Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Date Posted:
2026-07-14
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-IA-WEST DES MOINES-2200 ~ 2200 Delavan Dr ~ DELAVAN
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.
Security Clearance Type:
None/Not Required
Security Clearance Status:
Not Required
We are seeking an experienced Principal Additive Manufacturing Project Manager to lead complex, large-scale additive manufacturing projects from initial customer engagement through successful production launch. This role is responsible for driving cross-functional execution across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and business teams while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with customer expectations.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on leader with strong project management expertise, technical understanding of additive manufacturing processes, and the ability to navigate complex R&D and production environments. You will collaborate with internal teams, customers, and external partners to advance innovative additive technologies from concept through implementation.
What You Will Do

• Lead and manage large, complex additive manufacturing projects from quotation phase through production introduction, ensuring successful execution of scope, schedule, cost, and quality objectives.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, schedules, budgets, resource strategies, and execution roadmaps while identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Direct and coordinate cross-functional project teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, and administrative functions.
• Drive collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to align technology development efforts with Additive Manufacturing Research & Development Technology Readiness Level (TRL) objectives.
• Partner with customers and stakeholders to define project scope, clarify requirements, establish timelines, and manage expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop engineering estimates, proposals, project schedules, and execution strategies that identify dependencies, deliverables, milestones, and critical paths.
• Monitor project performance using Earned Value (EV) management methods to track schedule and budget performance.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and potential roadblocks while developing proactive mitigation plans and driving resolution.
• Track project progress, remove obstacles, and maintain clear communication with leadership, customers, and project stakeholders.
• Document project changes, delays, scope adjustments, and key decisions to maintain alignment and ensure successful execution.
• Forecast project revenue, monitor costs, and perform monthly project financial reviews to optimize profitability and meet business objectives.
• Prepare executive-level project updates, dashboards, and presentations for leadership review.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through influence, collaboration, and strong stakeholder relationships while driving project execution in advanced manufacturing environments.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Proven experience managing complex engineering, manufacturing, technology development, or production launch projects, with expertise in additive manufacturing processes, including metal additive manufacturing and transitioning technologies into production.
• Ability to translate technical requirements, customer needs, and business objectives into clear project plans, execution strategies, and deliverables.
• Experience managing project schedules, milestones, dependencies, and critical paths using tools such as Microsoft Project.
• Experience applying Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) to monitor project performance, cost, and schedule alignment.
• Experience in production manufacturing environments with an understanding of operational processes, quality requirements, and continuous improvement practices.
• Strong risk and opportunity management skills with the ability to identify challenges, develop mitigation strategies, and drive resolution.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects while maintaining focus on priorities and outcomes.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills with a proactive approach to solving technical and business challenges.
• PMP certification preferred.

What We Offer
Some of our competitive benefits package includes:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• And more!
Learn More & Apply Now!
We make modern flight possible for millions of travelers and our military every second. Our major product lines are on-board virtually every aircraft flying. Be it keeping passengers safe with our emergency power generation systems or creating a positive in flight experience through reliable cabin pressure controls and quieter engines, Power & Controls focuses on delivering a best-in-class experience to our customers. We hire the top people in the industry. Their ideas drive our performance, and their integrity keeps our customers happy. Join us as we take flight!
*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.
Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form - with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.
Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace, every day.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
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