Fabrication Engineering Technician
Hampton, VA - USA
Job Summary
About Science and Technology Corporation (STC):
Founded in 1979 Science and Technology Corporation (STC) delivers an extensive range of award-winning advanced scientific engineering and technical support services to the U.S. Government and Industry customers. Our proven expertise and experience span scientific research development test and evaluation in areas such as earth and atmospheric sciences engineering data science and software engineering. Will you join our world-class team
- Employment Category: Part-time/non-exempt
- Location:NASA Langley Research Center Hampton VA
- Security Clearance: N/A
- Citizenship:U.S. Citizenship
- Salary: $30/hr.
Position Summary
The Fabrication Engineering Technician serves as a technical specialist in metal additive manufacturing with an emphasis on Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The incumbent provides handson expertise in operating programming and maintaining SLM systems within Langleys advanced manufacturing laboratories. The technician works directly with research engineers project teams and external vendors to fabricate highprecision aerospace components supporting mission needs in aeronautics science and exploration.
In addition to their core responsibilities the technician may also be called upon to assist with other tasks as needed. For instance they might help with ceramic model fabrication which is housed within the same additive manufacturing lab.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
1. Additive Manufacturing Operations (Primary)
- Program set up and operate SLM additive manufacturing systems to produce highquality metallic components to NASA specifications.
- Interpret CAD models build files and engineering drawings to develop build strategies optimized for material geometry and performance requirements.
- Conduct powder handling loading recycling and quality management in accordance with safety and contaminationcontrol procedures.
- Perform machine calibration laser alignment checks and process parameter verification to maintain part quality and repeatability.
2. Fabrication Request Support
- Collaborate with requesters to evaluate part requirements manufacturability materials and best manufacturing approaches.
- Support design reviews by providing input on additivespecific constraints such as support structures surface finish tolerances and build orientation.
- Track fabrication jobs maintain documentation and communicate status to customers and project leads.
3. Laboratory and Equipment Maintenance
- Maintain additive manufacturing laboratory facilities including SLM machines powder storage inert gas systems and postprocessing equipment.
- Develop and execute preventive maintenance schedules.
- Maintain consumable inventories and ensure compliance with environmental health and safety (EHS) requirements consistent with facility operations guidance found in internal D204 safety and environmental PDs.
- Keep equipment configurations logs and calibration records up to date.
4. Vendor & Procurement Coordination
- Engage with equipment manufacturers service providers and suppliers to evaluate new technologies and support procurement of new additive manufacturing systems.
- Assist with development of technical specifications for acquisition installation and integration of new equipment into existing facility infrastructure.
- Coordinate service contracts warranty work and repairs.
5. PostProcessing & Quality Assurance
- Conduct part removal heat treatment coordination support removal machining interface setups and surface finishing as required.
- Perform dimensional inspection visual examination and basic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) to verify build quality.
- Document process parameters anomalies part history and build outcomes to support traceability and process improvement.
6. Collaboration & Branch Support
- Work in coordination with fabrication teams across machining CNC precision metal and composite groups to integrate additive parts into larger assemblies consistent with multidisciplinary fabrication workflows outlined in internal capability plans.
- Support branch activities demonstrations tours and technical briefings regarding additive manufacturing capabilities.
- Provide mentorship to junior technicians and interns as assigned.
Benefits:
- N/A - Part Time Associate
Requirements
- Experience operating metal additive manufacturing systems (SLM strongly preferred).
- Ability to develop machine build files support strategies and process parameters.
- Demonstrated understanding of metallic powderbed fusion materials powder handling and contamination control.
- Proficiency in CAD/CAM tools (e.g. NX SolidWorks or equivalent).
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Experience in performing mechanical or laboratory equipment maintenance.
- Strong communication and customerinteraction skills.
Desired/Preferred Skills
- Experience with postprocessing techniques (heat treat HIP machining inspection).
- Familiarity with NASA DoD or aerospacegrade manufacturing standards.
- Knowledge of safety and environmental compliance in fabrication facilities.
- Ability to contribute to capital equipment procurement installation and acceptance testing.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Work involves standing for extended periods lifting materials up to 40 lbs. and working in laboratory environments with protective equipment.
- Requires adherence to safety procedures for powders lasers inert atmospheres and hightemperature postprocessing.
Required Experience:
IC