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3D Printing Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

CNC Operator

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Ready to support innovative production workflows using CNC machining and advanced 3D printing? If so, we'd love to meet you! Formative 3D is seeking a CNC Operator to support post‑processing ...

Ready to support innovative production workflows using CNC machining and advanced 3D printing? If so, we'd love to meet you! Formative 3D is seeking a CNC Operator to support post‑processing ...

By combining advanced 3D printing, robotics and technology, we rethink how physical products for the built world are created -- from concept to installation. We design and manufacture products that ...

Execute 3D printing jobs from digital design files for prototypes and functional tools. * Operate manual machines under supervision to support component fabrication. Robotics & Systems Testing

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3D Printing information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$51K

$104.3K

$155.1K

How much do 3d printing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d printing in Silver Spring, MD is $104,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file by layering materials such as plastic, metal, or resin. The printer reads a digital model and deposits material layer by layer until the final object is formed. This technology is used in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and education, for rapid prototyping and production. 3D printing offers advantages like customization, reduced waste, and the ability to create complex shapes that are difficult to achieve with traditional methods.

Are 3D printing jobs in demand?

3D printing jobs are in increasing demand across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace, driven by advancements in technology and the adoption of additive manufacturing. Skills in CAD design, familiarity with 3D printers, and knowledge of materials are valuable for these roles, which often require technical training or certifications.

Can I make a career out of 3D printing?

3D printing offers career opportunities in fields such as design, manufacturing, and prototyping, often requiring skills in CAD software, knowledge of materials, and familiarity with 3D printers. Professionals can work as designers, technicians, or engineers, and certifications in additive manufacturing can enhance job prospects.

What careers are there in 3D printing?

Careers in 3D printing include roles such as 3D printer operator, CAD designer, additive manufacturing engineer, and materials specialist. These positions often require knowledge of 3D modeling software, understanding of printing technologies, and sometimes certifications in manufacturing or engineering. Opportunities exist in industries like aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and product design.

How much money can you make doing 3D printing?

Salaries for 3D printing professionals vary based on experience, skill level, and industry, with entry-level positions typically earning around $30,000 to $50,000 annually and experienced specialists or entrepreneurs earning over $70,000 or more. Freelance 3D printers or those running their own shops can have variable income depending on project volume and client base. Certifications in CAD or 3D modeling can enhance earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced in a 3D printing technician role, and how can they be addressed?

3D Printing technicians often encounter challenges such as printer calibration issues, material inconsistencies, and unexpected print failures. Addressing these requires a solid understanding of machine maintenance, material properties, and troubleshooting skills. Collaborating closely with design engineers and quality control teams helps ensure that prototypes meet specifications and deadlines. Staying up-to-date with evolving printer technologies and regularly participating in team problem-solving sessions can also help technicians overcome these challenges effectively.

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

To thrive as a 3D Printing Specialist, you need a strong background in CAD design, materials science, and additive manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with 3D printing hardware, slicing software, and prototyping tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Cura is typically required, and certifications such as Additive Manufacturing Technician can be beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for troubleshooting issues and collaborating with design and engineering teams. These skills ensure high-quality, innovative outputs and efficient workflows in fast-evolving manufacturing environments.

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

Aspect3D Printing3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating physical objects from digital modelsDesigning digital 3D models for various purposes
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of 3D printers, CAD software, material propertiesProficiency in 3D modeling software, artistic skills
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, workshops, fabrication facilitiesDesign studios, digital labs, creative agencies
Industry UsagePrototyping, manufacturing, custom fabricationAnimation, gaming, product design, architecture

While 3D Printing involves transforming digital models into physical objects, 3D Modelers focus on creating those digital designs. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and work environments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the 3D industry.

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for 3D Printing jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most 3D Printing job openings:
Infographic showing various 3D Printing job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,349 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Scientific 3D Project Engineer

Guidehouse

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Guidehouse rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Family:
Data Science & Analysis (Digital)
Travel Required:
Up to 10%
Clearance Required:
Ability to Obtain Public Trust
We are currently searching for a Scientific Visualization and 3D Fabrication Engineer with strong knowledge of 3D modeling, 3D printing, and data visualization to support work at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This is a full-time position with Guidehouse. This position requires working onsite at NIAID's offices in Rockville, MD, with occasional visits to other NIH offices in the area; one to two days are permitted for remote work per week.
What You Will Do:
  • Operate in a multi-disciplinary group of computational biologists, software developers, and operations staff who provide support, training, consultation services and informatics tools to the research community in the areas of computational biosciences
  • Apply advanced skills in data visualization, 3D design, experience with 3D technologies (including 3D printing, virtual reality, and augmented reality) to support research and communications in the area of the biological sciences
  • Play a critical role in extending support for custom labware development for the Division of Intramural Research (DIR), enhancing BioViz Lab operations, and advancing research and development efforts related to immersive visualization technologies
  • Increase program capacity, reduce turnaround times, improve service quality, and provide greater operational resilience across services and products that support the mission of the NIH
  • Contribute to OCICB/BCBB's role in establish leadership in centralized scientific visualization and 3D printing services across NIH

3D Printing and Custom Labware Design
  • Lead complex or laboratory-specific modeling projects that require deep familiarity with experimental workflows, instrumentation, and bench science
  • Design and develop custom 3D models and labware to support DIR scientific workflows, translating laboratory requirements into functional, manufacturable designs
  • Collaborate with existing BioViz Lab staff to operate and support 3D printing hardware
  • Actively grow the 3D printing customer base by engaging with research labs, identifying unmet needs, and promoting available services
  • Contribute to expansion of 3D printing services technologies and methodologies
  • Contribute new, high-quality custom models to the NIH 3D platform and BCBB's ecosystem of custom tools for scientific data visualization
  • Develop workflows and scripts to enable more efficient research services delivery and for integration into BCBB software products or public code repositories when applicable

Immersive Technology Research and Development
  • Contribute to the development of interactive and immersive content for the BioViz Lab, including work in real-time engines and XR environments
  • Design and manage research studies to assess the efficacy of immersive technologies for scientific data exploration
  • Support BioViz Lab sessions by assisting users, facilitating demonstrations, and ensuring continuity of operations

Training, Outreach, and Program Development
  • Develop and deliver training sessions in 3D modeling, 3D printing, and data visualization and analysis technologies for NIH staff
  • Create new training materials and educational content for use in NIH 3D and other BCBB applications where applicable
  • Serve as a program ambassador by engaging researchers, communicating capabilities clearly, and representing the BioViz Program in a professional and approachable manner
  • Mentor junior staff members and contribute to team skill development and knowledge sharing

What You Will Need:
License/Certification/Education
  • Doctoral degree in computational life sciences, computer engineering, or related field, with a minimum of eight (8) years of prior relevant experience

Technical Skills
  • Demonstratable experience with some of the following software applications:
    • 3D modeling/printing: Blender, SolidWorks, Rhino 3D, GrabCAD, Meshmixer, Unity
    • Scientific Visualization tools: UCSF ChimeraX, ParaView, ImageJ/Fiji,
    • General visualization tools: Tableau, PowerBI, d3.js, Plotly
    • AI: ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini
  • Advanced experience in scientific research environments, preferably within NIH or a comparable research institution, and a history of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals
  • Strong background in 3D modeling and 3D printing, including fabrication of custom labware to support novel experimental protocols
  • Experience with 3D modeling of volumetric data, high-dimensional datasets, or graph networks
  • Experience with designing, executing, and optimizing experimental protocols and laboratory workflows; familiarity with day-to-day laboratory equipment and operations
  • Experience with or interest in immersive technologies (XR/VR/AR), real-time engines, or interactive visualization tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, OpenXR, SteamVR, or WebXR
  • Demonstrated ability to design and manage scientific studies and evaluate emerging technologies
  • Experience working with command-line tools for scientific computing, such as Python, R, MATLAB
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong task organization and communication skills for supporting scientific users and coordinating with development teams
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their public trust prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred

What Would Be Nice To Have:
  • Proven mentoring or collaborative experience within multidisciplinary teams
  • Experience working with high performance computing environments to support computational biology research
  • Experience with developing data visualizations and dashboards
  • Experience providing training or instructional workshops

The annual salary range for this position is $113,000.00-$188,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Care.com annual membership
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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