Job Description

Do you thrive in a dynamic, high-energy, customer-focused environment?

Are you a self-starter and passionate about attention to detail and fine finishing work?

Can you interpret requirements to build working models and prototypes?

Do you have a background in design and possess a sense of scale and the ability to visualize in three dimensions?

Do you have a background in using 3D printed parts, molds, and fixtures for building and assembling different polymer and metal hardware?

Do you have experience using power tools and manual machining tools for trimming and assembling hardware?

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

We are seeking a Polymer Prototype Fabrication Technician to provide support in the design, fabrication, assembly, and delivery of advanced prototypes using polymer, metal, and composite based materials.

As a Polymer Prototype Fabrication Technician you will,

• Be involved with mold design, materials, and fabrication methods to produce accurate hardware.
• Develop and prepare mold masters for molding silicones, urethanes, epoxies and other polymer materials.
• De-mold and perform post-processing operations such as machining, bonding, painting, and other assembly methods.
• Use sewing to combine different reinforcements and fabrics for wearable technology and moldable textiles.
• Provide recommendations on pattern or ply designs for large composite parts that use different fabric prepregs.
• Generate Work Instructions to capture processing steps used for building customer hardware.
• Provide input to designers to promote design for manufacturing.
• Translate and follow 2D engineering drawings to build conforming 3D hardware.
• Provide work estimates when requested by customers for work planning purposes.
• Use CAD to acquire dimensional properties of hardware and create designs for jigs and fixtures when necessary.
• Use manual and CNC machining methods to trim and drill hardware.
• Travel to work sites when work cannot be performed at APL and must be performed at site-specific work areas.
• Be involved with IRAD and Technical Initiatives that require polymeric components.
• Conduct regular maintenance on process equipment and tools and maintain stock of supplies and materials for molding and fabrication.

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

• Hold a High School Diploma or higher.
• Have at least 3+ years of experience working with polymer-based materials, adhesives, foams, fabrication methods, tooling, and machining.
• Experience using CAD software for dimensional analysis and designing molds, jigs, or fixtures to support manufacturing.
• Experience in operating controllers for computer controlled autoclaves, ovens, and other processing equipment.
• Experience with manual machining methods such as using die grinders, router tables, ban saws, cutting wheels, and drill press.
• Experience using MS Word and Excel to generate word documents and spreadsheets.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with other technicians, engineers and customers.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level 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.

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 at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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 contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

*Please mention you saw this ad on LGBTInAcademia.*

Apply Now