Lead the industrialization of advanced polymer additive manufacturing systems in a high-performance automated factory setting. As the Polymer Additive Manufacturing Manager, you will oversee end-to-end operations, from equipment integration to production scaling, ensuring seamless performance across polymer AM technologies including powder bed fusion and material extrusion processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day polymer AM production, including scheduling, yield optimization, equipment utilization, and on-time delivery.
- Develop and enforce operational standards, performance metrics, and continuous improvement practices across AM cells.
- Lead integration of polymer AM machines, peripherals, and control systems into centralized factory platforms, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure interlocks.
- Define system requirements, interface specifications, and acceptance criteria applicable across multiple OEMs, technologies, and production sites.
- Design and implement automation strategies for material handling, build exchange, depowdering, cleaning, and operator workflows.
- Improve system uptime, throughput, and safety through root cause analysis, reliability engineering, and process enhancements.
- Serve as technical liaison with machine OEMs and suppliers to enable deeper system integration via APIs, remote monitoring, and controller access.
- Develop factory and site acceptance protocols, commissioning checklists, and validation plans for new equipment deployments.
- Collaborate with Quality and Process teams to support production qualification and regulatory compliance.
- Establish preventive maintenance programs, track failure modes, and lead corrective actions with internal and external partners.
- Drive hardware, firmware, and configuration improvements to maximize build volume use and process stability.
- Own standard operating procedures, safety systems, change control, and team training programs.
- Prepare for audits in regulated environments and ensure readiness across documentation and execution.
- Recruit, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary team spanning operations, engineering, automation, and controls.
- Coordinate with Applications Engineering, Materials, Software, Supply Chain, and Factory Automation teams to deliver scalable manufacturing solutions.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Robotics, Manufacturing, or a related engineering discipline. A master’s degree is preferred. You should bring at least five years of hands-on experience in polymer additive manufacturing operations, equipment integration, or factory-scale automation, with deep knowledge of technologies such as Stratasys SAF, HP MJF, FDM, SLA, or SLS.
Direct experience with engineering thermoplastics like PA11 and PA12—including material behavior, refresh ratios, and recyclability—is required. You must also have demonstrated success integrating complex machinery into manufacturing software ecosystems such as MES, SCADA, or data pipelines, and managing production KPIs including capacity, yield, and delivery performance.
Three or more years in a leadership role building and developing technical teams is essential. Familiarity with structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys) and experience deploying automation with safety interlocks and commissioning protocols are expected. Willingness to travel up to 20%, including internationally, is required. U.S. citizenship or Permanent Residency is mandatory due to ITAR regulations.
Preferred Background
- Experience scaling polymer AM from pilot to high-volume production.
- Proven success optimizing print systems for yield and throughput in industrial settings.
- Established relationships with polymer AM OEMs such as HP, Stratasys, or EOS.
- Background in unmanned systems or sUAS component manufacturing.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role based in Mesa, Arizona. The position requires full-time presence at the facility to support equipment integration, team leadership, and operational execution. Relocation support may be available depending on circumstances.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary is competitive, ranging from $200,000 to $250,000, with actual offers determined by experience, qualifications, location, and business needs. Equity details are not disclosed. The company offers medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and a flexible vacation policy.
Company Commitment
We are committed to reinvigorating U.S. manufacturing through innovation and advanced automation. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, medical condition, family status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or reproductive rights. Reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
