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Additive Manufacturing Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Leidos' Defense Systems is seeking a Additive Manufacturing Engineer to join our team supporting the Advanced Materials Department. The Advanced Materials Department is a multi-disciplinary team that ...

Leidos' Defense Systems is seeking a Additive Manufacturing Engineer to join our team supporting the Advanced Materials Department. The Advanced Materials Department is a multi-disciplinary team that ...

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Additive Manufacturing information

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$12

$22

$31

How much do additive manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for additive manufacturing in Alabama is $22.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $26.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Additive Manufacturing vs CNC Machinist?

AspectAdditive ManufacturingCNC Machinist
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in 3D printing technologiesRequires machining certifications or technical training in CNC operations
Work EnvironmentWorks in labs or manufacturing facilities with 3D printers and related equipmentWorks in machine shops or manufacturing plants operating CNC machines
Industry UsageUsed in prototyping, custom parts, and complex geometriesUsed for precision manufacturing of metal and plastic parts
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for manufacturing processes involving digital fabricationCompared for traditional subtractive manufacturing skills

While both roles are involved in manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing focuses on building parts layer-by-layer using 3D printing technologies, whereas CNC Machinists operate subtractive machines to carve parts from raw materials. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the manufacturing industry.

What skills do you need for additive manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing professionals need strong technical skills in CAD software, 3D modeling, and familiarity with various 3D printing technologies such as FDM, SLA, or SLS. Knowledge of materials science, precision measurement, and post-processing techniques is also important, along with problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. Certifications in additive manufacturing or related fields can enhance job prospects.

Is additive manufacturing a good career?

Additive manufacturing is a growing field that involves designing and operating 3D printing equipment, often requiring skills in engineering, materials science, and computer-aided design. Careers in this area can offer opportunities in industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive, with roles typically requiring technical training or certifications. The industry is expected to expand as technology advances, making it a viable career choice for those interested in innovative manufacturing processes.

How much do additive manufacturing technicians make?

Additive manufacturing technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled technicians familiar with 3D printing technologies and CAD software may earn higher wages, especially in advanced manufacturing environments.

What Is Additive Manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing (AM) is the process of creating products by adding material using one or more techniques. This is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, which produces products by removing material. Many products are produced using a combination of these two techniques. To manufacture a plastic shape, you may use additive manufacturing to layer plastic materials then use subtractive manufacturing to cut and shape the plastic. In recent years, AM has started to focus on advanced techniques like 3D printing, where complex products are created layer by layer, using one or more materials. The main job in AM is that of an additive manufacturing engineer, although rapid prototyping may utilize this process to create a small model of a potential product.

What is additive manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, is a process of creating objects by adding material layer by layer, based on a digital model. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that remove material from a solid block, additive manufacturing builds products directly from raw materials such as plastics, metals, or composites. This technology enables complex designs, rapid prototyping, and customization that would be difficult or impossible with conventional manufacturing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Additive Manufacturing, and why are they important?

To excel in Additive Manufacturing, a solid understanding of engineering principles, 3D modeling, and materials science is typically required, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printers, and quality assurance systems, as well as certifications like SME Additive Manufacturing Certification, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals innovate and collaborate in dynamic production environments. These competencies are essential for ensuring precision, efficiency, and the successful implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies.

What are some typical challenges faced in an Additive Manufacturing role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Additive Manufacturing often encounter challenges such as ensuring part quality, optimizing print parameters, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Working closely with engineering teams and using advanced simulation software can help address issues related to design for additive processes. Regular calibration of machinery and staying updated on the latest material advancements are also key strategies for overcoming common hurdles. Collaboration and ongoing training play a significant role in maintaining production efficiency and quality standards.

What are the highest paying jobs in manufacturing?

In additive manufacturing, high-paying roles include additive manufacturing engineers, senior process engineers, and manufacturing managers, often requiring specialized skills in 3D printing technologies, CAD software, and quality control. These positions typically offer higher salaries due to technical expertise, experience, and leadership responsibilities within advanced manufacturing environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Additive Manufacturing jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Additive Manufacturing jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Additive Manufacturing jobs in Alabama? For Additive Manufacturing jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Additive Manufacturing jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Additive Manufacturing job openings:
Infographic showing various Additive Manufacturing job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,032 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Leidos

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 479 rated business services


Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

Leidos' Defense Systems is seeking a Additive Manufacturing Engineer to join our team supporting the Advanced Materials Department. The Advanced Materials Department is a multi-disciplinary team that provides materials engineering expertise for every phase of a program. With backgrounds in materials science, chemistry/chemical engineering, physics, among others, the department has experience in executing a variety of efforts from R&D, to prototype development, to supporting design and build tasks for manufacturing. Beyond subject matter expertise, the department has the analysis equipment, multi-physics modelling capability and experimental lab space to support activities ranging from proof-of-concept experimentation to manufacturing support.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions. To explore and learn more, click here!

Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today!

Primary Responsibilities

As an integral member of the Advanced Materials Department, the successful candidate will balance multiple activities including but not limited to:

- Design for additive manufacturing (DfAM)

- Developing plans and layouts for additive manufacturing equipment and capabilities

- Contributing to multiple program teams as the resident additive manufacturing expert across multiple metal additive technologies

- Performing additive manufacturing analyses including cost, feasibility, deformation, expected material/component mechanical and thermal properties

Basic Qualifications

  • Resident of North Alabama or willing to relocate to work on-site in Huntsville, AL.
  • Hands-on experience with metal additive manufacturing engineering
  • Experience with and basic understanding of design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), especially with Powder Bed Fusion, DED, and/or Cold Spray.
  • Experience with metal additive manufacturing support structure design.
  • Experience setting up metal builds with software like Materialise Magics, Oqton 3DXpert, EOSPrint, etc.
  • Ability to support hardware systems including setup, operation, and troubleshooting of AM equipment.
  • Familiar with high strength/temperature metal alloys (nickels, HEAs, refractories, etc.)
  • Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.2 GPA in mechanical engineering, materials science, manufacturing engineering, or a related field from an ABET accredited university. 4 additional years of experience required in lieu of bachelors degree.
  • 4+ years experience in metal additive manufacturing, or MS with 2+ years experience, or PhD with 1+ years experience (8 total minimum years of experience without a college degree)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience with the following metal additive manufacturing processes: Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing, Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
  • Experience with build parameter development, process development/optimization, and qualification.
  • Familiarity with post-processing methods including heat treatment, machining, and surface finishing.
  • Experience with simulation tools for additive manufacturing (thermal, distortion, support optimization).
  • Exposure to in-situ monitoring systems or sensor integration in AM platforms.
  • Programming or scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis or workflow automation.
  • Hands on experience preparing mechanical testing, including monotonic, fatigue, creep, etc.
  • Experience with metallurgical specimen preparation and inspection
  • Experience in communicating with external vendors or in contract manufacturing
  • Experience obtaining quotes for work and equipment
  • Experience writing proposals
  • Design experience on Solidsworks, Creo, or other CAD systems
  • Experience troubleshooting and maintaining complex AM equipment, including laser optics, process monitoring
  • Experience working with hazardous materials
  • Experience writing standard operating procedures and safety work practices documents
  • Experience setting up AM equipment and training others on equipment

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 24, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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