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Additive Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Additive Manufacturing information

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$13

$24

$34

How much do additive manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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 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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,210 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Senior Associate, Additive Manufacturing Engineer

L3Harris Technologies

Canoga Park, CA • On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

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 every other Friday off

Shift: 2nd - 10% Shift Differential Pay

Job Description:

The Senior Associate, Additive Manufacturing Engineer supports daily execution of metal additive manufacturing operations, including file preparation, printing, depowdering, post-processing, machine maintenance, and production troubleshooting to meet safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives. This role is responsible for developing and improving process flows, work instructions, process controls, and manufacturing documentation while monitoring production performance data to identify root causes and drive continuous improvement. The engineer collaborates cross-functionally with design, quality, materials, maintenance, and production teams to translate design requirements into scalable additive manufacturing solutions, support equipment commissioning and process development, and improve manufacturability through tooling, fixturing, and post-processing methods.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in metal additive manufacturing, the ability to independently manage technical tasks in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment, and working knowledge of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools, and quality systems.

Essential Functions:

  • Operate and support advancedLPBFadditive manufacturing equipment and related production processes, including file preparation, printing,depowdering, post-processing, and machine cleanout.
  • Drive daily execution of additive manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient production and consistent achievement of engineering, quality, customer, and schedule requirements.
  • Establish,maintain, and improve manufacturing process flows, standard operating procedures, work instructions, checklists, process controls, andsafetyprotocols to ensure repeatability, reliability, and compliance.
  • Analyze data toidentifytrends,rootcauses, and opportunities for corrective action and continuous improvement.
  • Lead and support process improvement initiatives to increase throughput, reduce variation, waste, cost, and lead time, and improve overall product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Support installation, commissioning, integration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of additive manufacturing equipment, including coordination with OEMs and internal support teams.
  • Develop tooling, fixturing, and post-processing solutions to improve manufacturability, repeatability, and flow of printed hardware through downstream operations.
  • Review technical data, drawings, customer requirements, internal procedures, and manufacturing documentation to ensure accuracy, compliance, data integrity, and alignment with production and quality standards.
  • Maintain a safe working environment byidentifyingand implementingsafetyimprovements for additive manufacturing processes, equipment, material handling, and surrounding work areas.
  • Represent additive manufacturing processes to internal stakeholders and product teams, providing technical support for prototype, development, and production builds.
  • Lead or own improvement projects and other individual tasks through completion while contributing effectivelyina team-based manufacturing environment.
  • Translate design requirements into manufacturable additive processes by evaluating part candidates for material selection, machine selection, manufacturability, design optimization, and business case viability.
  • Collaborate with design, materials, quality, maintenance, production, and other cross-functional teams to refine part designs,supportdevelopment ofprocess parameters, new materials and equipment, and scalable production methods.
  • Generate manufacturing estimates, including base timing, capacity, cost, schedule, ROI, and quoting support for internal and external customers.
  • Travel up to 10%
  • Ability to obtain a US LEVEL Secret security clearance

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related manufacturing experience. Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related manufacturing experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 6 years of prior related manufacturing experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Minimum1year ofhands-onexperience withmetalAdditive Manufacturing
  • Experience with CADModelingsoftware(i.e.Creo, SolidWorks, NX, etc.) andMicrosoft Office suite (i.e.Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, & Excel)
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills toinclude:work instructions, process procedures, design review presentations, requirements derivation, andreports/materials to support company projects and activities.
  • Hands-on experience with metal additive manufacturing processes, including DMLS/LPBF, supporting machine operation, troubleshooting, parameter development, build file optimization, and production execution.
  • Strong knowledge ofDfAMprinciples, with the ability to interpret engineering drawings, apply GD&T, and improve part manufacturability and process outcomes.
  • Familiarity with additive post-processing and inspection methods, including heat treatment, support removal, EDM, machining,NDT, and structured light inspection.
  • Experience supporting process development and industrialization, including material and machineselection, equipment commissioning, capability assessment, and workflow improvement.
  • Experience in ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 manufacturing environments, applying quality systems,rootcause analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to resolve production and process issues.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve technical problems independently, and collaborate effectively in fast-paced manufacturing environments while continuing to build additive manufacturingexpertise.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in the State of California is $73,000 - $136,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-AT4

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time