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Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer Jobs in Washington

QinetiQ US

Mechanical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

Act as a matrix engineer on multiple projects, the candidate will help conceptualize systems ... Knowledge of additive manufacturing * Experience creating and working with formal design ...

QinetiQ US

Mechanical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

Act as a matrix engineer on multiple projects, the candidate will help conceptualize systems ... Knowledge of additive manufacturing * Experience creating and working with formal design ...

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Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer information

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$51.5K

$97.6K

$154K

How much do additive manufacturing design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for additive manufacturing design engineer in Washington is $97,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $113,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, CAD modeling, and materials science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Expertise in 3D modeling software (such as SolidWorks or Autodesk Fusion 360), familiarity with additive manufacturing systems, and knowledge of relevant industry standards or certifications (like ASME or ASTM) are crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication skills help you innovate and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for developing manufacturable, cost-effective designs and driving innovation in a rapidly evolving field.

What does an Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer do?

An Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer specializes in designing products and components specifically for 3D printing and other additive manufacturing processes. They use advanced CAD software to create models optimized for material usage, strength, and manufacturability. Their role often involves collaborating with engineers, manufacturers, and clients to ensure that designs meet technical requirements and take full advantage of additive manufacturing capabilities. This includes selecting appropriate materials, adjusting designs for printability, and troubleshooting issues during prototyping and production.

What are some common challenges an Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer faces when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Additive Manufacturing Design Engineers often work closely with teams from R&D, production, and quality assurance, which can present challenges such as aligning design intent with manufacturability constraints and ensuring clear communication about technical requirements. Differences in understanding additive manufacturing capabilities may require the engineer to provide education or guidance to colleagues from traditional manufacturing backgrounds. Effective collaboration involves regularly sharing progress, addressing feedback efficiently, and adapting designs based on input from multiple disciplines to achieve optimal part performance and cost efficiency.

What is the difference between Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectAdditive Manufacturing Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related engineering; CAD certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, 3D printing environmentsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, R&D labs
Industry UsagePrimarily in additive manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, healthcareBroadly in product design, machinery, automotive, aerospace

The Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer specializes in designing parts specifically for 3D printing and additive processes, focusing on material properties and printability. In contrast, the Mechanical Design Engineer works on a wider range of mechanical systems and components, often using traditional manufacturing methods. Both roles require strong CAD skills and engineering knowledge, but their focus areas and applications differ significantly.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer job openings:
Metal Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Metal Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 56 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you have a passion for additive manufacturing (AM)?
Do you have a Maker's attitude for modifying 3D printers to do outstanding things and the persistence and attention to detail to get AM parts through aerospace qualifications?
Do you love to push the bounds of science and technology while working to take on some of the most challenging problems facing our Nation?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Metal Additive Manufacturing Engineer to help us develop new materials and methods and mature these innovative capabilities to produce qualified hardware. You will be a vital member of APL's Additive Manufacturing Center (AMC), within the Research and Exploratory Development Department. The AMC is tasked with leading the implementation of innovative AM materials and processes to meet the future needs of APL staff and our Government sponsors. The AMC also supports APL with specialized prototyping and low-volume production services. As a member of our team, you'll build hardware that explores other planets and interstellar space through various NASA missions as well as building critical prototype hardware for our nation's national security and national health interests. In addition, we provide manufacturing expertise as part of our trusted agent role for the US government.
As a Metal Additive Manufacturing Engineer you will:
  • Provide engineering support for the operation of the metal AM printers at APL.

  • Utilize your fundamental understanding of how the 3D printers work to develop new materials, optimize material properties for unique applications, and develop innovative processes that enable entirely new capabilities in AM.

  • Complete build preparation tasks with proficiency in parametric CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CREO, etc.), and .stl file editing and build preparation software (e.g., Materialise Magics, EOS Print, QuantAM, etc.).

  • Develop unique additive-enabled designs using sophisticated software for lattice generation and topology optimization.

  • Utilize AM process simulation tools to identify part geometry at risk for distortion and/or build failure and implement improvements in build orientation and support structure design to minimize build risk.

  • Implement Quality Control measures in research and functional prototyping environment.

  • Detail AM procedures and implement traceability measures for projects requiring qualification.

  • Serve as a domain expert within APL to raise awareness of additive manufacturing activities and vision at APL.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a BS degree or higher in a related engineering or science field.

  • 2+ years experience with Metal Additive Manufacturing engineering.

  • Have experience running metal AM machines (selective laser melting or directed energy deposition) in an industrial setting.

  • Have a high level of proficiency with at least two of the following software tools: parametric CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, CREO, NX), .stl editing software (e.g., Magics, Netfabb, Meshmixer), or build preparation software (e.g., EOSPrint, QuantAM).

  • Experience carrying out design of experiments using statistical software such as JMP, DesignExpert, or minitab.

  • Technical writing experience authoring and/or being a primary contributor to technical proposal and reports.

  • Are able to obtain Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience producing qualified hardware using metal AM, such as following the NASA standard for additive manufacturing spaceflight hardware.

  • Have experience designing additive enabled parts using sophisticated lattice generation and topology optimization software tools such as nTopology, Ansys, and Dessault Systems.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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