Carbon Fiber & 3D Printing Technician​/Shop Operations Specialist

Overview

Location:

McMinnville, Oregon

Employment Type:

Full-time (at least 30 hours/week)

To apply, please email your resume to  and include the job position in the subject of the email.

Ether Form Inc. (EFI) is a defense contractor that specializes in the development of next-generation open architecture digital RF and mission system solutions for the United States Government (USG). EFI is dedicated to producing high quality products for its customers and a high quality of life for its employees. EFI works on contracts in support of US Government programs; as part of our team, you’d be helping to propose, design and develop these products.

Ether Form is based in McMinnville, Oregon. McMinnville is a small town southwest of Portland that features numerous amenities: great food, culture, with proximity to world class wineries, the Oregon coast and skiing.

Complete benefits package including health care allowance, generous vacation allowance, and retirement matching.

We are a growing drone manufacturing company specializing in carbon fiber airframes and advanced fabrication methods. We are seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on technician to support carbon fiber construction and repair, operate and maintain 3D printers, and help keep our shop clean, organized, and efficient.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys precision work, takes pride in organization, and wants to develop skills in carbon fiber fabrication and additive manufacturing. Prior carbon fiber experience is not required—we will train the right candidate.

• Assist in fabrication of carbon fiber drone components (cutting, layup, bonding, finishing)
• Perform basic repairs and refinishing of carbon fiber parts
• Follow detailed work instructions, drawings, and quality standards
• Inspect finished parts for defects, accuracy, and consistency
• Properly handle resins, fibers, tools, and PPE

• Operate in-house 3D printers to produce prototype and production parts
• Prepare print files, set up builds, and monitor print quality
• Perform basic printer maintenance (bed leveling, nozzle changes, calibration, cleaning)
• Identify and troubleshoot common print issues
• Maintain filament inventory and ensure printers are clean and ready for use

• Operate CNC machines to produce carbon fiber, plastic, and light metal components as required
• Set up jobs, load materials, and verify fixtures and tool paths prior to machining
• Monitor CNC operations to ensure part quality, dimensional accuracy, and safe operation
• Perform basic machine maintenance (cleaning, lubrication, tool changes, waste removal)
• Identify and troubleshoot common machining issues (tool wear, chatter, alignment issues)
• Maintain CNC tooling, cutters, and related consumables
• Follow all safety procedures related to CNC operation, dust control, and material handling
• Work from CAD/CAM files, drawings, and work instructions (training provided if needed)

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop environment
• Organize tools, materials, and workstations
• Track consumables and notify management when supplies are low
• Support general shop workflow and efficiency
• Assist with basic equipment upkeep

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• At least a High School degree
• Strong attention to detail and ability to ensure high-quality production
• Comfortable working with tools, machinery, and computers
• Demonstrated ability in Troubleshooting hardware and software issues
• Ability to follow step-by-step procedures
• Pride in organization, cleanliness, and quality
• Reliable, punctual, self-motivated, interested in solving challenging problems
• Willingness to learn carbon fiber fabrication and 3D printing processes

• Experience with composites, fabrication, aerospace, automotive, marine, or model building
• Experience operating FDM or resin 3D printers
• Familiarity with CAD files, slicer software, or technical drawings
• Manufacturing, prototyping, or mechanical assembly background
• CNC routers or mills (especially for composites or plastics)
• Familiarity with CAM software and G-code fundamentals
• Experience with fixturing, work holding, or vacuum tables