Mentor Needed: CAD/CAM, 3D Modeling, Digital Fabrication & Prototyping

— PLEASE READ TILL THE END — We will only respond to applicants who have read the full post. We have a volunteer/mentee with experience in CAD/CAM design, 3D modeling, digital fabrication, and technical design workflows. The mentee is looking for mentorship and project guidance to strengthen practical skills, build portfolio-ready work, and better prepare for roles in CAD design, digital fabrication, prototyping, and technical design support. We are looking for a mentor who can guide the mentee on real-world projects involving 3D modeling, CAD/CAM workflows, digital fabrication, prototyping, and design-to-production preparation. The mentee has experience with: * CAD/CAM design and digital fabrication * 3D modeling, mesh repair, and file optimization * SLA/FDM 3D printing workflows and production support * Jewelry CAD, dental digital workflows, and manufacturing preparation * Rhino, 3Shape, 3Design, Meshmixer, ZBrush, KeyShot, Autodesk Netfabb, Formlabs PreForm, Photoshop, and Illustrator The mentee is interested in projects related to: * STEM education and technical learning * 3D modeling, prototyping, and digital fabrication * Design-to-production workflows and manufacturing support * Educational visualization, simulation, and training models * Cross-disciplinary projects combining design, engineering, and technology Target industries include: * Digital fabrication and advanced manufacturing * STEM education and educational technology * Dental CAD/CAM and medical modeling * Jewelry design and manufacturing * Product design and rapid prototyping Target roles include: * CAD Designer * Digital Fabrication Specialist * 3D Modeling Specialist * CAD/CAM Technician * Technical Design Support * Product Development / Prototyping Support Responsibilities: * Help the mentee identify suitable project directions based on their background and career goals * Provide technical guidance on CAD/CAM, 3D modeling, file preparation, and digital fabrication workflows * Review project progress, models, documentation, and deliverables * Help structure projects into clear milestones * Suggest improvements to design quality, manufacturability, presentation, and portfolio value * Provide practical insight into industry workflows, tools, and expectations * Support the mentee in developing stronger technical confidence and job-readiness Ideal mentor background: * Professional experience in CAD/CAM, 3D modeling, digital fabrication, product design, dental CAD/CAM, jewelry CAD, prototyping, or advanced manufacturing * Strong familiarity with one or more tools such as Rhino, ZBrush, Meshmixer, KeyShot, Netfabb, Formlabs PreForm, 3Shape, 3Design, or similar software * Ability to explain technical concepts clearly * Experience mentoring, teaching, training, or reviewing design work is preferred * Comfortable working remotely and giving structured feedback Expected workload: This is a light, need-based mentorship role. The expected workload may be around 1 - 2 hours per week or less in many weeks, depending on the mentee’s project progress and questions. The weekly limit is a cap, not a guaranteed minimum. Research, planning, and preparation time can be billed when directly related to supporting the mentee. This is best suited for someone who enjoys mentorship and is open to a flexible, low-hour engagement. To APPLY, please answer the following: 1. What is your professional background in CAD/CAM, 3D modeling, digital fabrication, or prototyping? 2. Which software/tools listed above are you most comfortable with? 3. Have you mentored, taught, trained, or reviewed technical design work before? 4. What types of projects would you suggest for someone pursuing CAD design, digital fabrication, or prototyping roles? 5. Are you comfortable with a flexible, need-based mentorship role that may require around 1 - 2 hours per week or less in some weeks? Thank you.