3D Printing & Prototyping Project Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 3D Printing & Prototyping Project Manager

Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific

Location: Apodaca, Nuevo León, Mexico

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: 3D Printing, Prototyping, Project Management

Date Posted: 2025-06-10T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Lead daily operations and project management within a rapid prototyping lab focused on PCR plastics for OEM customers.
• Translate design concepts and technical requirements into functional 3D printed prototypes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer consultations and project deliverables, ensuring high satisfaction.
• Manage and mentor a team of lab technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in additive manufacturing and prototyping workflows.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate and optimize daily lab operations, including equipment maintenance, material inventory management, software subscriptions, and vendor relationships to ensure efficient prototyping workflows.
• Develop and implement robust safety protocols, compliance standards, and QA/QC procedures specific to 3D printing and rapid prototyping processes.
• Manage the full lifecycle of prototyping projects, from initial planning and scheduling through customer consultations, final deliveries, and seamless handoff to manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, design engineers, and manufacturing personnel to ensure prototype designs are not only functional but also screened and approved for future manufacturing feasibility.
• Define clear project requirements, scope, timelines, and deliverables in direct consultation with both external customers and internal cross-functional teams.
• Maintain consistent and transparent communication with customers regarding project progress, addressing any concerns promptly to ensure exceptional customer happiness.
• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and support to lab technicians, actively promoting skill development and a culture of continuous improvement within the prototyping team.
• Coordinate lab activities and project priorities with broader cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with overarching company goals and product development strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, industrial design, or a closely related technical field is required. Equivalent practical experience in a relevant prototyping or manufacturing environment will also be considered. A background or focus in life sciences is considered a plus, given the company's industry.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of overall experience in prototyping, manufacturing, or related technical fields, including at least 2 years specifically in a leadership or project management capacity. Proven experience managing technical projects, particularly in a customer-facing role, is essential. Experience within the biomedical or life sciences industry is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools, with a strong ability to manage multiple technical projects concurrently.
• Expertise in coordinating daily operations of a technical lab or prototyping workshop, including equipment, materials, and workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to manage customer relationships, define project requirements, and ensure customer satisfaction in a technical context.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience guiding and developing technical staff.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, in English, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences (technical and non-technical).
• Robust problem-solving skills and analytical abilities, with meticulous attention to detail in technical and operational matters.
• Working knowledge of design thinking principles and their application in product development and prototyping.
• Strong computer design skills, including proficiency in CAD modeling software, specifically SolidWorks.
• Understanding of manufacturing technologies and iterative product design processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on expertise in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced 3D printing equipment (e.g., FDM, SLA, SLS).
• Experience with 3D scanning equipment and post-processing of point cloud data.
• In-depth knowledge of additive manufacturing processes, including different material types such as photopolymers and thermoplastics.
• Familiarity with the molecular biology industry, common lab equipment, and related workflows.
• Understanding of CAD design principles, parametric design, design control processes, slicing software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer), and G-code for 3D printing.
• Experience with precision measurement techniques and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes in a manufacturing or prototyping environment.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a traditional design portfolio isn't explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical project management capabilities and understanding of the prototyping process through detailed case studies.
• Include examples of technical projects managed, highlighting the scope, challenges, methodologies used (especially related to 3D printing or manufacturing), and successful outcomes.
• Showcase proficiency in using CAD software (specifically SolidWorks) through project examples or technical demonstrations.
• If applicable, present examples of 3D printed parts or prototypes developed, emphasizing the technical considerations, material choices, and manufacturing feasibility aspects.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing the prototyping process from initial concept/requirements gathering through design, iteration, fabrication, and validation.
• Detail your methods for documenting project requirements, technical specifications, design iterations, and testing results in a structured manner.
• Explain how you ensure designs are properly screened and approved for manufacturing handoff, including documentation of design for manufacturability (DFM) considerations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on market data for Project Managers and Technical Leads with 5-10 years of experience in manufacturing or R&D roles in the Apodaca/Monterrey region of Mexico, a competitive annual salary range is estimated to be between MXN $600,000 and MXN $900,000 (approximately USD $35,000 to USD $53,000), depending on experience, specific skills in 3D printing/prototyping, and negotiation. This estimate considers the cost of living and typical compensation standards for professional roles in this industrial hub. (Source: Based on general salary data for technical project roles in the Nuevo León region, adjusted for specialized skills in additive manufacturing).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and medical insurance plans, potentially including dental and vision coverage, standard for a large multinational corporation like Thermo Fisher Scientific.
• Retirement savings plan or pension scheme, likely with company contributions, providing financial security.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and potentially national holidays, supporting work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and training, especially in areas like additive manufacturing technologies, project management certifications, or life sciences applications.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives, aligning compensation with project success and operational efficiency.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required based on project deadlines or urgent operational needs within the prototyping lab environment.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Biotechnology Research / Scientific Instruments & Manufacturing. Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader dedicated to serving science, providing products and services that enable customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. This role sits within the PCR plastics portfolio, indicating a focus on high-precision, sterile, and functionally critical components used in molecular biology applications.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees globally (~98,000+ LinkedIn). As a large multinational corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers extensive resources, established processes, and opportunities for collaboration across various divisions.

Founded: While a specific founding date isn't provided in the LinkedIn data, the company operates under established brands like Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, and Fisher Scientific, indicating a long history in the scientific and laboratory supply sectors.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Rapid Prototyping Lab team, likely a specialized technical group supporting product development and manufacturing initiatives.
• Reports to a manager within the R&D, Engineering, or Manufacturing department, depending on the specific organizational structure.
• Works closely with Product Managers (defining requirements), Design Engineers (translating concepts), Technicians (executing prototyping), and the Manufacturing team (handoff and feasibility).
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential for the success of prototyping projects and ensuring designs are production-ready.

Methodology:

• Likely utilizes structured product development processes common in the scientific and medical device industries (e.g., ISO standards, design control).
• Employs iterative prototyping cycles, leveraging 3D printing and other rapid fabrication techniques to test and refine designs.
• Emphasis on quality assurance (QA/QC) and validation of prototypes to meet stringent performance and compliance standards.

Company Website: https://www.thermofisher.com

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role appears to be at a Mid to Senior level, requiring significant experience in both technical operations and project management. It involves leading a team (technicians) and managing critical projects, indicating a level of responsibility beyond an individual contributor.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a manager, likely within a larger engineering, R&D, or manufacturing structure. This position is critical for bridging the gap between design/prototyping and full-scale manufacturing.

Design Impact: While not a traditional "designer," the impact on product design is significant. This role ensures that design concepts are translated into functional, manufacturable prototypes, directly influencing the final product's form, fit, and function, especially concerning the capabilities and limitations of additive manufacturing and subsequent production processes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement into higher-level project management roles within R&D or manufacturing, potentially overseeing larger teams or more complex product lines.
• Specialization in advanced additive manufacturing techniques, materials science related to prototyping, or specific life science applications of 3D printing.
• Opportunities to contribute to the development of new prototyping processes, workflows, or technologies within the company.
• Potential to move into technical leadership or management roles overseeing broader engineering or manufacturing functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Office/Laboratory Environment. The role is based within the Rapid Prototyping Lab, which is a specialized technical workspace equipped with 3D printers, scanners, and potentially testing equipment. The environment will likely be clean, organized, and focused on precision fabrication and technical operations.

Office Location(s): Apodaca, Mexico (Ave Miguel Alemán km21, Edificio 3). This location is within an industrial area, typical for manufacturing and R&D facilities.

Design Workspace Context:

• The workspace is primarily the prototyping lab itself, which serves as the core "studio" for this role.
• Likely includes dedicated areas for 3D printing, post-processing, assembly, measurement, and potentially a small office space for project management and documentation.
• Equipped with specialized tools and machinery for additive manufacturing and prototyping.

Work Schedule: Standard Mon-Fri schedule. The on-site nature is critical for managing lab operations and equipment directly.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and communication skills.
• Technical interview focused on your experience with 3D printing, CAD software (SolidWorks), prototyping processes, and technical problem-solving. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and technical challenges you've faced.
• Project management interview to evaluate your ability to plan, execute, and manage technical projects, including stakeholder communication, risk management, and timeline adherence.
• Interview(s) with the hiring manager and potentially other team members or cross-functional partners (e.g., Product Managers, Engineers) to assess leadership potential, collaboration style, and cultural fit within the R&D/Manufacturing environment.
• Discussion of your experience managing teams and mentoring technical staff.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure your "portfolio" as a presentation of technical case studies focusing on prototyping projects you've managed or significantly contributed to.
• For each case study, clearly outline the project objectives, the technical requirements, the prototyping methods used (especially 3D printing), any challenges encountered and how you overcame them, and the final outcome or learnings.
• Include visuals of prototypes or technical drawings where appropriate, emphasizing the functional and technical aspects rather than purely aesthetic appeal.
• Be prepared to discuss your role in defining project scope, managing resources, and ensuring quality control throughout the prototyping process.
• Highlight your proficiency in SolidWorks and any experience with other relevant software or equipment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to a hypothetical prototyping challenge, outlining your process from understanding the requirements to selecting the appropriate technology, planning the execution, and managing potential issues.
• You might be asked to describe how you would troubleshoot a common 3D printing problem or optimize a prototyping workflow for efficiency and quality.
• Prepare to discuss how you handle communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders regarding project progress and technical constraints.

ATS Keywords: Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing, Prototyping, Project Management, SolidWorks, CAD, Design Thinking, Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping, QA/QC, Biomedical, Life Sciences, Technical Project Manager, Operations Management, Team Leadership, Process Optimization, Material Science, Thermoplastics, Photopolymers, Slicing Software, G-code, Design Control, DFM (Design for Manufacturability), Technical Communication, Stakeholder Management, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Organizational Skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• SolidWorks: Essential for CAD modeling and preparing designs for 3D printing. Expect to demonstrate proficiency in creating, modifying, and analyzing 3D models.
• Slicing Software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D): Used to prepare 3D models for printing, setting parameters like layer height, infill, support structures, and generating G-code. Understanding of how slicing software interacts with 3D printers is crucial.
• G-code Interpreters/Editors: While not always used directly, a conceptual understanding of G-code can be beneficial for troubleshooting and optimizing print processes.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira): Likely used for project planning, scheduling, task tracking, and team collaboration.
• Documentation Platforms (e.g., Confluence, SharePoint): Used for documenting project requirements, technical specifications, test results, and design iterations.
• Version Control Systems (for CAD files): Important for managing different iterations of 3D models and ensuring traceability.

Research & Testing:

• 3D Scanners and Point Cloud Processing Software: Used for reverse engineering, quality inspection, and capturing existing geometries. Experience with these tools is a plus.
• Precision Measurement Tools (e.g., Calipers, Micrometers, CMMs): Essential for verifying prototype dimensions and ensuring quality control.
• Testing Equipment: Depending on the specific applications, knowledge of equipment used for functional testing or material property analysis may be relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Technical Rigor: Emphasis on precision, accuracy, and adherence to technical specifications in prototyping.
• Functional Performance: Focus on creating prototypes that accurately represent the intended function and performance of the final product, especially in the context of PCR plastics.
• Manufacturability Focus: Strong emphasis on designing and prototyping parts that can be efficiently and reliably produced at scale through manufacturing processes.
• Quality and Compliance: Given the industry, adherence to strict quality standards and regulatory compliance (relevant to biomedical or laboratory products) is paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with R&D, Engineering, Product Management, and Manufacturing teams is essential for success.
• Technical Problem Solving: Collaborative approach to identifying and solving technical challenges related to prototyping processes, materials, and design feasibility.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Reliance on data from prototyping, testing, and QA/QC to inform design iterations and manufacturing handoff decisions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Managing the operational demands of a busy prototyping lab while simultaneously overseeing multiple technical projects with tight deadlines.
• Translating complex design requirements from R&D and Product Management into feasible and efficient 3D printing and prototyping workflows.
• Troubleshooting technical issues with 3D printing equipment, materials, and software to ensure consistent and high-quality prototype output.
• Ensuring seamless handoff of validated prototype designs and technical specifications to the manufacturing team for scaling up production.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunities to expand expertise in advanced additive manufacturing technologies, including new materials, printing techniques, and equipment.
• Training and development in specific aspects of the life sciences industry, molecular biology workflows, and the applications of PCR plastics.
• Potential to pursue project management certifications (e.g., PMP) or specialized training in manufacturing processes and quality control.
• Exposure to cutting-edge R&D projects and contributing to the development of innovative products in the scientific domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Describe your experience managing the full lifecycle of a technical prototyping project, from receiving initial requirements to delivering the final prototype and handing it off for manufacturing. Provide specific examples.
• How do you approach translating a 2D technical drawing or a conceptual idea into a 3D model ready for additive manufacturing?
• Walk me through your process for troubleshooting a common issue you've encountered with a 3D printer or a specific print job.
• How do you ensure the quality and dimensional accuracy of prototypes created in your lab? What QA/QC steps do you implement?
• Describe a time you had to adapt your prototyping process or approach to meet a challenging technical requirement or a tight deadline.
• How do you incorporate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) considerations during the prototyping phase?

Company Culture Questions:

• Based on your understanding of Thermo Fisher Scientific and this role, what aspects of our work environment and values resonate with you?
• How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as R&D engineers, product managers, and manufacturing personnel, to ensure successful project outcomes?
• Describe your leadership style and how you mentor and develop technical staff in a lab environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare 2-3 detailed technical case studies of prototyping projects you've managed or significantly contributed to.
• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, the technical objectives, the specific 3D printing or prototyping techniques used, the materials involved, any technical hurdles you overcame, and the final outcome or impact.
• Focus on demonstrating your technical understanding of additive manufacturing, your problem-solving skills, and your ability to manage the project process effectively.
• Be ready to discuss your role in defining scope, managing timelines and resources, and ensuring quality.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Prepare your resume highlighting relevant experience in 3D printing, prototyping, project management, and any experience in the biomedical or manufacturing industries. Use keywords from the ATS list to optimize your application.
• Develop a technical case study presentation or portfolio that clearly demonstrates your experience managing prototyping projects, your technical skills with CAD and 3D printing, and your approach to problem-solving and quality control.
• Research Thermo Fisher Scientific, particularly their work in the life sciences and PCR plastics, to understand the context of the role and tailor your application and interview responses.
• Practice discussing your experience managing technical projects and leading teams, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.