ATDM Precision Manufacturing Lab Technician - Additive Manufacturing; 1st or 2nd Shift

Job Location:

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research - Danville, VA 24540, Position Type:
Full Time, Education Level: High School, Travel Percentage:
Up to 25%, Job Shift: Any, Job Category:
Education, This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified and other regulated technical information in accordance with applicable federal requirements. This role is not eligible for remote work and will be based onsite in Danville, Virginia.

• $27.00 – $28 per hour (with shift differentials where applicable)
• Retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with employer match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and paid family leave
• Paid holidays including a two-week paid winter break
• Health insurance options including PPO and HSA plans with dental coverage
• Employer-paid life insurance

The ATDM program prepares the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals for careers supporting the U.S. defense industrial base. As the Additive Manufacturing Lab Technician, you will play a critical role in ensuring students have access to high-quality equipment, materials, and technical support needed for successful hands-on training experiences. Your contributions will help create an engaging learning environment while supporting operational excellence across the program.

Support the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program by maintaining a safe, organized, and productive additive manufacturing lab environment. Working alongside instructors and students, you will help prepare equipment, support hands-on training activities, maintain inventory, and ensure lab operations run efficiently.

Key responsibilities include:

• Set up and prepare additive manufacturing equipment, tooling, and materials for training activities.
• Assist instructors during hands-on laboratory exercises and demonstrations.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain metal and polymer additive manufacturing systems.
• Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate minor repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Maintain inventory of consumables, materials, and lab supplies.
• Ensure compliance with shop safety standards and laboratory procedures.
• Support student success by providing technical assistance during training activities.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and professional learning environment.
• Assist with special projects, equipment installations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support occasional evening, weekend, or special training events as needed.

ATDM Instructors and Technicians are assigned shifts based on training needs. Shift assignments are determined by business needs at the time of hire, performance, and tenure. This position requires flexibility to work any shift as program needs evolve. Compensation includes a shift differential based on assigned instructional hours. This position will support training on first or second shift. The shift will be determined by business needs.

• First Shift: Classes begin at 7:00 a.m.
• Second Shift: Classes begin at 3:00 p.m.
• Third Shift: Classes begin at 11:00 p.m.

Evening, weekend, and off site instructional assignments may be required.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, technical, industrial, or laboratory environment.
• Experience with additive manufacturing technologies, including metal and/or polymer 3D printing.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing preparation and slicing software.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Knowledge of shop safety procedures and best practices.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and…