Additive Manufacturing Manager
About the company
Role Details Company: US-based hard-tech startup
An early-stage technology company developing AI-designed metal heat exchangers for high-performance computing and hyperscale data centres. The company combines proprietary AI design technology with advanced metal 3D printing to develop next-generation thermal management solutions.
Your tasks
About the Role The company is seeking an Additive Manufacturing Manager to establish and lead its in-house metal 3D printing operations. This is a hands-on role combining technical leadership, Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), production optimisation, and quality control.
- Establish and manage an in-house metal LPBF lab, including equipment commissioning, operating procedures, and technician supervision.
- Lead DfAM optimisation for large, complex metal components, improving printability and identifying design issues early.
- Manage external manufacturing partners, approve build parameters, and ensure production meets specifications.
- Oversee post-processing and quality testing, including depowdering, heat treatment, CT scanning, and leak testing.
- Reduce print times, production costs, and yield losses while supporting future manufacturing expansion.
Requirements
Experience: 5+ years in additive manufacturing; relevant expertise considered
Tech stack: Metal L-PBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion), Large-format multi-laser printers, DfAM, Build preparation (orientation, supports, nesting, laser assignment), Parameter development, Build simulation software, CT scanning, Leak and pressure testing, Heat treatment / stress relief, Depowdering, Stainless steel alloys, Nickel alloys
- Hands-on experience with metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) is essential; polymer-only experience is not suitable.
- Experience with large-format, multi-laser metal printers with build envelopes of 400 mm or larger.
- Practical DfAM expertise and experience optimising complex metal components.
- Knowledge of post-processing, quality assurance, and manufacturing validation.
- Experience commissioning equipment, managing production, or holding external manufacturers to quality standards.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- Ability to work onsite 2–3 days per week.
Nice to Have
- Experience in aerospace, energy, defence, computing, or other high-consequence manufacturing industries.
- Experience building an additive manufacturing lab or managing a fleet of printers.
- Startup experience and a track record of working independently.
- Experience managing technicians and international manufacturing partners.
What we offer
Salary: $175,000–$225,000
Relocation: Relocation support may be available
- $175K–$225K base salary plus competitive equity
- Hybrid work, 2–3 days onsite
- Potential relocation signing bonus
- Opportunity to lead advanced metal 3D printing operations
How to apply
Interview Process
- Candidate submission and initial review
- Interviews with the engineering team
- CEO interview
- Additional technical assessments, if required
- Offer and hiring
Other
We’re supporting a client with the recruitment requirement outlined below. If your recruiting expertise and networks align with the role, please apply to express your interest.
Location: D.C./Baltimore area
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, 2–3 days per week onsite