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Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

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Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer information

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$16

$54

$149

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance additive manufacturing engineer in Washington, DC is $54.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.50 and $69.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,388 per year, or $54 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you passionate about leading teams inventing new technologies to track materials synthesis to tackle unique problems?
Are you motivated to chart a course for additive manufacturing research that addresses our nation's most pressing challenges?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking an Additive Manufacturing Scientist to work closely with APL's team of experts to the shape and implement the vision and strategy for APL's AM research. Our team conducts groundbreaking AM research ranging from multiscale modeling and simulation, to performing the underlying science to enable qualification and certification, to development of new sensing and visualization processes to monitor and detect attributes of the AM process and visualize in 3D to enable next generation designs for space, air, land and sea-based applications.
As our government sponsors continue to present exciting and urgent national challenges, you will drive idea generation and solution development via research vision, leveraging APL's entire portfolio of innovative research. The team needs a research visionary and champion who can drive toward collaborative solutions for cross-cutting research challenges, partnering with a multidisciplinary team. At APL, we strive to foster a collaborative environment with world-class expertise that achieves groundbreaking impact. Our APL team values integrity and innovative ideas that will ensure our nation's preeminence in the 21st century.
As an Additive Manufacturing Scientist you will...
  • Perform pioneering materials and process characterization research driven by mission needs for qualified hardware leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.
  • Integrate with the APL's team to increase the impact of an already successful additive manufacturing programs centered on materials discovery, in-situ sensing, multiscale modeling, and qualification science.
  • Contribute to the design and fabrication of operational additively manufactured prototypes which have global impact.
  • Work with APL program managers to identify critical national challenges that can be solved with additive manufacturing.
  • Push the boundaries of manufacturing science to unlock new manufacturing processes which will have a lasting impact on our nation.
  • Present technical work internally and externally. You will communicate daily with project teams and leadership to support programmatic needs.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a M.S Degree in Mechanical and or Electrical Engineering, Materials characterization, data science, or a related field.
  • Have 5+ years of demonstrated experience related to manufacturing research, focusing on additive manufacturing.
  • Understand the unique capabilities of additive processing, including complex material properties, stemming from process defects, microstructure and thermodynamic solidification.
  • Experience in generating and interpreting data utilized to enable qualifying AM produced hardware.
  • Have demonstrated experience leading a team to achieve impactful results.
  • Are an excellent communicator, in written and oral formats, and for a variety of audience types including high-level government sponsors.
  • Demonstrated history of authoring proposals and high impact publications.
  • Are willing and able to perform work in a laboratory setting and travel for field testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Possess a P.h.D Degree in Mechanical and or Electrical Engineering, Materials characterization, data science, or a related field
  • Demonstrate experience fielding additively manufactured components using science-based qualification.
  • Have experience developing process models by manipulating key parameters such as power, speed and hatch spacing.
  • Have the capability to reconstruct 3D data including in-situ and post manufacturing data into a 3D format for data processing and visualization.
  • Have experience with machine learning and have demonstrated the ability to make statistical correlations with complex data sets.
  • Have experience with novel in-situ monitoring of additive processes with the ability to customize sensors to improve signal to noise or registration capability.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually

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