Production Supervisor - 3D Printing
Ramsgate, Kent | Full-time, Permanent | Salary dependent on experience
Lead the day-to-day operation of a growing additive manufacturing print room.
About Surface Scan
Surface Scan is a specialist 3D scanning, reverse engineering and 3D printing company based in Ramsgate, Kent. We support customers across manufacturing, engineering, automotive, product development, heritage and the creative industries, producing everything from one-off prototypes to repeat production runs.
Our 3D printing operation is growing, and we are looking for an experienced production professional to take responsibility for its day-to-day performance and development.
The Role
This is a hands-on supervisory position combining production planning, machine operation, quality control, maintenance and continuous improvement. You will manage work from file preparation through to dispatch, ensuring jobs are prioritised effectively and completed safely, accurately and on time.
You will work across FDM filament and SLA resin technologies. Previous 3D printing experience would be an advantage, but it is not essential. We are equally interested in candidates from manufacturing, production or workshop environments who can demonstrate strong operational leadership, technical confidence and sound judgement.
As the business grows, there will be an opportunity to strengthen systems, develop the print room and build a larger production team.
Key Responsibilities
Production planning and delivery
● Plan and manage the daily production schedule, priorities, deadlines and machine capacity.
● Prepare and slice files, set up builds, and operate FDM and SLA printing equipment.
● Monitor live jobs, respond quickly to failures or changing priorities, and keep the wider team informed of capacity and delivery dates.
● Post-process, finish, inspect, pack and dispatch completed parts.
● Maintain clear production records and ensure approved files, materials and settings are followed.
Quality, maintenance and improvement
● Carry out routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting and minor repairs.
● Monitor output, quality, reprints, waste and on-time delivery, taking corrective action where required.
● Investigate print failures, identify root causes and implement preventative improvements.
● Maintain consistent standards and help develop practical procedures and controls.
● Manage materials, consumables and spares, using effective stock controls to avoid shortages.
● Identify opportunities to improve workflow, throughput, quality and material efficiency.
Team and coordination
● Lead, support and develop the Print Room Assistant, setting clear priorities and standards.
● Work closely with the management, sales team and design engineer to coordinate technical requirements and deadlines.
● Liaise with suppliers regarding replacement parts and consumables.
● Promote a safe, organised and accountable working environment.
Candidate Profile
Essential
● Hands-on experience in a production, manufacturing or workshop environment; supervisory or team-leading experience is essential.
● Experience planning and prioritising a busy workload while meeting quality and delivery targets.
● Strong technical or mechanical aptitude and confidence troubleshooting equipment.
● A practical problem-solver who remains calm and makes sensible decisions when issues arise.
● Good computer skills and the ability to learn new production and slicing software quickly.
● A quality-focused, organised and dependable approach, with clear communication and accurate record keeping.
● A full UK driving licence and your own transport, as the workshop location makes driving to work essential.
Desirable
● Experience with FDM or SLA 3D printing and slicing software such as Orca, Bambu or Formlabs PreForm.
● Continuous improvement, lean manufacturing or Kanban experience.
● Familiarity with quality systems, internal audits or ISO standards.
● Basic CAD knowledge or experience handling STL, STEP or mesh files.
Working at Surface Scan
Surface Scan is a small, growing business with a practical and collaborative working environment. You will work directly with the owners, have a genuine say in how the print room develops, and see varied projects progress from digital file to finished part. The role is based at our Ramsgate workshop and does not involve regular business travel.
What We Offer
● Salary dependent on experience.
● A permanent role with clear scope to progress as the production operation and team grow.
● Full training and ongoing support.
● Direct access to the directors and meaningful input into operational decisions.
● Varied projects across a wide range of industries.
● 28 days holiday including bank holidays, workplace pension and on-site parking.
How to Apply
Email your CV to [email protected] with a short note on your relevant experience and one production improvement you have delivered. Tell us why this job appeals to you.
No agencies. Surface Scan is an equal opportunities employer.
Pay: £24,420.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
