Additive Manufacturing Manager
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.
Once approved to work on the opportunity, you’ll receive the full brief, including the client name, role details, and commercial terms.
Role Details
Company: US-based hard-tech startup
Location: D.C./Baltimore area
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, 2–3 days per week onsite
Salary: $175,000–$225,000
Experience: 5+ years in additive manufacturing; relevant expertise considered
Relocation: Relocation support may be available
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
About the Company
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.
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.
Responsibilities
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
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.
Benefits
$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
Interview Process
Candidate submission and initial review
Interviews with the engineering team
CEO interview
Additional technical assessments, if required
Offer and hiring
🌍 Remote from anywhere in the globe
Workplace, Culture & Diversity
Corporate culture is essential to allow the organization to differentiate itself. In terms of image on the one hand, it has strengths both internally and externally to consumers. It is indeed a source of cohesion and motivation of employees and it limits conflicts. With customers, it conveys a positive image and can develop a feeling of closeness to the company or even become a criterion of choice.
About Fractal Talent
We Are Fractal Talent, a global community of freelance and fractional recruiters. We provide recruiting expertise to our clients as a virtual extension of their teams, deployed on an embedded, project or per role basis, and matched to client need. Top tier quality, unrivalled flexibility.
If you're a recruiter, come join a community that acts as your outsourced sales function. We align your skills to our clients - with the aim to enrich quality recruiters and enable a far greater flexibility in how you manage your career.