Directed Energy Deposition Technician

Do you have a passion for additive manufacturing?

Do you have experience using directed energy deposition systems?

Do you love to push the bounds of science and technology while working to take on some of the most challenging problems facing our Nation?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Technician be a primary operator of DED machines at APL. You will be a vital member of APL's Additive Manufacturing Center (AMC), within the Research and Exploratory Development Department. The Additive Manufacturing Center is tasked with leading the development of innovative materials and processes, to meet the future needs of APL staff and our Government sponsors. The AMC also supports APL with specialized prototyping and low volume production services. We are using various Additive Manufacturing technologies and collaboration with sponsors, to qualify AM processes to produce components that have historically been made using conventional methods. As a member of our team, you'll build hardware that explores other planets and interstellar space through various NASA missions as well as building critical prototype hardware for our nation's national security and national health interests. In addition, we provide manufacturing expertise as part of our trusted agent role for US government.

As a Directed Energy Deposition Technician, you will...

• Perform manufacturing tasks supporting research and fabrication using Directed Energy Deposition equipment, including wire-fed and powder-blown machines
• Modify part designs for DED fabrication using parametric CAD software such SolidWorks or Creo.
• Edit CAM output to tailor toolpath for optimum results.
• Setup, start and monitor DED jobs.
• Identify process errors and determine corrective actions to improve the process.
• Document process parameters and build results and communicate them to the project teams.
• Develop a knowledge base of processing guidelines for successful fabrication using different materials.
• Communicate frequently and effectively to all team members.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a High School Diploma.
• Have 1+ year experience with multiple types of metal additive manufacturing machines(selective laser melting or directed energy deposition) in a research or industrial setting.
• Have 2+ years of experience operating powder-blown or wire-fed DED machines.
• Have experience with CAM/Slicing software (Example: MasterCAM, PowerMill, etc.)
• Have experience programming and operating 5-axis CNC machines.
• Have 1+ years of experience working with conventional equipment, i.e. mills and lathes.
• Have working knowledge of SLA (Stereolithography).
• Have proficiency in reading and understanding technical drawings (GD&T), schematics, and manuals.
• Have a strong mechanical, and motion control and integration aptitude.
• Have experience working on computer controlled equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-speed environment, follow standardized work and adhere to safe work practices in a continuous improvement environment.
• Working knowledge and experience with production procedures, including Additive and Traditional Manufacturing.
• Ability to work efficiently with hand tools and measurement equipment.
• Self-starter, able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Excellent verbal communication skills with other technicians engineers, and scientists.
• Adhere to HSE protocol while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) specifically prescribed for the AM work environment.
• Are able to obtain a Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Experience with computer aided design software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CREO, and similar.
• Working knowledge of metals and machining practices in relation to Additive Manufacturing.
• Working knowledge in laser material processing, fiber laser a plus.
• Process development experience.
• Have experience with health and safety practices in an industrial laboratory environment with chemical, mechanical, and laser hazards.
• Are willing to work occasional overtime and or shifted work schedules during periods of high work load.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.