Director Additive Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Description

About Elmet Technologies
Elmet Technologies is the leading global provider of high-performance refractory metals and precision-engineered components for the aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and medical industries. As part of The Elmet Group, we combine advanced materials science, manufacturing expertise, and innovation to support some of the world's most demanding applications.

We are seeking an Additive Manufacturing (AM) Engineer - R&D to help advance next-generation refractory metal additive manufacturing processes. This role will play a key part in developing scientifically validated material processes that enable future commercial applications.

Position Summary
The AM Engineer - R&D is the innovation owner for additive manufacturing within the Research & Development team. This role is responsible for developing and verifying the scientific processes necessary for the future commercial viability of refractory metal alloys.

The primary objective of this position is to develop and formally deliver a Qualified Material Process (QMP) compliant with NASA-STD-6030 requirements where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

Material Process Qualification

• Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOEs) on R&D additive manufacturing equipment to evaluate and qualify new refractory metal alloys
• Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) to define material allowables
• Develop and finalize the Qualified Material Process (QMP) package

Powder & Post-Processing Collaboration

• Work directly with the in-house powder production team to:
  • Define powder specifications
  • Evaluate new powder batches
  • Optimize feedstock recycling strategies
• Design and monitor heat treatment and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) trials to achieve required material properties and reduce internal stresses

Technical Documentation & Industry Outreach

• Prepare scientific data for:
  • Internal technical release
  • External publications including papers and patents
• Present technical findings at industry conferences and technical forums
• Represent Elmet Technologies within the advanced manufacturing and materials science community

Equipment & Data Management

• Serve as the primary owner and technical expert for the R&D additive manufacturing printer
• Manage process parameters, build strategies, and experimental testing
• Ensure all build files, testing data, and documentation comply with CMMC requirements for secure storage of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Collaboration & Technology Transfer

• Work closely with the AM Technician to run experimental builds and testing campaigns
• Transfer validated Qualified Material Process (QMP) packages to the Production Engineer for industrialization
• Support verification runs on production printers prior to release of new products

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or Aerospace Engineering required
• Master's degree or PhD preferred

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in metal additive manufacturing process development, preferably with high-temperature or refractory alloys
• Proven experience with high-temperature post-processing, including:
  • Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP)
  • Vacuum heat treatment
• 2+ years of experience managing Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) production builds
• Experience conducting Design of Experiments (DOE)

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with lab instruments including:
  • Microscopes
  • Calipers
  • Basic inspection and measurement equipment
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
• Experience with powder metallurgy is a plus
• General metrology experience is a plus

Documentation & Communication

• Excellent documentation and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Experience presenting technical findings to management and external audiences
• Ability to produce technical research documentation, reports, and publications
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English

Security & Compliance

• Experience managing controlled digital technical data
• Strong commitment to following strict quality, documentation, and security protocols

Why Join Elmet Technologies

• Opportunity to support advanced materials manufacturing and innovation
• Exposure to aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and energy industries
• High-impact laboratory role ensuring material integrity and compliance
• Collaborative culture grounded in technical excellence and operational discipline
• Compensation: TBD, plus a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off

Search Process Note
The Elmet Group is managing this search directly and is not accepting submissions from outside recruitment firms.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Elmet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.