Principal Additive Manufacturing Engineer – Applications
About The Position
The Principal Additive Manufacturing Engineer – Applications is a senior technical leader and customer-facing authority. This role engages directly with aerospace and defense primes, OEMs, and government stakeholders to apply additive manufacturing to complex programs. Operating at a peer-to-peer level with senior customer engineers, the Principal Engineer guides strategy, influences design and qualification decisions, and ensures Nikon AM Synergy delivers innovative, reliable AM solutions that meet mission-critical objectives. The position requires deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor engineering teams while managing high-value customer relationships.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
- 10+ years of experience in aerospace/defense additive manufacturing, advanced design engineering, or manufacturing applications.
- Recognized subject-matter expertise in metal additive manufacturing (LPBF/DMLS, DED, hybrid processes).
- Proficiency in CAD (NX preferred), AM build preparation tools, AM simulation, and/or FEA.
- Proven ability to engage senior technical leaders at primes, OEMs, and government agencies.
- Strong understanding of aerospace materials science, metallurgy, thermal-mechanical behavior, and structural performance of AM parts.
- Demonstrated track record of influencing design and qualification decisions in aerospace/defense programs.
- Knowledge of Aerospace Quality Standards and Certification Requirements (AS9100D, NADCAP, MIL-SPEC, MMPDS).
- U.S. Citizenship required. Must be eligible to hold and/or maintain a DoD security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s Degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or related engineering fields.
- Leadership experience in customer-facing technical roles.
- Experience mentoring and guiding engineering teams in AM applications.
- Familiarity with cost, risk, and performance trade-offs in enterprise-level AM solutions.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary technical interface for key aerospace and defense programs, from concept through qualification and production.
- Act as the technical lead and trusted advisor for high-value customer accounts.
- Lead technical design reviews, workshops, and strategy sessions, influencing the adoption of AM solutions.
- Develop and present complex engineering proposals and white papers that align AM solutions with customer mission requirements.
- Drive the implementation of advanced Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) techniques, simulation-driven optimization, and qualification plans for critical hardware.
- Advocate for customer requirements internally and guide Nikon AM Synergy teams to deliver successful outcomes.
- Collaborate with business development, quality, and manufacturing teams to shape capture strategies and execution plans for new opportunities.
- Monitor and interpret industry standards, DoD/NASA qualification pathways, and evolving AM technologies to inform customer engagements.
- Mentor and develop engineering staff, building the next generation of AM technical leaders.
- Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards including AS9100D, NADCAP, and ITAR.
- Other duties may be assigned
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
