Velo3D

Director of Manufacturing

Velo3D$180K — $220K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 10+ years of manufacturing experience, including 5+ years in additive manufacturing.
  • Proven experience scaling manufacturing operations in a high-growth environment.
  • Strong understanding of AM processes, materials, machine operation, and post-processing.
  • Experience with ISO/AS quality systems and public-company operational rigor.
  • Demonstrated leadership of multi-functional manufacturing teams.
  • Experience with Lean/CI tools such as 5S, Kaizen, and root-cause analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy aligned with company goals and customer requirements.
  • Lead day-to-day operations across additive printing, post-processing, machining, finishing, and assembly.
  • Build capacity models, production plans, and operating metrics to support revenue growth.
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.
  • Oversee production across various metal and polymer AM technologies.
  • Ensure machine uptime, print quality, and process stability through maintenance programs.
  • Manage and mentor a growing team focused on safety and continuous improvement.

Benefits

  • Healthcare coverage and 401(K) employer contributions.
  • Monthly all-hands meetings and team member appreciation awards.
Full Job Description
Position Overview:

The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing all manufacturing operations, including additive production, post-processing, materials management, quality control, maintenance, and continuous improvement. This role will build and optimize scalable processes, drive operational excellence, ensure regulatory and audit readiness, and lead the transition from prototype to full production. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-growth, fast-paced environment, and brings deep experience in additive manufacturing, operational scaling, and team leadership.

Responsibilities

Manufacturing Leadership & Strategy
  • Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy aligned with company goals, customer requirements, and public-company operational expectations.
  • Lead day-to-day operations across additive printing, post-processing, machining, finishing, and assembly.
  • Build capacity models, production plans, and operating metrics to support revenue growth and product expansion.
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, and Program Management.

Additive Manufacturing Operations
  • Oversee production across metal and/or polymer AM technologies (e.g., SLS, MJF, DMLS/SLM, FDM, SLA).
  • Ensure machine uptime, print quality, and process stability through robust preventive maintenance and calibration programs.
  • Implement Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) feedback loops with Engineering.

People Leadership
  • Manage and mentor a growing team of supervisors, technicians, operators, and support staff.
  • Develop a high-performance team culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead workforce planning, hiring, and training programs to support scale.

Quality, Compliance & Safety
  • Partner closely with Quality to maintain manufacturing readiness for audits, certifications, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, FDA/medical standards as applicable).
  • Ensure adherence to SOPs, documentation, and lot/material traceability protocols.
  • Champion a strong safety culture and lead site EHS initiatives.

Operational Excellence
  • Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies.
  • Optimize workflows, material flow, and facility layout for efficiency and scalability.
  • Establish KPIs for throughput, OEE, scrap rates, cost per part, and scheduling accuracy.
  • Manage production budgets and contribute to forecasting for capital equipment, staffing, and operational costs.

Technology & Equipment Management
  • Evaluate and implement new AM technologies, software, automation tools, and post-processing equipment.
  • Oversee capital equipment acquisitions and the commissioning of new systems.


Requirements

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 10+ years of manufacturing experience, including 5+ years in additive manufacturing.
  • Proven experience scaling manufacturing operations in a high-growth environment.
  • Strong understanding of AM processes, materials, machine operation, and post-processing.
  • Experience with ISO/AS quality systems and public-company operational rigor (documentation, controls, audits).
  • Demonstrated leadership of multi-functional manufacturing teams.
  • Experience with Lean/CI tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM, root-cause analysis).
  • Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred
  • Experience in aerospace, medical device, or industrial manufacturing regulated environments.
  • Master's degree (MBA or technical field).
  • Six Sigma certification.
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems (e.g., NetSuite, Odoo, Epicor, Dynamics).


Our team enjoys excellent benefits including healthcare coverage and 401(K) employer contributions. We believe in transparency and recognizing exceptional efforts through our monthly all-hands meetings and team member appreciation awards.

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The starting base salary for this full-time position is between $180,000 and $220,000. This salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this position in the U.S. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as work experience, job-related skills, related education, work location, and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. In addition to a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package, this position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and equity program, as applicable.

About Velo3D

Velo3D is a 3D printing company that specializes in manufacturing high-performance metal parts for aerospace, oil and gas, and other industrial applications. The company's technology is designed to enable the production of complex geometries and internal structures that are difficult or impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. Velo3D's platform includes a suite of software tools that enable engineers to design parts that can be printed with high precision and accuracy. The company was founded in 2014 by Benny Buller, a former executive at SolarCity.
Learn more about Velo3D
Size
100 employees
Market Cap
$287.4 million
Industry
Founded
2014
NASDAQ

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