NASAM Additive Manufacturing Technician

About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. The mission will be accomplished through applied research, advanced learning, economic development, advanced manufacturing, and conference services. Driving Economic Transformation is at the heart of everything we do at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. WE discover breakthroughs, create opportunity, grow innovation, power progress, and host greatness. Each of our divisions plays a critical role in daily preserving and delivering this mission.

About the Role
The Naval Aviation School for Additive Manufacturing (NASAM) is a specialized training program designed to equip Sailors, Marines, and Department of Defense personnel with hands-on expertise in additive manufacturing technologies tailored for military applications. The NASAM Technician plays a vital support role, working closely with the Lead Instructor to ensure smooth delivery of instruction, efficient lab operations, and a high-quality learning experience. 
 

The hours of work for this role are Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Duties & Responsibilities:
• •    Prepare and organize equipment, tools, and instructional materials for classroom and lab sessions
• •    Provide real-time assistance to the instructor during lectures and hands-on training activities
• •    Monitor and manage inventory of consumables and supplies to ensure uninterrupted operations
• •    Perform routine preventative maintenance on 3D printers, tooling, and related equipment
• •    Support lab management tasks including setup, troubleshooting, and cleanup
• •    Create and modify CAD designs optimized for additive manufacturing (DFAM)
• •    Operate and troubleshoot CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks preferred)
• •    Utilize slicing software (Cura, Insite preferred) to prepare models for printing
• •    Apply additive manufacturing techniques using both metal and plastic materials
• •    Collaborate effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students
• •    Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats
• Work Location
• We are looking for staff to work onsite in Danville, VA.   

• The Ideal Candidate
• •    High school diploma required; technical degree in manufacturing or equivalent experience preferred
• •    Prior experience in military or DoD manufacturing environments is highly desirable
• •    Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and slicing software (Cura, Insite preferred)
• •    Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing processes and equipment
• •    Strong understanding of blueprint reading and DFAM principles
• •    Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• •    Creative problem-solving mindset and adaptability to evolving technologies
• •    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• •    Proven ability to work effectively in diverse and dynamic environments

Essential Physical Requirements:
•    Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
•    Skilled in using basic hand tools
•    Capable of frequent movement within a lab setting
•    Comfortable using stepladders and operating technical equipment•    
 

Salary & Benefits
IALR will offer a salary of $57,000 - $59,000 plus applicable shift differential. IALR offers unique career opportunities in an innovative environment, all to support the economic transformation of Southern Virginia. Eligible employees are afforded excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage with lower-than-expected costs and participate in the Virginia Retirement System to save for their future.

IALR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact hr@ialr.org. Requests will be kept confidential and handled in accordance with applicable laws.