Manager, Additive Manufacturing

Divergent

$135K — $185K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in operations or production leadership
  • Familiarity with aerospace and defense quality standards, especially AS9100
  • Proven track record in high-reliability environments, demonstrating leadership and discipline
  • Strong analytical skills for problem-solving in complex systems
  • Experience with post-processing techniques in additive manufacturing

Responsibilities

  • Lead all aspects of post-processing operations, ensuring throughput, quality, and safety
  • Ensure parts are fully inspected and qualified, with zero defects
  • Build and develop a team of skilled technicians and frontline leaders
  • Drive strict adherence to compliance with industrial standards
  • Identify and implement cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives
  • Develop a roadmap for automation and capability enhancement across operations
  • Solve complex operational problems through cross-functional collaboration

Benefits

  • Holistic compensation package including salary, equity, and performance bonuses
  • Paid time off for vacations, sick leave, and parental leave
  • Comprehensive health benefits with multiple plan options
  • Investment in professional development with reimbursement for learning initiatives
  • Dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on innovation and efficiency
Full Job Description
Purpose

Own and scale the post-processing value stream that transforms additively manufactured parts into fully qualified material with validated properties.

You will lead operations across part removal (bandsaw/EDM), media blast, heat treat, build plate resurfacing, and part inspection, building a disciplined, high-performing organization capable of delivering consistent, certifiable output at scale.

This role is well-suited for a leader experienced in high-consequence, procedure-driven environments who can bring structure, accountability, and continuous improvement to a rapidly scaling operation.
The Role
Own the Value Stream
  • Serve as the single point of accountability for throughput, quality, and safety across all post-processing operations
  • Ensure every part exiting your organization isfully inspected, qualified, and ready for downstream operations with zero defects escaping
  • Establish objective metrics (including internal escape rates) and drive performance to world-class standards
Build & Lead a High-Performance Team
  • Build, train, and develop a team of technicians and frontline leaders across all work centers
  • Establish rigorous training and qualification standards aligned with aerospace and defense expectations
  • Develop bench strength and identify successors for key roles
Drive Process Rigor & Compliance
  • Deliver a step-change in process robustness across heat treat, media blast, build plate resurfacing, and inspection
  • Ensure strict adherence to AS9100, military standards, and all applicable certification requirements
  • Implement standardized work, controls, audits, and documentation systems to ensure repeatable execution
Champion Cost, Throughput, and Efficiency
  • Identify and lead cost reduction initiatives across labor, equipment utilization, yield, and consumables
  • Build a pipeline of high-impact improvements and execute against clear ROI targets
  • Develop operational dashboards to enable data-driven decision-making
Build the Future (Automation & Capability Development)
  • Develop and drive a multi-year roadmap for automation and capability expansion across all work centers
  • Evaluate and integrate robotics and automation solutions, including building clear business cases
  • Lead initiatives such as:
    • Media blast automation
    • Build plate resurfacing (equipment selection, commissioning, and integration)
    • Onboarding capability for processing new materials and alloys
Scale for Factory 2 and Beyond
  • Partner with the Factory Development Team on equipment selection, layout, and material/people flow design
  • Act as the operational lead for scaling these work centers into future factory deployments
  • Drive readiness from early concept through full-rate production
Solve Complex Operational Problems
  • Identify bottlenecks and failure modes across the full processing chain
  • Lead cross-functional problem solving with engineering, quality, and maintenance
  • Implement durable corrective actions that improve long-term system performance
Basic Qualifications
  • Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
Leadership Profile
  • Proven leadership in high-reliability, high-accountability environments
  • Strong systems thinker-able to manage complex, interdependent processes with discipline and precision
  • Demonstrated ability to build teams, enforce standards, and deliver results under pressure
  • High ownership mindset with a bias toward action and continuous improvement
Operational & Technical Experience
  • Experience leading operations, maintenance, or production teams in complex technical environments
  • Familiarity with procedure-driven execution, qualification programs, and audit/compliance systems
  • Experience managing risk, driving root cause resolution, and improving system reliability
Execution Skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
  • Comfortable operating both on the floor and at the systems level
  • Effective communicator across technical and operational teams
Work Environment
  • Performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise and machinery
  • Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and handling of precision tools and materials.
  • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. independently and 50 lbs. with assistance.
  • May involve crouching, climbing, confined spaces, or work at heights.
  • PPE (including but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, respirators as needed) and company uniform are required.
  • May occasionally require extended or weekend hours to meet production deadlines.
  • This role operates in a fast-paced, high-mix production environment where priorities can shift rapidly based on engineering changes, supply chain constraints, and program milestones. The environment demands tight cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality, logistics, and program teams to ensure daily execution aligns with long-term build plans.
  • Success in this environment requires hands-on engagement on the shop floor, strong systems knowledge, and the ability to anticipate and resolve scheduling risks before they impact key deliverables.
  • The culture emphasizes proactive communication, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement to meet aggressive program timelines while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and efficiency.


Pay Range

$135,020-$185,660 USD

What We Offer:
  • Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
  • Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
  • Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
  • Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
  • Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.

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