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Additive Manufacturing Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

QinetiQ US

Mechanical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

Knowledge of additive manufacturing * Experience creating and working with formal design/development processes * Must have experience with 3D CAD modeling tools * Experience with PTC Creo or ...

Formative 3D

Director of Industrial Design

Falls Church, VA

$165K - $203K/yr

Experience with additive manufacturing processes and related materials, tolerances, and finishes. * Proven ability to lead iterative prototyping, testing, and performance validation. * Experience ...

Leidos

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Preferred Qualifications Strong experience in sheet metal, machining, and additive manufacturing techniques Strong experience with design for assembly and production processes If you're looking for ...

Formative 3D

Director of Industrial Design

Falls Church, VA

$165K - $203K/yr

Experience with additive manufacturing processes and related materials, tolerances, and finishes. * Proven ability to lead iterative prototyping, testing, and performance validation. * Experience ...

Leidos

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Preferred Qualifications Strong experience in sheet metal, machining, and additive manufacturing techniques Strong experience with design for assembly and production processes If you're looking for ...

Nightwing

Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, casting, and additive manufacturing. * Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills for system optimization and troubleshooting.

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA

$105K - $139K/yr

Experience in additive manufacturing, part optimization, and design for manufacture and assembly a plus. * Experience with any of the following: actuators, custom gear trains, electro-optical systems ...

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Additive Manufacturing information

See Reston, VA salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do additive manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for additive manufacturing in Reston, VA is $25.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.01 and $30.00 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 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.
More about Additive Manufacturing jobs
What job categories do people searching Additive Manufacturing jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Additive Manufacturing jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Additive Manufacturing jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Additive Manufacturing job openings:
Additive Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Additive Manufacturing job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,984 per year, or $26 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

QinetiQ US

Lorton, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).
QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.
Why Join QinetiQ US?
If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.
Position Overview
QinetiQ is seeking a highly motivated candidate who will be responsible for the mechanical design and development of ruggedized military hardware products within a multidisciplinary engineering team. Products include electro-optical and electromechanical soldier-borne systems, ground-based systems, and airborne systems.
The ideal candidate would be proficient using 3-D Solid Modeling software (Solidworks preferred), have experience with metal fabrication design, electromechanical hardware design, various analysis and manufacturing techniques, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. The position will also be "hands-on" to support and troubleshoot mechanical design and product issues related to various DOD pre-production and production programs. Travel will be required to support some programs, estimated at 25%.
Candidate will also document designs, assemblies, testing, and maintenance activities within QinetiQ's product data management system.
Responsibilities
  • Act as a matrix engineer on multiple projects, the candidate will help conceptualize systems, identify and execute design tasks, and prepare design documentation to ultimately deliver a system that meets customer requirements, schedule, and budget.
  • Design hardware products using 3D CAD modeling tools
  • Electro-optical design, layout and modeling of electro-mechanical assemblies, and assorted ruggedized military hardware
  • Support and troubleshoot mechanical design and product issues related to various DOD pre-production and production program
  • Perform basic tolerance stack-up analysis
  • Document designs, assemblies, testing, and maintenance activities within QinetiQ's product data management system.
  • Interface with vendors and identify sources of supply for critical fabrication items
  • Creation of detail designs and drawings for fabrication
  • Interface with customers on a project engineering level, on-site and off-site

Required Qualifications
  • Mechanical Engineering BS (or equivalent)
  • 3+ years' experience in mechanical design in all aspects of a product lifecycle
  • Knowledge of metal fabrication and machining processes, including:
    • Design techniques
    • Tools, and principals involved in production of precision technical plans, drawings, and models.
  • Knowledge of additive manufacturing
  • Experience creating and working with formal design/development processes
  • Must have experience with 3D CAD modeling tools
  • Experience with PTC Creo or Solidworks design tool
  • Must have experience with creation of detailed engineering drawings with geometric tolerancing (ASME Y14.5)
  • Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Willing and able to travel for work (estimated 25%)
  • Must have active Secret or higher level clearance #QinetiQClearedJob

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in Solidworks 3D modeling and analysis software
  • Experience in Windchill Product Data Management software
  • Experience in Model Based Definition
  • Experience in hand calculation analyses; structural or thermal Finite Element Analysis (FEA); Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Experience in additive manufacturing design, methods, and materials

Company EEO Statement
Accessibility/Accommodation:
If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.
QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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