ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

ADDiTEC

R&D Controls Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Vision insurance About the Role We are seeking a driven and curious R&D Controls Engineer to join our team developing next-generation metal additive manufacturing systems, including Liquid Metal ...

Protolabs

Global Product Director, 3D Printing

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$136K - $205K/yr

Distill key customer value-creation elements of new offerings into functional requirements for the engineering team, including design-for-additive-manufacturing (DfAM) considerations * Align cross ...

Protolabs

Global Product Director, 3D Printing

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$137 - $205/hr

Distill key customer value-creation elements of new offerings into functional requirements for the engineering team, including design-for-additive-manufacturing (DfAM) considerations * Align cross ...

Protolabs

Global Product Director, 3D Printing

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$226K - $237K/yr

Distill key customer value-creation elements of new offerings into functional requirements for the engineering team, including design-for-additive-manufacturing (DfAM) considerations * Align cross ...

Protolabs

Global Product Director, 3D Printing

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$226K - $237K/yr

Distill key customer value-creation elements of new offerings into functional requirements for the engineering team, including design-for-additive-manufacturing (DfAM) considerations * Align cross ...

NCSU

Manufacturing Engineering Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Advocating the use of engineering science and technology through best practices promotes corporate ... Industrial Analytics, Cybersecurity, Additive Manufacturing, Augmented and/or Virtual Reality.

NCBiotech

VP OF HARDWARE

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$180 - $260/hr

You will be working to create new additive manufacturing solutions for our sustainable materials used in clothing and footwear. This will be very hands-on, wrench turning, fast-paced engineering work ...

New

NCSU

Visiting Scholar

Raleigh, NC

... specifically on the subject of additive manufacturing and the fabrication of complex metal ... Raleigh, NC Department Department of Materials Science and Engineering System Information ...

Vulcan Elements

R&D Technician

Durham, NC · On-site

Additive manufacturing experience * Welding/Fabrication experience * Experience working on and with ... Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAdditive Manufacturing Engineer JobsFreelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer JobsFreelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$14

$46

$128

How much do freelance additive manufacturing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance additive manufacturing engineer in Raleigh, NC is $46.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $60.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer vs Additive Manufacturing Technician?

AspectFreelance Additive Manufacturing EngineerAdditive Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degree, certifications in CAD and 3D printing technologiesUsually technical diploma or certification in additive manufacturing or related fields
Work EnvironmentConsulting projects, client sites, or remote work; focus on design and process optimizationManufacturing facilities, labs; focus on machine operation and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance basis serving multiple clients in aerospace, automotive, healthcareManufacturers, print service providers, research labs

The Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer focuses on designing, optimizing, and consulting on additive manufacturing processes, often working independently across various projects. In contrast, the Additive Manufacturing Technician primarily operates and maintains 3D printing equipment within manufacturing settings. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the engineer's role is more design and process-oriented, while the technician's role is hands-on with equipment.

What is a freelance additive manufacturing engineer?

A Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, developing, and improving products using 3D printing and other additive manufacturing technologies on a contract or project basis. They work independently rather than being employed full-time by a single company, often collaborating with different clients across various industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods. Their responsibilities typically include creating CAD models, selecting suitable materials, optimizing print processes, and ensuring the quality and functionality of the final products.

What are common challenges faced by freelance additive manufacturing engineers, and how can they be overcome?

Freelance additive manufacturing engineers often face challenges such as acquiring diverse projects, keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, and managing client expectations on timelines and deliverables. Staying competitive requires continuous learning and investment in new software or equipment. Building a strong professional network and maintaining clear communication with clients can help overcome these challenges, ensuring successful project delivery and repeat business.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a freelance additive manufacturing engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, CAD design, and 3D printing technologies, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with additive manufacturing software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), various 3D printer systems, and industry standards like ISO/ASTM 52900 is typically required. Strong project management, problem-solving, and client communication skills help you stand out in a freelance capacity. These competencies ensure you can deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that meet client needs and adapt to rapidly changing technology in the field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,460 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Senior Photolithography Process Engineer

Blue Star Families

Durham, NC

$110K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Business Unit:Cubic DefenseCompany Details:We are seeking a highly-motivated, full-time Senior Photolithography Process Engineer onsite at our Durham, NC facility to lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of advanced photolithography-based additive manufacturing processes. This role will be responsible for driving process innovation, improving product quality and throughput, and supporting the transition of new technologies from research and development into production environments. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in photopolymerization, UV curing, lithographic exposure systems, process characterization, and statistical process control within a high-technology manufacturing environment. Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers.Job Details:

Essential Functions:

  • Develop, optimize, and sustain photolithography-based additive manufacturing processes to achieve quality, throughput, and cost objectives.
  • Lead process development activities for new products, materials, and equipment platforms.
  • Design and execute experiments to characterize and improve process capability, dimensional accuracy, and yield.
  • Analyze complex process data using statistical methods and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Investigate and resolve process excursions, equipment issues, and manufacturing defects through structured root cause analysis.
  • Define process windows, control plans, and manufacturing specifications.
  • Collaborate with design, materials, equipment, production, and quality teams to ensure successful product launches and manufacturing scale-up.
  • Evaluate and qualify new photopolymers, resins, exposure systems, and process technologies.
  • Establish and maintain process monitoring metrics, statistical process control (SPC), and documentation.
  • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and training to engineers and manufacturing personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 6+ years of experience in photolithography, additive manufacturing, semiconductor processing, microfabrication, or related advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Strong knowledge of photolithography, UV exposure systems, dry film manufacturing, film lamination and wet spinning, photoresists, and layer-by-layer manufacturing processes.
  • Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and process capability analysis.
  • Experience using data analysis tools such as JMP, Minitab, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's or Ph.D. degree in a relevant engineering or scientific field.
  • Familiarity with cleanroom operations and semiconductor manufacturing methodologies.
  • Demonstrated success in process development, troubleshooting, and manufacturing scale-up.
  • Experience leading cross-functional technical teams and mentoring junior engineers.
  • Understanding of quality systems and manufacturing standards in regulated industries. (AS9100 preferred)

Cubic Pay Range:

$110,000.00 - $119,000.00 + benefits.

The Cubic pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Worker Type:Employee

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under applicable law.

Apply