Principal Additive Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

The candidate will utilize skills and experience in additive manufacturing (AM) to provide guidance to customers on part design and selection, develop robust manufacturing plans and build files, and oversee successful completion of customer orders.

Responsibilities

• Utilize skills and experience in additive manufacturing (AM) to provide guidance to customers on part design and selection, develop robust manufacturing plans and build files, and oversee successful completion of customer orders.
• Maintain an intimate working knowledge of powder bed fusion AM machines (EOS, SLM, Colibrium, etc.)
• Assess part characteristics for manufacturability, design optimization, material and equipment selection
• Guide customers in the selection of materials
• Create build files, layouts, and use cost estimation models
• Lead and provide technical direction for technicians
• Provide "hands-on" support with printing and inspection equipment
• Manage acquisition of necessary maintenance contracts, consumables, and software to support growth
• Read and understand dimensional drawings, including GD&T
• Analyze and specify post-processing steps such as heat treatment, finish machining, and coatings
• Support and guide the root cause and corrective action (RCCA) process for technical issues.
• Aid in assembling quotations in response to customer RFQ's
• Lead customer projects as the assigned project engineer
• Prepare project schedules to define project scope deliverables
• Lead and/or participate in regular customer meetings
• Monitor and manage project costs in respect to the established budget
• Anticipate problems and concerns relevant to project management and provide timely solutions
• Coordinate document submittals, approvals, distribution, and revision control
• Initiate purchase requisitions for tools, fixtures, operational equipment, and outside services
• Maintain a strong working relationship with the customer
• Occasional travel may be required to support project or program goals
• Lead advanced technical engineering programs (material/product/process development)
• Lead statistical process control initiatives
• Lead operational and supply chain cost reduction and optimization projects
• Provide guidance on facility improvements, equipment selection, and in-sourcing

Requirements

• Engineering degree in a related discipline (additive manufacturing, mechanical, metallurgical, etc.)
• Minimum years of experience follow the Levels described below.
• Experience with the following software: CAD (e.g. SolidWorks, Catia), Build Preparation/Slice software (e.g. Materialise Magics, 3DExpert), Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with processing parts via powder bed fusion.

Qualifications

• Senior: Degreed Engineer with 10+ years of AM Engineering or related experience. Possesses extensive skills and previous experience in design and optimization for 3D printing, machine setup and troubleshooting, material selection and analysis, and production engineering activities (building BOMS, routings). Brings wisdom from previous experience to the team (additive manufacturing and post processing), works autonomously, and supports business development objectives successfully by building customer relationships. Maintains awareness of technical industry trends and best practices and uses that knowledge to ideate and drive continuous improvement for the engineering team. Develops strategic plans for engineering-related projects to increase capability and technical breadth within the organization. Serves as a mentor to engineers at lower levels.
• Principal: Engineer with 13+ years of AM Engineering or related experience. Masters or PhD in AM or related discipline may count for up to 3 years of experience. In addition to Senior-level qualities, carries 3+ years of previous experience in a senior-level technical role as a subject-matter expert.

Preferred Additional Qualifications and Education

• Masters or PhD in additive manufacturing or related engineering discipline
• Previous experience working for a Contract Manufacturer in laser powder bed fusion
• Experience with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 Revision D