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Additive Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer will own the technical execution, optimization, and continuous improvement of Velo3D's Rapid Production Solutions (RPS) metal additive manufacturing ...

Vast is looking for an Additive Manufacturing Technician , reporting to the Supervisor, Manufacturing , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

Provide technical leadership for end-to-end additive manufacturing execution, from build completion through final shipment, ensuring complex customer hardware meets quality, dimensional, and delivery ...

Provide technical leadership for end-to-end additive manufacturing execution, from build completion through final shipment, ensuring complex customer hardware meets quality, dimensional, and delivery ...

Provide technical leadership for end-to-end additive manufacturing execution, from build completion through final shipment, ensuring complex customer hardware meets quality, dimensional, and delivery ...

Provide technical leadership for end-to-end additive manufacturing execution, from build completion through final shipment, ensuring complex customer hardware meets quality, dimensional, and delivery ...

$93K - $127K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Associate, Additive Manufacturing Engineer Job ID: 40294 Job Location: Canoga Park, CA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have ...

Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer Los Angeles, CA (in-person) About Arcturus Arcturus is creating a new wire technology stack that uses carbon nanomaterials to overcome the materials limitations ...

Posted today

The Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer will own the technical execution, optimization, and continuous improvement of Velo3D's Rapid Production Solutions (RPS) metal additive manufacturing ...

Showing results 21-40

Additive Manufacturing information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do additive manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for additive manufacturing in California is $24.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $28.46 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.

Is additive manufacturing a good career?

Additive manufacturing is a growing field that involves designing and operating 3D printing equipment, often requiring skills in CAD software and knowledge of materials. Careers in this area can offer opportunities in industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive, with roles ranging from technician to engineer. Job prospects depend on industry demand, technical skills, and certifications in additive manufacturing technologies.

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.

How to get into additive manufacturing?

To pursue a career in additive manufacturing, gaining a background in engineering, materials science, or manufacturing technology is essential. Developing skills in 3D modeling, CAD software, and understanding different 3D printing processes, along with relevant certifications, can improve job prospects. Entry-level roles often require hands-on experience with additive manufacturing equipment and knowledge of quality control standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Additive Manufacturing jobs in California? The most popular types of Additive Manufacturing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Additive Manufacturing jobs in California? For Additive Manufacturing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Additive Manufacturing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Additive Manufacturing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Additive Manufacturing jobs? Cities in California with the most Additive Manufacturing job openings:
Infographic showing various Additive Manufacturing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,210 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Velo3D

Fremont, CA โ€ข On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Overview:

The Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer will own the technical execution, optimization, and continuous improvement of Velo3D's Rapid Production Solutions (RPS) metal additive manufacturing operations. This role serves as the technical bridge between additive production, post-processing, metrology, and manufacturing engineering-ensuring complex customer hardware progresses from build through shipment with exceptional quality, predictable cycle times, and clear technical ownership.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives at the intersection of process development and production execution, driving improvements in yield, throughput, dimensional accuracy, and overall process capability.

Responsibilities
  • Own post-build technical execution by performing post-print quality evaluations, including visual inspections, process parameter reviews, and initial assessments to ensure parts meet requirements immediately after printing.
  • Develop, program, and optimize post-processing workflows, including furnace thermal cycles (stress relief, Sol-Age), depowdering processes, and wire EDM operations.
  • Serve as the technical authority for wire EDM processing of additive builds by developing dynamic cut strategies based on part geometry, surface area, material, and build characteristics. Design and execute structured experiments to establish process capability and improve repeatability.
  • Lead Solukon and furnace process development by creating, validating, and maintaining production recipes while partnering with operations to ensure safe, consistent, and efficient thermal processing.
  • Drive dimensional control and metrology strategies by defining inspection plans, executing 3D scanning workflows, analyzing deviations against CAD and drawings, and generating inspection reports for high-value customer hardware.
  • Develop and maintain material- and condition-specific shrink-rate databases to establish scaling factors, compensation strategies, and improved first-build success rates.
  • Create and implement advanced scaling methodologies, including asymmetric scaling approaches based on build height, geometry, and regional deformation trends.
  • Provide Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) guidance by analyzing distortion, cracking, support strategies, and process risks to improve part designs and manufacturing outcomes.
  • Investigate and resolve additive manufacturing failure modes, including cracking, deformation, and dimensional nonconformance, translating findings into actionable design rules and process improvements.
  • Partner cross-functionally with EDM technicians, furnace operators, depowdering teams, quality, and shipping/receiving to eliminate process handoff gaps and improve production flow.
  • Lead structured continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, yield, process capability, and manufacturing predictability across EDM, heat treatment, scaling, and inspection processes.
  • Support NCR investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective/preventive actions by ensuring lessons learned are incorporated into designs, build files, process standards, and production controls.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing leadership to prioritize and execute continuous improvement projects aligned with plant objectives.
  • Support customer-facing technical engagements and demonstrations that highlight Velo3D's advanced additive manufacturing capabilities when needed.
Qualifications
  • 8+ years of hands-on experience in metal additive manufacturing, production engineering, or advanced manufacturing environments.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
  • U.S. Citizenship required due to the nature of company government contract work and associated security requirements.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, dimensional inspection methods, scan-based metrology, and translating measurement data into process improvements and compensation strategies.
  • Demonstrated experience leading structured continuous improvement initiatives in a production environment, including problem definition, experimentation, data analysis, implementation, and standardization.
  • Ability to work effectively on the manufacturing floor, collaborate directly with operators and technicians, and resolve technical challenges in real time.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence and align stakeholders across engineering, operations, quality, program management, and executive leadership.
$145,000 - $155,000 a year
About the Company:
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Velo, Velo3D, Sapphire and Intelligent Fusion are registered trademarks of Velo3D, Inc. Without Compromise, Flow, Flow Developer, and Assure are trademarks of Velo3D, Inc.
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With the only SupportFree laser powder bed fusion capability, we enable on-demand manufacturing of production quality Titanium, Inconel, and Aluminum parts with an unprecedented degree of design freedom and quality control. The VELO3Dย award-winning solution includes an integrated offering of hardware and software: Sapphire metal AM production printer, Flow print preparation software, Assure quality assurance and control system, and an integrated manufacturing process that runs throughout the printing operation.
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Our team enjoys excellent benefits including healthcare coverage and 401(K) employer contributions. We believe in transparency and recognizing exceptional efforts through our monthly all-hands meetings and team member appreciation awards.
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Our job titles may span more than one career level. The starting base salary for this full-time position is between $115,000 and $130,000. This salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this position in the U.S. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as work experience, job-related skills, related education, work location, and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. In addition to a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package, this position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and equity program, as applicable.
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Velo3D provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to, and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on, race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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