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Internship Additive Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in McLean, VA

Support the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing approaches such as additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping. * Mentor junior engineers, providing technical ...

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Internship Additive Manufacturing Engineer information

See McLean, VA salary details

$11

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$29

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship additive manufacturing engineer in McLean, VA is $19.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship additive manufacturing engineer do?

An Internship Additive Manufacturing Engineer assists in designing, testing, and producing parts using 3D printing and other additive manufacturing technologies. They work under the guidance of experienced engineers to support product development, optimize printing processes, and ensure quality standards are met. Interns often help with CAD modeling, machine setup, post-processing, and documentation. This role provides hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing and exposure to cutting-edge technology in the engineering field.

What types of projects can an internship additive manufacturing engineer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Internship Additive Manufacturing Engineer, you can expect to be involved in hands-on projects such as designing and prototyping components using 3D printing technologies, optimizing print parameters for different materials, and assisting in the post-processing and quality testing of printed parts. You'll often collaborate with engineers from design, materials, and production teams to ensure that prototypes meet functional requirements. This role offers valuable exposure to the entire additive manufacturing workflow, from concept to finished product, and provides opportunities to learn industry-standard software and equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship additive manufacturing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Additive Manufacturing Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and materials science, often supported by coursework in mechanical or industrial engineering. Familiarity with 3D modeling software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and hands-on experience with additive manufacturing equipment such as 3D printers, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure precise prototyping, efficient collaboration, and innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Internship Additive Manufacturing Engineer vs Mechanical Engineering Intern?

AspectInternship Additive Manufacturing EngineerMechanical Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of engineering or related program, familiarity with additive manufacturingEnrolled in or recent graduate of mechanical engineering or related program
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, R&D facilities, design teams focused on additive processesDesign offices, labs, manufacturing settings across various engineering projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors using additive techBroadly across engineering sectors including automotive, aerospace, energy, and consumer products

While both roles involve engineering fundamentals, the Internship Additive Manufacturing Engineer focuses on additive manufacturing technologies, whereas the Mechanical Engineering Intern has a broader scope in mechanical design and analysis. The additive manufacturing internship emphasizes skills in 3D printing processes, materials, and prototyping, making it more specialized within manufacturing sectors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in McLean, VA?

The most popular types of Additive Manufacturing Engineer jobs in McLean, VA are:

Additive Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Formative 3D

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Opportunity: Additive Manufacturing Engineering Manager with Formative 3D in Falls Church, VAAre you a hands‑on leader with deep expertise in large‑format additive manufacturing and extrusion‑based processes? Do you enjoy building teams, optimizing production systems, and solving complex print challenges in real time? Are you excited to help scale a cutting‑edge 3D printing operation and shape the future of manufacturing? If you answered yes, we want to speak with you!

As the Additive Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you will lead both the strategic direction and day‑to‑day execution of our additive manufacturing operations. This role blends leadership, technical expertise, and operational ownership—guiding production while advancing the next generation of processes, systems, and capabilities. You'll work closely across engineering, production, and leadership teams to ensure efficient, scalable manufacturing while driving continuous improvement.

Salary range: $100k - $140k; depending on knowledge and experience.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and develop a team of LFAM/FDM technicians, promoting safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Own print processes and optimization, including parameters, material flow, toolpaths, and part quality.
  • Troubleshoot production issues (e.g., delamination, warping, equipment faults) and implement corrective actions quickly.
  • Partner with Production to streamline post-processing and assembly workflows.
  • Manage capacity planning, scheduling, and staffing in coordination with HR.
  • Collaborate with Engineering and R&D on new materials, processes, and finishing methods.
  • Drive automation and smart factory initiatives across the facility.
  • Report to leadership on KPIs, timelines, resource use, and risks.
  • Establish and maintain SOPs, ensuring quality, safety, and accurate documentation.
  • Coach and develop team members through performance management and career growth planning.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 7-10+ years of manufacturing experience, including hands-on additive manufacturing (LFAM and/or FDM).
  • Expertise in extrusion-based printing, including toolpaths, parameter optimization, and pellet/filament material handling.
  • Experience with large-format additive systems (e.g., CEAD, Caracol, Thermwood) preferred.
  • Knowledge of automation, robotics, and smart factory systems (MES, ERP, IoT).
  • Lean, Six Sigma, or similar experience driving yield improvement, scrap reduction, and cycle time efficiency.
  • Proven ability to lead technical teams in fast-paced or startup environments.
  • Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work in an industrial environment and use PPE as required.

Why Join Formative 3D?

Built environments can be manufactured the same way the best technology products are: faster, smarter and at scale.

Formative 3D deploys full-scale manufacturing solutions built for speed, flexibility and real-world impact. By combining advanced 3D printing, robotics and technology, we rethink how physical products for the built world are created — from concept to installation. We design and manufacture products that range from high-end furniture systems and architectural lighting to jigs, fixtures, and tooling.

Formative 3D pushes additive manufacturing forward and sets a new standard for how the built environment gets made. After years of research, our first production facility launched in 2026, and we're already proving that a new model of manufacturing isn't theoretical; it's operational.

Apply online today to join a great team!

Formative 3D is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to hiring and developing the most qualified individuals based on job‑related experience, skills, and merit. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We value a respectful, inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Formative 3D maintains a drug‑free workplace consistent with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

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