1

3D Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Drafter

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$45K - $64K/yr

At Jefferson Lab, you'll champion cutting-edge science and operational excellence while shaping the ... 3D CAD models using Siemen's NX. The position also requires experience in Teamcenter Data ...

Showing results 21-40

3D Lab information

What is a 3D lab?

A 3D lab is a specialized facility equipped with advanced technology for creating, scanning, and printing three-dimensional objects. These labs typically support research, education, and product development by providing access to 3D printers, scanners, modeling software, and other prototyping tools. Users can design and fabricate prototypes, models, or components in various materials, making 3D labs valuable in fields like engineering, medicine, architecture, and art. The lab staff often assist with technical support, training, and project guidance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Lab Technician, you need a solid background in 3D modeling, computer-aided design (CAD), and an understanding of digital fabrication processes, often supported by a relevant technical degree or certification. Familiarity with 3D printers, scanning equipment, and software such as Autodesk, SolidWorks, or Blender is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure precise project execution, innovative solutions, and efficient collaboration in a technology-driven environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a 3D lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a 3D lab often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex 3D printers, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring consistent print quality. Collaboration with designers and engineers is essential to resolve design-for-manufacturability issues and optimize prototypes. To address these challenges, it's important to stay updated on the latest 3D printing technologies, maintain organized workflows, and communicate proactively with team members to anticipate and resolve technical or logistical obstacles.

What is the difference between 3D Lab vs 3D Modeler?

Aspect3D Lab
Required CredentialsTypically a degree or certification in 3D design, animation, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, studios, or facilities with specialized equipment for 3D printing, scanning, or prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by research institutions, manufacturing, and entertainment industries for development and testing

While a 3D Lab refers to a physical space or facility focused on 3D technology and prototyping, a 3D Modeler is a professional who creates digital 3D models. The lab provides the environment and tools, whereas the modeler produces the digital assets used in various projects. Both roles are interconnected but serve different functions within the 3D industry.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for 3D Lab jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most 3D Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Lab job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Mechanical Drafter

Newport News, VA โ€ข On-site

Jefferson Lab
Scientific Research and Development Servicesย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$45K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

At Jefferson Lab, you'll champion cutting-edge science and operational excellence while shaping the future of discovery. Join us and make your mark - where excellence meets purpose, and great minds truly matter.
The good-faith pay range for this role is $45,000 - $64,400 per year. Actual compensation may vary and may be above the posted range based on factors such as a candidate's skills, experience, education, certifications, and work location.
What your job will be like:
Supports the design effort for several internal high technology projects working in the Mechanical Engineering Group. Will be tasked to work directly under the supervision of a senior designer or possibly an engineer. The Mechanical Drafter is required to produce accurate, simple and clear-to-read piece part drawings, manufacturing drawings and sub-assemblies from main assemblies and 3D CAD models using Siemen's NX. The position also requires experience in Teamcenter Data Management System and a working knowledge of AutoCad.
In this job you will:
  • Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing and tolerance stack-up analysis per ASME standards.
  • Works as part of a team, taking direction from other team members to produce models and drawings.
  • Responsible for completing assigned drafter tasks in a timely manner.
  • Completes well defined drafting tasks.
  • Responsible for understanding requirements and materials to complete assigned tasks.

Additional Responsibilities
  • Support activities that communicate drawing requirements and resolve drawing issues with other functional departments.

Experience
  • Required: 2 or more years Relevant Experience
  • Required: experience producing orthographic mechanical and fabrication drawings.
  • Preferred: Design experience with machining methods such as milling, drilling, tapping, and boring

Education
  • Required: High School Diploma

Experience and Education Exchange
Education above the minimum may be substituted for experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Basic skills, knowledge and ability in mechanical design and drafting.
  • May have basic skills, knowledge and ability in other technologies.
  • Limited judgment to complete assignments.
  • Basic knowledge of drafting techniques and CAD software to create models and drawings of components and assemblies.
  • Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

About Jefferson Lab
Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community.
A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of "big science" and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by SURATech, LLC, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.
Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab
At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:
โ€ข Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans โ€ข Flexible Spending Accounts
โ€ข Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (Paid Parental, vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
โ€ข 401(k) Plan - 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested โ€ข Flexible Work Arrangements
(Remote & Alternate Work Schedules available)
โ€ข Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
โ€ข Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches,
mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast
SURATech, LLC manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). SURATech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SURATech is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@jlab.org or contact Human Resources by calling (757) 269-7100 and selecting option 1 between 8 am - 5 pm EST to provide the nature of your request.
Employment with SURATech is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.