, drawings, and 3D CAD is preferred.
• Familiarity with 3D printing processes and technologies, including SLS and FDM, is beneficial.
• Experience with production environments involving mechanical, 3D printing, CNC machines, or powder coating is advantageous.
• Ability to interpret mechanical or production blueprints to ensure accurate part production.
• Comfort working with ERP systems and Magics software, or willingness to learn these tools.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing organization that offers a long-term opportunity with the potential to transition to a permanent role. The company expects to double in size over the next five years, creating clear paths for advancement and promotion. When hired as a permanent employee, you can earn raises based on performance, recognizing your contributions and growth. You will also have the opportunity to receive hands-on training in advanced 3D printing technologies, building valuable skills in a cutting-edge manufacturing field.

Work Environment

This position is located in an ITAR-regulated manufacturing facility in Gaithersburg, operating primarily on a first shift schedule. Standard hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with initial training conducted on the day shift and a first-day start time of 10:00 a.m. Additional shift options may include early morning hours with an associated shift differential. You will work around industrial 3D printing equipment such as EOS SLS systems, Stratasys Fortus 450 and 900 printers, PostPro3D Vapor Smoothers, Prusa i3Mk3s+ desktop FDM printers, and Stratasys Connex machines, as well as hand tools and other production equipment. The environment is fast-paced and production-focused, requiring careful attention to safety, powder handling, and shop cleanliness. The dress code is casual but practical, typically jeans or shorts with a plain shirt and closed-toe shoes, suitable for a hands-on manufacturing setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Gaithersburg, MD.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Gaithersburg,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.