Mechanical Engineer - Additive Manufacturing

Vectrus (V2X)•Indianapolis, IN

49d

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Mechanical Designer specializing in Design for Additive Manufacturing (AM) to support innovative engineering projects in the aerospace and defense industry. This role will focus on the design and optimization of components for AM processes while handling limited responsibilities related to maintenance and operational builds on AM equipment. While the primary focus of the role is on AM, the position will incorporate elements of conventional mechanica design and manufacturing methods to address broader project requirements. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in mechanical design, manufacturing strategies, and hands-on familiarity with additive technologies. This position requires technical acumen, creative problem-solving skills, and a strong team-oriented mindset.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of four (4) years of industry experience in mechanical design or manufacturing engineering.
Proven experience designing for AM technologies such as FDM, SLA, SLS, or DMLS.
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, NX, CATIA) for designing highly accurate and detailed components.
Working knowledge of material science, especially for AM applications (e.g., polymers).
Hands-on experience with AM machines, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of manufacturing methods complementary to AM, such as CNC machining or post-processing techniques.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on applying engineering principles to AM processes.
Effective communication skills for technical collaboration and documentation.

Nice To Haves

Six (6) years of industry experience in mechanical design or manufacturing engineering.
Experience in topology optimization algorithms and advanced simulation software for AM applications (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
Familiarity with quality assurance methods, including inspection and testing of AM-produced components.
Exposure to lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
Demonstrated leadership experience or interest in stepping into managerial roles for lab operations or production oversight.
Experience with scaling AM processes from prototyping to low-volume production.

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize mechanical designs for AM processes, ensuring high-quality, manufacturable, and cost-effective solutions.
Apply conventional mechanical design methods, including DFM principles, structural analysis, and tolerance optimization, alongside AM-specific techniques.
Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate AM capabilities into design concepts and production workflows.
Conduct design-for-manufacturing (DFM) reviews for AM parts, including topology optimization, lightweighting, and material selection.
Perform hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting of AM machines, ensuring operational readiness and addressing technical issues as needed.
Operate AM machines for prototype builds and low-volume production runs, adhering to safety standards and procedures.
Support lab operations, inventory management, and machine calibration or upgrades.
Generate technical documentation, including CAD models, drawings, specifications, and process documentation for AM components.
Proactively identify opportunities to expand AM production capabilities, aligning the lab with future growth objectives.