Additive Manufacturing Operations Lead IV

Agile Space Industries, Inc.•Durango, CO

7d•$120,000 - $162,000•Onsite

About The Position

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years, and our momentum continues to accelerate. At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport. This is an onsite role based in Durango, Colorado. Durango offers a rare combination of meaningful aerospace work and exceptional quality of life, with access to world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, and a vibrant mountain-town community. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Agile Space Industries is seeking an experienced and hands-on Additive Manufacturing (AM) Operations Manager onsite in Durango, CO to lead our additive operations, build scalable processes, and partner closely with Engineering, Production, Materials, and Quality to deliver high-performance printed components for space flight hardware and R&D programs. The AM Operations Manager is responsible for operational execution, technical leadership, team development, and continuous improvement across Agile’s LPBF production ecosystem. This leader will oversee AM equipment, people, workflows, documentation, and quality standards supporting propulsion hardware across the full lifecycle: prototype, test, qualification, and production. The AM Operations Manager will also be core cross-function leader, partnering closely with Engineering, Production, Materials, and Quality to deliver high-performance printed components for space flight hardware and R&D programs. This role requires strong technical depth, a continuous-improvement mindset, and the ability to lead in a fast-paced aerospace environment where precision, reliability, and schedule discipline are essential.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in manufacturing, including 2+ years of manufacturing management, with preference for metal additive manufacturing and hands-on machine operation
Demonstrated experience with aerospace or highly regulated production environments
Strong knowledge of metal LPBF processes and materials commonly employed in metal AM technologies such as Inconel, Titanium, or Copper alloys
Proven experience optimizing manufacturing flow, leading root cause analysis, and developing repeatable manufacturing processes
Leadership experience managing technical teams in a prototyping or production setting
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline
Experience producing flight hardware or propulsion components
Background with EOS, SLM Solutions, VELO3D, TRUMPF, or similar LPBF platforms.
Knowledge of heat treatment, HIP, machining, and NDE for AM components
Experience standing up new AM facilities, bringing in new equipment, or scaling production
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing documentation best practices.

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day operations of the LPBF production floor, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable execution.
Manage production schedules across prototype, development, qualification, and production programs in coordination with other Agile departments.
Oversee machine setup, build execution, powder handling, and post-processing workflows.
Ensure repeatable, high-quality production of printed propulsion components.
Maintain spare parts, consumables, gas supply, and other inventory critical to production.
Drive equipment uptime, preventative maintenance, and facility readiness to support throughput growth.
Establish, track, and continuously improve operational KPIs (yield, throughput, cycle time, scrap, machine utilization).
Partner with Design Engineering during DfAM reviews to align geometry, support strategies, and material selection with LPBF capabilities.
Facilitate AM process development, including control of AM process parameters, scan strategies, thermal histories, and build envelopes.
Lead root cause analysis for print failures and drive corrective actions
Maintain configuration control of build files, machine settings, and AM processes.
Oversee integration of downstream processes including heat treatment, HIP, machining, and inspection.
Define and document AM processes in accordance with aerospace and internal quality standards
Mentor AM technicians, operators, and engineers with emphasis on safety, technical rigor, and continuous learning.
Establish onboarding pathways, technical certification levels, and recurring training cycles for AM roles.
Allocate resources effectively across shifts and programs, adjusting team responsibilities based on skills, priorities, and workload.
Cultivate a culture of accountability, ownership, and disciplined execution.
Partner with Quality Engineering to define critical-to-quality features, inspection protocols, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria.
Ensure compliance with ITAR, AS9100, and internal configuration-control and document-control requirements.
Maintain full material and process traceability (powder lots, build files, inspection records, heat treat/HIP records, and rework history).
Support internal and external audits, customer reviews, and supplier assessments.
Ensure build and post-processing travelers are fully executed, documented, and closed out accurately.
Evaluate and select emerging AM technologies, materials, sensing systems, and post-processing techniques.
Support make-buy decisions, including technical evaluation of external