Summary
Location
Brevard County
Type
full-time
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About this role
Job ID: 113557
The Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business provides C4I Network computing and integrated situational awareness, as well as state-of-the-art embedded diagnostics, vehicle power management and combat vehicle integration products and services.
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled Rapid Prototype Technician to support fast-paced product development and testing. The ideal candidate will operate CNC mills and lathes, manage additive manufacturing (3D printing) workflows, perform finishing and painting, and prepare parts using CAD/CAM tools including CREO, SolidWorks, and CAMWorks. This role combines hands-on manufacturing with digital design and process planning to produce high-quality prototypes on tight schedules.
Job Responsibilities
- Set up, operate, and maintain CNC milling and turning equipment to machine prototype parts to drawing tolerances.
- Program, edit, and verify CNC toolpaths using CAMWorks (or equivalent CAM software); perform first-article runs and in-process adjustments.
- Operate and maintain multiple 3D printing technologies (FDM, SLA, SLS, or others as used by the company); prepare files, orient, slice, and post-process printed parts.
- Use CREO and/or SolidWorks to create, modify, and prepare CAD models for machining and printing; generate export files (STL, STEP, IGES) and engineering drawings as needed.
- Perform manual finishing and surface preparation: sanding, priming, masking, painting, and minor assembly to achieve customer-ready prototypes.
- Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and visual inspection; document measurements and maintain quality records.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace; monitor consumables and tooling inventory; recommend replacements and improvements.
- Collaborate with design engineers and product teams to optimize part manufacturability, recommend material/finish changes, and troubleshoot design issues.
- Participate in continuous improvement efforts: reduce cycle times, improve part quality, standardize processes, and document work instructions.
- Adhere to all safety procedures and environmental guidelines when handling materials, paints, and solvents.
Qualifications
- 2+ years hands-on experience with CNC machining and 3D printing in a prototype or manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency using CAD software (SolidWorks and/or CREO) to interpret, modify, and prepare models for manufacturing.
- Experience programming or editing CAM toolpaths in CAMWorks or equivalent CAM software.
- Strong practical skills in part finishing and painting processes.
- Familiarity with measuring tools and basic inspection procedures.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T basics.
- Strong attention to detail, good manual dexterity, and the ability to troubleshoot manufacturing issues.
- Self-starter with ability to work independently for several days.
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical certificate in machining, manufacturing technology, or similar is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with multiple 3D printing technologies (FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, etc.).
- Knowledge of materials used in prototyping: plastics, composites, aluminum, stainless steel, resins, and common coatings/paints.
- Prior experience in a rapid-prototyping or product development environment.
- Basic knowledge of CAMWorks advanced features (tool libraries, macros, post-processors).
- Familiarity with shop safety practices for paints and solvents (MSDS/chemical handling), and experience using spray booths or respirator PPE.
- Ability to read and apply more advanced GD&T and perform more complex inspection tasks (CMM experience is a plus).
Skills and Attributes
- Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new machines and techniques.
- Good verbal and written communication; able to document setups, process changes, and part issues.
- Ability to prioritize tasks in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Team player who collaborates effectively with designers, engineers, and production staff.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- On-site work in a shop environment with exposure to noise, dust, solvents, and heat (PPE provided).
- Frequent standing and walking; occasional lifting of parts and materials up to [35–50] lbs (adjustable based on your policy).
- Shift and schedule: Typical hours 8am–5pm, Monday–Friday; occasional overtime as project needs dictate.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #LEL
Other facts
About Leonardo DRS, Inc.
DRS Daylight Solutions, a line of business under Leonardo DRS, provides photonics solutions to researchers, industry allies, and system manufacturers. Daylight specializes in manufacturing high-performance lasers across the spectrum from UV to IR, offering capabilities in broad tuning, narrow linewidth, and high power. The company’s core technologies include a family of quantum cascade lasers (QCL-IR), external cavity diode lasers (EC-DLs), and custom laser engines. Daylight’s lasers are deployed worldwide in a diverse array of applications, including aerospace and defense, life sciences, and material inspection. As a team of dedicated innovators, Daylight designs new technologies that aim to enable what’s next in scientific and technological advancements for those who are driving innovation forward.
What you'll do
- The Rapid Prototype Technician will set up and operate CNC milling and turning equipment to machine prototype parts, as well as manage 3D printing workflows. The role involves collaborating with design engineers to optimize manufacturability and participating in continuous improvement efforts.
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