R&D Workshop Specialist

About the role

Form Labs is seeking an R&D Workshop Specialist to join their team in Somerville, Massachusetts. This role centers on hands-on workshop work that directly supports research and development efforts within the company. The specialist will operate fabrication and prototyping equipment to produce physical models, test parts, and iterative designs for R&D projects. Collaboration with engineers and product development teams is a core part of the position, as the specialist helps translate conceptual designs into tangible prototypes for evaluation and refinement. This is a full-time role based at the Somerville office.

Key facts

What you'll do

1. Support R&D teams by operating and maintaining workshop equipment used for prototyping and testing activities.

2. Fabricate prototypes and functional parts using additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing techniques available in the workshop.

3. Collaborate with engineers to translate design concepts into physical models and iterative prototypes for evaluation.

4. Maintain workshop safety standards by following established procedures and ensuring proper handling of materials and tools.

5. Document workshop processes, procedures, and best practices to support consistent and repeatable production outcomes.

6. Assist in the setup and calibration of laboratory and workshop instruments used for R&D activities.

7. Manage inventory of workshop materials, consumables, and components to ensure uninterrupted project workflows.

8. Contribute to process improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies and proposing practical solutions for workshop operations.

9. Work with cross-functional teams to iterate on designs and produce updated prototypes based on team feedback.

10. Perform quality checks on fabricated parts and prototypes to verify they meet project specifications and requirements.

11. Support the development of new manufacturing methods and techniques within the R&D workshop environment.

12. Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to procure workshop materials and replacement components as project needs arise.

Requirements

1. Experience working in a workshop, prototyping lab, or manufacturing environment supporting research and development.

2. Familiarity with additive manufacturing equipment such as stereolithography printers and fused deposition modeling systems.

3. Hands-on proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and basic workshop machinery for fabrication tasks.

4. Understanding of materials science fundamentals including polymers, resins, and common engineering materials used in prototyping.

5. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD models, and engineering specifications for production purposes.

6. Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workshop environment.

7. Effective communication skills for collaborating with engineers, designers, and other technical team members.

8. Willingness to learn new fabrication techniques and adapt to evolving project requirements in R&D settings.

Nice to have

1. Prior experience with vacuum casting, CNC machining, or injection molding processes in a workshop setting.

2. Knowledge of electronics assembly and soldering for building functional prototypes with embedded components.

3. Familiarity with Form Labs 3D printing products and materials including resins and photopolymer-based systems.

4. Experience managing workshop schedules and coordinating multiple prototype builds across parallel projects at the same time.

Skills & tools

1. Additive manufacturing equipment including stereolithography and fused deposition modeling printers for 3D fabrication.

2. Subtractive manufacturing tools such as CNC routers, lathes, and milling machines for precision fabrication work.

3. Hand tools including saws, drills, grinders, and hand files for manual fabrication and finishing tasks.

4. CAD software for interpreting and modifying digital design files to prepare them for physical production.

5. Workshop safety equipment and protocols including personal protective equipment and ventilation systems.

6. Inventory management systems for tracking materials, components, and consumables used in daily workshop operations.

Practical notes

1. This position is based at the Form Labs office in Somerville, Massachusetts, requiring regular on-site presence.

2. The R&D Workshop Specialist will work within a dedicated workshop space equipped with prototyping and fabrication tools.

3. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their prior hands-on workshop experience and familiarity with fabrication processes.

4. Form Labs is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

5. The role reports to the R&D leadership team and involves close collaboration with product development engineers.