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3D Scanning Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Parametric 3D CAD modeling. * GD&T (ASME Y14.5). * Design for Manufacturability (DFM). * Technical drawing interpretation. * Assembly-level mechanical design. * Reverse engineering (Scan-to-CAD, ...

Senior Software Developer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Radiance is seeking a Senior Software & Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and ... data, 3D GEOINT, and mapping products). In this role, you will transition manual, large-scale ...

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3D Scanning Engineer information

What is a 3D scanning engineer?

3D Scanning Engineers are professionals who specialize in capturing the shape and appearance of objects or environments using 3D scanning technologies. They operate equipment such as laser scanners, structured light scanners, or photogrammetry systems to create precise digital models. Their work is used in industries like manufacturing, architecture, entertainment, and healthcare for tasks such as reverse engineering, quality control, and digital preservation. They often process and analyze scan data, ensuring its accuracy and usability for various applications.

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

To thrive as a 3D Scanning Engineer, you need strong technical knowledge in 3D scanning technologies, geometry processing, and CAD software, often backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with 3D scanners, photogrammetry systems, point cloud processing tools, and software like Geomagic or PolyWorks is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate data capture and successful project collaboration. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality digital models, meeting project requirements, and enabling seamless integration with engineering and design workflows.

What are some common challenges faced by 3D scanning engineers when working on complex projects?

3D Scanning Engineers often encounter challenges such as capturing accurate data on intricate or reflective surfaces, managing large data sets, and ensuring compatibility with various software platforms. Additionally, projects may require frequent collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to interpret scan data and integrate it into workflows. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming technical obstacles and ensuring successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between 3D Scanning Engineer vs 3D Modeling Technician?

Aspect3D Scanning Engineer3D Modeling Technician
Primary RoleOperates 3D scanning equipment to capture physical object dataCreates and edits 3D models based on design specifications
Required SkillsKnowledge of scanning hardware, point cloud processing, CAD softwareProficiency in 3D modeling software, design principles
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, manufacturing, construction, research labsDesign studios, engineering firms, animation studios
CertificationsOften requires CAD or technical certifications, hardware trainingTypically requires CAD or 3D modeling software certifications

While both roles involve 3D technology, the 3D Scanning Engineer focuses on capturing real-world data using scanning equipment, whereas the 3D Modeling Technician specializes in creating and refining digital models based on various inputs. They often collaborate but serve different stages of the design and manufacturing process.

What cities in Washington are hiring for 3D Scanning Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most 3D Scanning Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Scanning Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

NIST PREP Scanning Probe Instrumentation and Metrology Specialist

Gaithersburg, MD โ€ข On-site

Southeastern Universities Research Association
11 - 50 employees

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Scanning probe instrumentation and metrology specialist
The work will entail: This work is on the frontier of experimental condensed matter physics, and combines several experimental modalities, including scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, electron transport, and electron spin resonance. For more information about the group, see: https://www.nist.gov/pml/nanoscale-device-characterization-division/nanoscale-processes-and-measurements-group/scanning.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Develop novel and cutting-edge instrumentation for scanning probe microscopy.
  • Support ongoing operations of scanning probe microscopy experiments.
  • Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
  • Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.

Qualifications
  • A PhD degree in experimental condensed matter physics, or a related field.
  • Five years of experience in designing and building scanning tunneling microscopes (STM) and atomic force microscopes (AFM) operating in ultra-low temperatures (10 mK), ultra-high vacuum (UHV), and high magnetic fields (0-15 T). This experience should include the following sub-fields:
  1. Building piezo-electric motors and piezo-electric scanners operating from 10 mK to 300 K.
  2. Designing and building multi-contact sample and probe holders.
  3. Assembling AFM qPlus sensors.
  4. Preparation of atomically sharp probe tips for STM and AFM measurements.
  5. Characterization and treatment of STM probe tips by using a field ion microscope (FIM).
  6. Detailing wiring of STM and AFM modules with thorough documentation of assembly and wiring details.
  7. Experience in testing and debugging STM and AFM instruments with respect to electrical and vibrational noise.
  • Five years of experience in integrating multi-modal measurements in a single system, including STM, AFM, and electrical transport measurements in a single system operating at ultra-low temperatures and in UHV.
  • Five years of experience in the design and construction of cryogenic preamplifiers for STM and AFM measurements.
  • Five years of experience in designing and building UHV vacuum chambers and UHV transfer systems.
  • Five years of experience in the wiring and operation of dilution refrigerators.
  • Five years of experience in building gas handling systems for dilution refrigerators.
  • Five years of experience in design, fabrication, and testing of Radio Frequency (RF) filters to operate in a dilution refrigerator at ultra-low temperatures and in UHV.
  • Five years of experience in molecular beam epitaxy growth of materials, including 2D materials, van der Waals materials, and superconductor materials.
  • Research experience in 2D materials, including graphene-based heterostructures and related materials, with at least one related publication.
  • Research experience in superconducting materials with at least one related publication.
  • Five years of experience in developing and programming LabVIEW VIs for spectroscopic mapping of STM and AFM measurements on the Nanonis SPM control system platform.
  • Five years of experience in developing and programming LabVIEW VIs for instrument control, including dilution refrigerator and superconducting magnet systems.
  • Five years of experience in Python programming for instrumentation control and data analysis.
  • Five years of experience in 3D CAD design using Creo Elements Direct Modeling software.
  • Five years of experience in maintaining helium recovery systems and in the operation and maintenance of helium liquefiers.
  • Five years of experience in handling cryogens, including liquid helium transfer.
  • Five years of experience in 2D and 3D scientific illustration for publication in journals and public media.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. ยง 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. ยง 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004165