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Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astranis

Manufacturing Engineer, Additive

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$86K - $110K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer, Additive This role is our first Manufacturing Engineer focused on additive manufacturing and will be responsible for building Astranis's additive manufacturing capability from ...

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Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer information

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

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance additive manufacturing engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 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 some 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
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What cities are hiring for Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer job openings:
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Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Manufacturing Engineer, Additive

Manufacturing Engineer, Additive

Astranis

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$86K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe- large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.
Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world's best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
Manufacturing Engineer, Additive
This role is our first Manufacturing Engineer focused on additive manufacturing and will be responsible for building Astranis's additive manufacturing capability from the ground up. This Engineer owns the entire lifecycle of our additive components - from working closely with the mechanical engineering team to ensure parts are designed for manufacturability to developing production processes, tooling, and inspection procedures on the factory floor. The Manufacturing Engineer is a highly cross-functional role requiring both technical and hands on skills to bridge the gap between design and production. A successful candidate will apply knowledge of GD&T, 5-axis CNC machining, additive qualification processes, and CMM/ optical inspection to solve difficult problems in real time and drive improvements that directly impact our ability to get to space faster.
Role
  • Own additive metal by developing Astranis's Laser Bed Powder Fusion process from the ground up.
  • Own PEEK, ULTEM, and other engineered thermoplastic 3D printing processes.
  • Work with design engineering to drive Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM), including participating in design reviews and assisting in tolerance stack up analysis.
  • Develop standard operating procedures for printer calibration and maintenance.
  • Develop process monitoring capability and print quality inspection criteria to ensure high print quality with minimal yield loss.
  • Develop qualification tests and standard coupons for printed part quality and as-printed material properties.
  • Write work instructions, work order templates, process specifications, and other build documents.
  • Troubleshoot non-conformances on the floor to determine a disposition, root cause, and drive corrective actions.
  • Assist in machining and programming operations as required for R&D and production.
  • Assist in designing and creating fixturing for production.
  • Work with supplier quality and contract manufacturers, to develop their manufacturing and quality processes and respond to questions and issues.
  • Design and implement lean systems for continuous improvement.
  • Own 5S activities throughout the additive manufacturing area.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, physics, or equivalent technical degree.
  • 2+ years of direct professional experience in additive manufacturing, more specifically metal (Laser Bed Powder Fusion).
  • Experience with explosive/combustible powder storage and handling best practices.
  • Familiarity with additive software (nTop, 3DXpert, Materialise Magics, Netfabbm Ansys Additivem Altair Inspire Print 3D, or equivalents)
  • 1+ years of experience in CNC machining, with exposure to complex machining centers (5-axis mills).
  • Experience with 3D CAD software (Solidworks, Siemens NX, or similar).
  • Highly competent in GD&T and drawing reviews.
  • Experience in writing technical documents.
  • Knowledge of different manufacturing process and their general quality capability.
  • Mechanical design experience including creating solid models and prints.
  • Must be onsite 5 days a week.

Bonus
  • Masters degree in relevant STEM field, especially with applications in Additive Manufacturing.
  • Experience with advanced post processing techniques such as annealing and Hot Isostatic Pressing.
  • Experience with CAM software (Fusion 360, Mastercam, Siemens NX, or similar).
  • Hands on experience working as a Machinist programming and running 5-axis parts.
  • Experience working with complex machining centers (mill/ turns, horizontals, multi-channel machines, and automated systems).
  • Has worked with contract manufacturers to set up and qualify manufacturing processes.
  • Hands-on experience reading and interpreting first article inspection reports, using precision hand tools, and implementing tolerance stack up analysis on parts.
  • Experience with MES/ MRP systems in a production environment.

What we offer:
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
Base pay is just one component of Astranis's total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.
Base Salary
$95,000-$165,000 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

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