3D Printing Lab Technician and Instructor

Are you passionate about teaching and mentoring students in STEM? Join us as a Lab Leader at Digital Ready and help empower the next generation of Black + Latinx innovators. 

OUR MISSION 

Digital Ready activates the creative potential of high school students, especially Black and Latinx youth, to build tangible pathways to economic opportunities in Boston’s innovation economy. 

Being Digital Ready means being ready for the complexity of a constantly evolving economy and society and requires students to weave together ethnography, engineering, design, and code to solve incredibly gnarly 21st-century problems. At Digital Ready, we utilize the city as a lab for learning striving to make the boundaries between school and the world less strict and more permeable. Our mission is to create tangible economic pathways for students that are driven by students’ interests, local employer needs, and the community’s unique assets. Our students learn by doing. In our studio, students practice habits of creative problem-solving in a safe and supportive environment, where they can take risks to learn, ask difficult questions, and develop themselves as creative leaders. 

OUR VALUES 

• We actively fight against the status quo that allows injustices to be perpetuated without accountability;
• We use our political power, social capital, and networks to create access to high-quality education opportunities for students: 
• We value diverse perspectives, which we believe leads to more identity-affirming and innovative learning experiences for students; 
• We are committed to being an anti-racist organization that prioritizes the voices of students and communities of color; 
• We intentionally support the redesign of policies and structures or systemic racism that continues to exclude and harm communities of color; 
• We actively interrogate schools' curricula, industries' hiring practices, and other institutional practices that limit who has access to Boston's innovation economy. 

POSITION

The Future of Work Lab offers hands-on, project-based learning opportunities for young people across Greater Boston, ages 16–25, introducing them to pathways in STEM, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. Through immersive experiences, participants build skills in CAD (Computer-Aided Design), 3D printing, and digital fabrication while developing the technical knowledge and professional competencies essential for success in future careers.

The 3D Printing Lab Technician & Instructor is responsible for managing daily operations of the additive manufacturing lab while providing hands-on instruction, training, and support to students, faculty, and staff. This role combines technical expertise in 3D printing with teaching responsibilities to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative use of lab resources.

LOCATION

• Location: Future of Work Lab - 3377 Washington Street 
• Onsite, in-person work is required for this position. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lab Operations & Technical Support

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot 3D printers to ensure consistent performance: 
• Prepare, slice, and manage print jobs from digital models (STL, CAD files); 
• Monitor print quality and perform post-processing (cleaning, curing, sanding, finishing); 
• Maintain inventory of materials (filament, resin) and lab supplies; 
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and repairs on equipment; 
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and proper handling of materials; 
• Document print jobs, machine usage, and maintenance logs. 

Instruction & Training

• Teach workshops, classes, or one-on-one sessions on 3D printing technologies and workflows; 
• Train users on equipment operation, safety procedures, and best practices; 
• Assist students in preparing files and optimizing designs for printability; 
• Provide guidance on material selection and design for additive manufacturing (DFAM); 
• Develop instructional materials, tutorials, and lab guides; 
• Support curriculum integration of 3D printing into courses and projects. 

Collaboration & Project Support

• Work with faculty, students, and researchers to prototype and fabricate parts; 
• Review and evaluate design files for accuracy and manufacturability; 
• Provide technical consultation on design improvements and printing methods; 
• Support interdisciplinary projects using additive manufacturing; 

Lab Management

• Schedule and prioritize print jobs to meet deadlines; 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe lab environment; 
• Track usage metrics and support continuous improvement of lab processes; 
• Stay current with emerging 3D printing technologies, tools, and materials. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Design, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• Hands-on experience with 3D printing technologies (FDM, SLA, SLS, etc.)
• Familiarity with CAD and slicing software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer, Fusion 360)
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical skills
• Knowledge of materials and post-processing techniques
• Fluency in French, Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese is preferred. 
• Experience with teaching, mentoring, or tutoring young adults between the ages of 16-25. 
• Strong communication and collaboration skills. 
• Passion for education and empowering students. 
• High level of organization and attention to detail. 

REQUIREMENTS 

• All staff are subject to background checks as stipulated by MA law when working with students under the age of 18. 

BENEFITS 

• Opportunity to make a significant impact on students' learning journeys. 
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment. 
• Professional development opportunities. 

COMPENSATION 

This is a paid hourly position at a rate of $20-$30 per hour. 

How can I apply? 

Interested applicants can visit www.digitalready.org to learn more about the organization. 

Applications including a resume and cover letter should be submitted online by using the following submission link: https://form.typeform.com/to/lYSDdhd4?typeform-source=www.google.com