Freelance Additive Manufacturing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department: Engineering
Reports to: Director of Engineering
Classification/Status: Exempt / Full-Time
Location: (On-site)
Company Overview
Operating from the modern Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, Nikon AM Synergy is a provider of holistic solutions in additive manufacturing, R&D, and engineering. Our mission is to accelerate customer adoption and scaling of metal AM for cutting-edge applications, with a particular focus on the defense, aerospace, and energy sectors. This will be through both Nikon SLM Solutions' industry-leading laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technology enhanced by premier metallurgy and metrology capabilities. Nikon AM Synergy offers specialized capabilities within an ultra-secure environment, meeting the stringent security requirements of defense and aerospace clients. These capabilities are bolstered by our collaborative and hands-on approach, as well as technical and business development teams with extensive industry knowledge and expertise, consistently delivering results for our strategic customers.
Position Overview
The Senior Additive Manufacturing (AM) Engineer at Nikon AM Synergy supports the design, development, and manufacturing of hardware using metal additive manufacturing processes. This role collaborates closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure parts meet customer and industry requirements. The AM Engineer contributes to process development, optimization, and problem-solving in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment while maintaining compliance with aerospace quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement additive manufacturing processes for hardware production.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support on-time delivery of parts.
Apply Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) techniques to optimize part designs.
Support R&D initiatives, process improvement projects, and new application development.
Assist in maintaining and enhancing industrial equipment used in additive manufacturing.
Adhere to company safety policies and ensure a safe working environment.
Maintain awareness of AM industry trends, materials, and technologies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Verify and document customer requirements for additive manufacturing parts and processes.
Generate technical documentation and manufacturing process plans.
Support engineering proposals in response to customer RFPs.
Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and technicians to implement process improvements.
Assist in testing, evaluation, and troubleshooting of additive manufacturing processes and equipment.
Maintain compliance with AS9100 quality standards and contribute to quality process documentation.
Continuously learn new AM technologies and methods to support organizational capabilities.
Other duties may be assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field).
3 - 6 years of experience in metal additive manufacturing or related manufacturing environment.
Proficiency with metal AM systems (e.g., DMLS, powder bed fusion).
Basic understanding of GD&T principles.
Knowledge of thermal-mechanical behavior, materials science, and metallurgy.
Proficiency in CAD modeling and engineering drawings interpretation.
Must meet U.S. Person requirements under ITAR regulations.
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
U.S. citizenship preferred; lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) may be considered.
Experience with CNC machining, heat treatment, assembly, surface treatment, NDT, or other related manufacturing processes.
Exposure to aerospace or defense manufacturing environments.
Experience in process improvement or manufacturing optimization projects.
Advanced coursework or certifications in additive manufacturing.
Working Conditions and Requirements
Work Environment: Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments, including additive manufacturing labs, prototype areas, and production floors. Regular exposure to industrial machinery and additive manufacturing (AM) equipment is expected.
Work Culture: A hands-on, collaborative, and technology-driven environment focused on process innovation, production efficiency, and continuous improvement within additive manufacturing operations.
Schedule and Flexibility: Typically a full-time position, with occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet project deadlines, support production schedules, or conduct equipment trials.
Travel: Occasional travel to customer sites, suppliers, or training events may be required.
Performance Competencies
Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of additive manufacturing design, processes, and materials.
Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing issues and optimize processes.
Collaboration: Effective teamwork with engineering, manufacturing, and quality personnel.
Communication: Clear verbal and written communication with internal teams.
Quality Focus: Commitment to AS9100 and aerospace manufacturing standards.
Continuous Learning: Dedication to professional growth, technology adoption, and process improvement.
Benefits Package:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, as well as Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Additional voluntary and supplemental benefits include Voluntary Life & AD&D, Pet Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Hospital Confinement coverage. Employees also have access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA) and a Health Savings Account (HSA), where applicable.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Nikon AM Synergy Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Privacy Notice and Consent:
Under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 ("CCPA") and other applicable privacy regulations, Nikon AM Synergy Inc. (NAMS) is required to disclose whenever personal information is collected from you in certain contexts, such as to provide or receive a product or service. If you have a visual disability, you may be able to use a screen reader or other tools to review the contents of this notice.
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