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Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing Jobs in California

Own PEEK, ULTEM, and other engineered thermoplastic 3D printing processes. * Work with design engineering to drive Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM), including participating in design reviews ...

Manufacturing Engineer, Additive

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$86K - $110K/yr

Own PEEK, ULTEM, and other engineered thermoplastic 3D printing processes. * Work with design engineering to drive Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM), including participating in design reviews ...

Stratasys is a world leader in 3D printing! Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive ...

Stratasys is a world leader in 3D printing! Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive ...

3D Printing Lead

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

We're looking for a hands-on 3D Printing Lead to own our large-format additive manufacturing operation. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys operating cutting-edge equipment, solving technical ...

3D Printing Lead

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

We're looking for a hands-on 3D Printing Lead to own our large-format additive manufacturing operation. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys operating cutting-edge equipment, solving technical ...

We're looking for a hands-on 3D Printing Lead to own our large-format additive manufacturing operation. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys operating cutting-edge equipment, solving technical ...

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Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing information

See California salary details

$13

$24

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How much do additive manufacturing 3d printing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for additive manufacturing 3d printing in California is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing specialist, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD modeling, and material science, typically supported by a degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related fields. Familiarity with 3D printing hardware, slicing software, and certifications such as SME Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals are commonly required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help professionals innovate and troubleshoot in dynamic production environments. These skills and qualifications are essential for producing high-quality components, optimizing manufacturing processes, and driving technological advancement in the field.

What is additive manufacturing 3D printing?

Additive manufacturing 3D printing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer, based on a digital model. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that often involve cutting away material, additive manufacturing builds objects from the ground up, reducing waste. This technology is used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products, for prototyping and producing complex or customized parts. 3D printing enables rapid design iteration, cost-effective production of small batches, and the creation of intricate geometries that may be impossible with traditional manufacturing techniques.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing often encounter challenges such as material limitations, machine calibration issues, and ensuring consistency across production runs. Addressing these challenges involves staying current with the latest advancements in printer technology and materials, following rigorous quality control protocols, and collaborating closely with design and engineering teams to optimize print settings. Continuous learning and proactive troubleshooting are essential for maintaining high-quality output and meeting project timelines.

What is the difference between Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing vs CNC Machinist?

AspectAdditive Manufacturing 3D PrintingCNC Machinist
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or training in 3D printing technologiesRequires machining certifications or technical training in CNC operations
Work EnvironmentWorks in labs or manufacturing facilities with 3D printersWorks in machine shops or manufacturing floors with CNC machines
Industry UsageUsed in prototyping, custom parts, and small-batch productionUsed for precision machining of metal and plastic parts in various industries

While both roles are involved in manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing focuses on building parts layer-by-layer using 3D printers, ideal for rapid prototyping and complex geometries. CNC Machinists operate subtractive machines to carve parts from raw materials, emphasizing precision and surface finish. Both roles require technical skills but differ in processes, equipment, and application areas.

What are popular job titles related to Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing jobs in California? For Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing jobs? Cities in California with the most Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing job openings:
Infographic showing various Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 78% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,871 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Manufacturing Engineer, Additive

Manufacturing Engineer, Additive

Astranis

San Francisco, CA

$86K - $110K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Manufacturing Engineer, Additive

This role is our first Manufacturing Engineer focused on additive manufacturing and will be responsible for building Astranis's additive manufacturing capability from the ground up. This Engineer owns the entire lifecycle of our additive components - from working closely with the mechanical engineering team to ensure parts are designed for manufacturability to developing production processes, tooling, and inspection procedures on the factory floor. The Manufacturing Engineer is a highly cross-functional role requiring both technical and hands on skills to bridge the gap between design and production. A successful candidate will apply knowledge of GD&T, 5-axis CNC machining, additive qualification processes, and CMM/ optical inspection to solve difficult problems in real time and drive improvements that directly impact our ability to get to space faster. 

Role

  • Own additive metal by developing Astranis's Laser Bed Powder Fusion process from the ground up.
  • Own PEEK, ULTEM, and other engineered thermoplastic 3D printing processes.  
  • Work with design engineering to drive Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM), including participating in design reviews and assisting in tolerance stack up analysis.
  • Develop standard operating procedures for printer calibration and maintenance.
  • Develop process monitoring capability and print quality inspection criteria to ensure high print quality with minimal yield loss.
  • Develop qualification tests and standard coupons for printed part quality and as-printed material properties.
  • Write work instructions, work order templates, process specifications, and other build documents.
  • Troubleshoot non-conformances on the floor to determine a disposition, root cause, and drive corrective actions. 
  • Assist in machining and programming operations as required for R&D and production.
  • Assist in designing and creating fixturing for production.
  • Work with supplier quality and contract manufacturers, to develop their manufacturing and quality processes and respond to questions and issues.
  • Design and implement lean systems for continuous improvement.
  • Own 5S activities throughout the additive manufacturing area.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, physics, or equivalent technical degree.
  • 2+ years of direct professional experience in additive manufacturing, more specifically metal (Laser Bed Powder Fusion).
  • Experience with explosive/combustible powder storage and handling best practices. 
  • Familiarity with additive software (nTop, 3DXpert, Materialise Magics, Netfabbm Ansys Additivem Altair Inspire Print 3D, or equivalents)
  • 1+ years of experience in CNC machining, with exposure to complex machining centers (5-axis mills).
  • Experience with 3D CAD software (Solidworks, Siemens NX, or similar).
  • Highly competent in GD&T and drawing reviews.
  • Experience in writing technical documents. 
  • Knowledge of different manufacturing process and their general quality capability. 
  • Mechanical design experience including creating solid models and prints.
  • Must be onsite 5 days a week.

Bonus

  • Masters degree in relevant STEM field, especially with applications in Additive Manufacturing.
  • Experience with advanced post processing techniques such as annealing and Hot Isostatic Pressing. 
  • Experience with CAM software (Fusion 360, Mastercam, Siemens NX, or similar).
  • Hands on experience working as a Machinist programming and running 5-axis parts. 
  • Experience working with complex machining centers (mill/ turns, horizontals, multi-channel machines, and automated systems).
  • Has worked with contract manufacturers to set up and qualify manufacturing processes.
  • Hands-on experience reading and interpreting first article inspection reports, using precision hand tools, and implementing tolerance stack up analysis on parts.
  • Experience with MES/ MRP systems in a production environment.