R&D Prototyping Technician – 3D Printing & Fabrication

Job Summary

We are seeking a hands-on 3D Prototyping Technician to join our R&D team in Singapore.

This is primarily a prototyping and maker role. We are looking for someone who enjoys making things, operating 3D printers, experimenting with materials, solving practical fabrication problems, and turning CAD designs into high-quality physical prototypes.

Candidates who have worked in a makerspace, FabLab, prototype workshop, university/polytechnic maker lab, product development lab or similar hands-on environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

You will work alongside designers and engineers who develop the concepts and designs. Your key responsibility is to help turn those digital designs into physical prototypes, iterate them quickly and produce high-quality samples for evaluation and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot 3D printers and prototyping equipment.
• Prepare and optimise CAD/STL files for 3D printing, including print orientation, supports, slicing and efficient job setup.
• Plan and manage multiple 3D printing jobs to meet project timelines.
• Translate CAD designs and product/packaging concepts into physical prototypes and samples.
• Review completed prints, identify problems and make practical adjustments to improve subsequent prototypes.
• Perform basic CAD modifications such as resizing, adjusting dimensions or making minor changes required for prototyping.
• Carry out prototype finishing including cleaning, sanding, filling, painting, assembly and artwork/label application.
• Build rough physical mock-ups and models using foam, board, plastics, acrylic and other materials.
• Use workshop and digital fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, hand tools and other model-making equipment.
• Experiment with different materials, fabrication techniques and finishing methods to achieve the required prototype quality.
• Work closely with industrial designers and packaging development engineers to rapidly iterate prototypes.
• Coordinate with external prototype suppliers where specialist processes or additional capacity are required.
• Maintain 3D printers, workshop equipment, tools, materials and prototype inventory.
• Continuously improve prototyping methods for speed, quality, repeatability, safety and cost efficiency.

What We Are Looking For

The most important requirement is strong hands-on prototyping ability.

You may have developed this experience professionally or through a makerspace, FabLab, school workshop, prototype laboratory, personal projects or similar hands-on environment.

Ideally, you have experience with:

• 3D printing technologies such as FDM, SLA or equivalent.
• Setting up, operating and troubleshooting 3D printers.
• Slicing software and preparing files for printing.
• Understanding common 3D printing issues and how to improve print quality.
• CAD software such as Rhino, SolidWorks, Fusion 360 or similar.
• Basic CAD editing and modification.
• Model making, fabrication and assembly.
• Prototype post-processing and finishing.
• Working with different materials and fabrication techniques.
• Laser cutting or other digital fabrication equipment.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, label printing, direct-object printing or artwork preparation is useful but not essential.

Education & Background

A Diploma, NITEC/Higher NITEC or equivalent qualification in areas such as:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Product or Industrial Design
• Additive Manufacturing
• Precision Engineering
• Digital Fabrication
• Manufacturing Engineering
• or a related technical discipline

is preferred.