Senior Manager, Additive Manufacturing Engineering

About the Team:

The Additive Manufacturing team is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in rocket propulsion hardware. Responsible for development, process, and production, the team oversees initial concept to final hardware with rigorous quality and precision. From developing print parameters on state-of-the-art 3D printers to enabling fast iteration for partner departments, the team plays a critical role in taking engine designs from concept to hot fire. The team was instrumental in producing Aeon 1 engines for Terran 1 launch and is now pioneering next-generation processes and designs for our Aeon R engines that will power Terran R. With flight hardware production scaling up rapidly, now is the time to join and make a direct impact.

About the Role:

• Lead and scale a cross-functional additive manufacturing organization consisting of process engineers, product owners, and production technicians supporting both R&D and production environments
• Oversee ownership and execution of additive processes for propulsion-critical hardware, ensuring throughput, yield, and schedule targets are met across combustion devices, turbopumps, valves, and integrated components
• Drive performance in AM production operations - work order execution, pass yield, cycle time, and on-time delivery - with a focus on repeatability and cost
• Implement KPIs and lean operating principles for post-processing, printer uptime, and technician team effectiveness
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, materials, quality, supply chain, and operations to ensure alignment from prototype to production including process control implementation, risk reduction strategies, and root cause systems across the AM lifecycle
• Own the technical roadmap for additive scaling - process qualification, material validation, MES/QMS iteration, quality systems (NCRs, CAPAs), automation, and DfAM standards
• Guide factory floor configuration for optimal additive cell layout, capacity scaling, and build-flow efficiency
• Manage technical partnerships with vendors (machine OEMs, powder suppliers) and guide roadmap for next-gen AM equipment & materials
• Serve as additive SME at program and executive level; shape strategic decisions with data-backed input
• Recruit, coach, and retain a high-performing team of engineers and technicians; build succession plans and develop future leaders
• Foster a strong safety culture and promote disciplined operational behavior aligned with AS9100 and internal quality standards

About You:

• 8+ years of experience in metallic additive or advanced manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a leadership or cross-functional team management role
• Deep expertise in additive manufacturing processes (LPBF, DED, CSAM), machine behavior, and metallic material systems (e.g., Inconel, titanium, aluminum alloys)
• Demonstrated success driving performance across technician and engineering teams in production environments
• Proven leadership in establishing and scaling high-reliability manufacturing operations (preferably under AS9100)
• Demonstrates integrity, humility, and respect in all interactions - leads with empathy, not ego
• Strong working knowledge of MES, QMS, ERP systems and additive-specific toolchains (e.g., EOSPRINT, Materialise)
• Experience implementing automation, digital tracking, and/or real-time performance dashboards
• Skilled at strategic planning and resource allocation across technical teams with diverse scopes

Nice to haves but not required:

• Background in rocket propulsion, turbomachinery, or flight-critical hardware systems
• Prior ownership of a hybrid team including manufacturing, process, and product engineering
• Experience leading teams through AS9100 audits or customer-facing production milestones
• Familiarity with Six Sigma, SPC, or lean toolkits as applied to additive manufacturing workflows
• Exposure to machining, NDE, or post-processing as part of the end-to-end additive pipeline