Additive Manufacturing Technician

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.
At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk‑taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Location: Gaffney, SC
Travel: Up to 20%

The Additive Manufacturing Technician will support the introduction and operation of 3D printing capabilities to accelerate maintenance, tooling, and prototype part delivery. This hybrid role combines hands‑on printer operation, end‑to‑end part engineering, validation— including food‑contact components where required— and overall management of the Gaffney 3D Printing Center. The technician will ensure reliable production, optimize workflows, and advance AM adoption across the site and other Nestlé locations.

• Perform Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) using CAD tools (Solid Works, Inventor, Fusion 360), including model creation, modification, assembly consolidation, lattice integration, and topology/weight optimization.
• Design and optimize complex components and printing processes; ensure compliance and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain 3D printers, including build preparation, materials handling, and slicing.
• Conduct post‑processing activities (support removal, washing/curing, media blasting, light machining) and achieve required surface finishes.
• Perform first‑article inspections using basic metrology tools; maintain traceability and digital build records.
• Select, manage, and maintain materials and consumables appropriate for mechanical, thermal, and sanitation requirements within a food‑manufacturing environment.
• Maintain lab documentation, certifications, and 5S standards.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to identify high‑value applications such as fixtures, guarding, component mounts, spares, and prototype parts.
• Define and control slicing and build parameters; develop part catalogs, print profiles, and standard work; improve yield, cycle time, and cost.
• Validate part functionality through bench and in‑process testing; establish acceptance criteria and inspection plans.
• Train end users and promote safe, compliant use of additive manufacturing technologies.
• Partner with other Nestlé sites to identify and print suitable components through “supply crib crawl” activities.
• Manage daily operations of the Gaffney 3D Printing Center.

• Trained in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Technology, or equivalent hands‑on experience with demonstrated CAD proficiency.

• 1–3+ years of additive manufacturing experience, including printer operation, troubleshooting, and interpreting mechanical drawings.
• Proficiency with at least one 3D printing software platform.
• Familiarity with safety systems and willingness to learn food‑contact and sanitation requirements.
• Experience developing standard work, print profiles, or part catalogs; basic scripting or automation skills are a plus.

• Achieve lab and safety qualification.
• Run reliable prints and deliver early quick‑turn parts.
• Establish baseline profiles and process documentation.

• Build a stable part catalog with approved materials.
• Demonstrate improvements in lead time and rework reduction.
• Train others on standard work.
• Support cross‑site “supply crib crawl” activities and begin printing parts for other Nestlé sites.

• Integrate AM into routine maintenance workflows for…