Additive Manufacturing Finishing Specialist

Company Overview
Founded in 1999, Realize, Inc. has established itself as a leading provider of 3D printing and rapid prototyping services, delivering high-quality parts with precision, efficiency, and exceptional craftsmanship. We have built a reputation for quick turnaround times, flexibility, and outstanding customer service, making us a trusted partner across many industries.

Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Additive Manufacturing Finishing Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will operate industrial 3D printers and apply advanced finishing, painting, and cosmetic enhancement techniques to a variety of freshly printed prototype and production components. Success in this role requires patience, craftsmanship, pride in your work, and an exceptional eye for detail and cosmetic quality. Every day brings new projects across industries ranging from medical devices and consumer products to aerospace and automotive. No two days are exactly alike. Your expertise will ensure that each project meets our rigorous quality standards while adhering to safety protocols. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge materials and equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is ideal for someone who enjoys working with their hands, solving problems, and taking pride in creating parts that meet demanding customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• 3D Printing & Post-Processing: Remove completed builds from SLA, SLS, and FDM 3D printers. Clean, de-powder, and post-process printed components safely and efficiently.
• Model Finishing: Perform manual finishing work and surface preparation on 3D printed and other parts using a variety of hands-on techniques, including hand sanding, bead blasting, and polishing.
• Advanced Painting: Utilize HVLP spray equipment in a dedicated spray booth to apply automotive-grade primers, base coats, and clear coats to produce premium cosmetic finishes on prototype and production components.
• Detail Finishes: Apply specialized custom finishes, including EMI shielding coatings, graphics transfers, precision masking, and other cosmetic enhancements.
• Equipment Operation: Safely and efficiently operate finishing machinery, including bead blasting equipment and related workshop tools.
• Department Care: Conduct daily cleaning, organization, and preventative maintenance within the 3D printing lab and finishing department to ensure a safe, efficient workspace.
• Production Pace: Interpret production documents such as work orders, process sheets, and quality standards to execute finishing and preparation tasks efficiently, accurately, and in line with Realize's rapid production schedule.
• Occasional Weekend Support: Following the training period, this role participates in a rotating weekend support schedule for 3D printer build removals, cleaning, and changeovers during periods of high production demand. Weekend support is typically limited and shared among the team.
• Team Support: Handle large boxes and heavy lifting (up to 30 lbs.) as needed and assist with other workshop duties or cross-department tasks as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Prior experience with 3D printers, 3D printed model finishing, industrial model making, or post-processing is highly preferred.
• Painting Proficiency: Professional experience utilizing spray guns, HVLP systems, automotive painting techniques, or similar finishing environments is strongly preferred.
• Hand-Eye Coordination: Strong hand-eye coordination and the ability to perform detailed cosmetic work consistently.
• Problem Solving: Ability to identify surface defects, troubleshoot finishing challenges, and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Detail-Oriented: Ability to interpret production documents and instructions with a sharp eye for aesthetics, surface quality, and consistency.
• Physical Ability: Capability to stand for extended periods and comfortably lift up to 30 lbs.
• Pace & Reliability: Ability to work quickly under tight deadlines without compromising on product quality.

Why You'll Enjoy Working at Realize

• Independently owned company with a 25 year reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and customer service
• Work with cutting-edge industrial 3D printing technologies
• Diverse projects from many different industries
• Climate-controlled facility
• Collaborative team environment
• Opportunity to develop highly specialized finishing skills
• Every project is different—no repetitive assembly-line work

At Realize, every part matters. We don't build commodity products—we help engineers, designers, and innovators bring new ideas to life. The quality of your work will directly contribute to products that move from concept to reality. If you enjoy a fast-paced, collaborative environment, hands-on work, and producing precision-crafted products, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $28