1

Additive Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Additive Manufacturing, or similar. * Strong knowledge of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles. * Proficiency in ...

Additive Technician

Redondo Beach, CA ยท On-site

$35 - $45/hr

You will work closely with additive engineers to deliver critical propulsion components with maximum efficiency and quality. Responsibilities * Manage a print farm with a priority based ticketing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Additive Engineer information

See salary details

$50.5K

$110.7K

$152K

How much do additive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for additive engineer in the United States is $110,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Additive Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Additive Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and CAD design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with additive manufacturing technologies, 3D modeling software, and certifications such as ASME or ASTM standards for additive processes is essential. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring innovative, precise, and reliable additive manufacturing solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.

What are some common challenges an Additive Engineer faces when transitioning prototypes to full-scale production?

Additive Engineers often encounter challenges when scaling from prototyping to full production, such as ensuring consistent print quality across batches, optimizing designs for manufacturability, and selecting appropriate materials that meet performance and certification requirements. They also need to address post-processing considerations and integrate additive manufacturing workflows with existing production systems. Collaboration with design, quality, and manufacturing teams is critical to troubleshoot issues and establish repeatable, efficient processes.

What are Additive Engineers?

Additive Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing, developing, and optimizing processes for additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing. They work with advanced software and hardware to create prototypes and end-use parts from digital models, often using materials like plastics, metals, or composites. Additive Engineers collaborate with designers, production teams, and clients to ensure quality, efficiency, and innovation in manufacturing. Their expertise is crucial for industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products.

What is the difference between Additive Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAdditive EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Materials, or Manufacturing Engineering; certifications in additive manufacturingBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing 3D printed parts, working with additive manufacturing equipmentDesigning, analyzing, and testing mechanical systems, often in labs or manufacturing settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors utilizing 3D printingBroadly in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and product design industries

While both roles involve engineering principles, Additive Engineers specialize in 3D printing technologies and additive manufacturing processes, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on traditional mechanical design and analysis. Additive Engineers often work closely with manufacturing teams to develop innovative 3D printed solutions, making their roles distinct yet complementary within the engineering field.

What states have the most Additive Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Additive Engineer jobs include:

SENIOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

Nikon AM Synergy Inc.

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 3 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Salary: $130K/yr - $165K/yr

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Director of Engineering

Classification/Status: Exempt / Full-Time

Location: (On-site)


Company Overview

Operating from the modern Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, Nikon AM Synergy is a provider of holistic solutions in additive manufacturing, R&D, and engineering. Our mission is to accelerate customer adoption and scaling of metal AM for cutting-edge applications, with a particular focus on the defense, aerospace, and energy sectors. This will be through both Nikon SLM Solutions industry-leading laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technology enhanced by premier metallurgy and metrology capabilities. Nikon AM Synergy offers specialized capabilities within an ultra-secure environment, meeting the stringent security requirements of defense and aerospace clients. These capabilities are bolstered by our collaborative and hands-on approach, as well as technical and business development teams with extensive industry knowledge and expertise, consistently delivering results for our strategic customers.


Position Overview

The Senior Additive Manufacturing (AM) Engineer at Nikon AM Synergy supports the design, development, and manufacturing of hardware using metal additive manufacturing processes. This role collaborates closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure parts meet customer and industry requirements. The AM Engineer contributes to process development, optimization, and problem-solving in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment while maintaining compliance with aerospace quality standards.


Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement additive manufacturing processes for hardware production.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support on-time delivery of parts.
Apply Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) techniques to optimize part designs.
Support R&D initiatives, process improvement projects, and new application development.
Assist in maintaining and enhancing industrial equipment used in additive manufacturing.
Adhere to company safety policies and ensure a safe working environment.
Maintain awareness of AM industry trends, materials, and technologies.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Verify and document customer requirements for additive manufacturing parts and processes.
Generate technical documentation and manufacturing process plans.
Support engineering proposals in response to customer RFPs.
Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and technicians to implement process improvements.
Assist in testing, evaluation, and troubleshooting of additive manufacturing processes and equipment.
Maintain compliance with AS9100 quality standards and contribute to quality process documentation.
Continuously learn new AM technologies and methods to support organizational capabilities.
Other duties may be assigned.


Required Qualifications

Bachelors Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field).
3 - 6 years of experience in metal additive manufacturing or related manufacturing environment.
Proficiency with metal AM systems (e.g., DMLS, powder bed fusion).
Basic understanding of GD&T principles.
Knowledge of thermal-mechanical behavior, materials science, and metallurgy.
Proficiency in CAD modeling and engineering drawings interpretation.
Must meet U.S. Person requirements under ITAR regulations.
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.


Preferred Qualifications

U.S. citizenship preferred; lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) may be considered.
Experience with CNC machining, heat treatment, assembly, surface treatment, NDT, or other related manufacturing processes.
Exposure to aerospace or defense manufacturing environments.
Experience in process improvement or manufacturing optimization projects.
Advanced coursework or certifications in additive manufacturing.


Working Conditions and Requirements

Work Environment: Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments, including additive manufacturing labs, prototype areas, and production floors. Regular exposure to industrial machinery and additive manufacturing (AM) equipment is expected.
Work Culture: A hands-on, collaborative, and technology-driven environment focused on process innovation, production efficiency, and continuous improvement within additive manufacturing operations.
Schedule and Flexibility: Typically a full-time position, with occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet project deadlines, support production schedules, or conduct equipment trials.
Travel: Occasional travel to customer sites, suppliers, or training events may be required.


Performance Competencies

Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of additive manufacturing design, processes, and materials.
Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing issues and optimize processes.
Collaboration: Effective teamwork with engineering, manufacturing, and quality personnel.
Communication: Clear verbal and written communication with internal teams.
Quality Focus: Commitment to AS9100 and aerospace manufacturing standards.
Continuous Learning: Dedication to professional growth, technology adoption, and process improvement.


Benefits Package:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, as well as Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Additional voluntary and supplemental benefits include Voluntary Life & AD&D, Pet Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Hospital Confinement coverage. Employees also have access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA) and a Health Savings Account (HSA), where applicable.


Equal Employment Opportunity:

Nikon AM Synergy Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.


Privacy Notice and Consent:

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) and other applicable privacy regulations, Nikon AM Synergy Inc. (NAMS) is required to disclose whenever personal information is collected from you in certain contexts, such as to provide or receive a product or service. If you have a visual disability, you may be able to use a screen reader or other tools to review the contents of this notice.


By clicking apply, you authorize and give your consent for NAMS to use the personal information you provided for future communications related to the recruitment and hiring process, both for current and future job openings (Purpose). You further certify that you are over 18 years of age. NAMS may be required to provide your contact information to third parties in order to perform the above Purpose. However, NAMS does not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties.