Additive Manufacturing Operations Lead

Kokopelli Capital; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous health coverage

Dental and vision plans

Flexible Time Off

401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%

Job summary

Agile Space Industries in Durango, Colorado, seeks an AM Operations Manager to oversee additive operations and lead production processes. This pivotal role requires expertise in metal additive manufacturing and strong leadership skills to ensure top quality and compliance with aerospace standards.

Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, along with at least 7 years of manufacturing experience. The position offers excellent benefits, including generous health coverage and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, including 2+ years in management.
• Experience with aerospace or regulated production environments is required.
• Strong knowledge of metal LPBF processes and materials.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day operations of the LPBF production floor.
• Manage production schedules across various programs.
• Lead root cause analysis for print failures.

Skills

Manufacturing management

Metal additive manufacturing

Technical leadership

Operational execution

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline

Tools

LPBF platforms

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years, and our momentum continues to accelerate.

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport.

This is an onsite role based in Durango, Colorado. Durango offers a rare combination of meaningful aerospace work and exceptional quality of life, with access to world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, and a vibrant mountain-town community. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Agile Space Industries is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Additive Manufacturing (AM) Operations Manager onsite in Durango, CO to lead our additive operations, build scalable processes, and partner closely with Engineering, Production, Materials, and Quality to deliver high‑performance printed components for space flight hardware and R&D programs.

The AM Operations Manager is responsible for operational execution, technical leadership, team development, and continuous improvement across Agile’s LPBF production ecosystem. This leader will oversee AM equipment, people, workflows, documentation, and quality standards supporting propulsion hardware across the full lifecycle: prototype, test, qualification, and production.

Responsibilities

Additive Manufacturing Operations

• Own day-to-day operations of the LPBF production floor, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable execution.
• Manage production schedules across prototype, development, qualification, and production programs in coordination with other Agile departments.
• Oversee machine setup, build execution, powder handling, and post‑processing workflows.
• Ensure repeatable, high‑quality production of printed propulsion components.
• Maintain spare parts, consumables, gas supply, and other inventory critical to production.
• Drive equipment uptime, preventative maintenance, and facility readiness to support throughput growth.
• Establish, track, and continuously improve operational KPIs (yield, throughput, cycle time, scrap, machine utilization).

Technical Leadership

• Partner with Design Engineering during DfAM reviews to align geometry, support strategies, and material selection with LPBF capabilities.
• Facilitate AM process development, including control of AM process parameters, scan strategies, thermal histories, and build envelopes.
• Lead root cause analysis for print failures and drive corrective actions.
• Maintain configuration control of build files, machine settings, and AM processes.
• Oversee integration of downstream processes including heat treatment, HIP, machining, and inspection.
• Define and document AM processes in accordance with aerospace and internal quality standards.

People Leadership

• Mentor AM technicians, operators, and engineers with emphasis on safety, technical rigor, and continuous learning.
• Establish onboarding pathways, technical certification levels, and recurring training cycles for AM roles.
• Allocate resources effectively across shifts and programs, adjusting team responsibilities based on skills, priorities, and workload.
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, ownership, and disciplined execution.

Quality & Compliance

• Partner with Quality Engineering to define critical‑to‑quality features, inspection protocols, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, AS9100, and internal configuration‑control and document‑control requirements.
• Maintain full material and process traceability (powder lots, build files, inspection records, heat treat/HIP records, and rework history).
• Support internal and external audits, customer reviews, and supplier assessments.
• Ensure build and post‑processing travelers are fully executed, documented, and closed out accurately.

Strategic & Cross‑Functional Support

• Evaluate and select emerging AM technologies, materials, sensing systems, and post‑processing techniques.
• Support make‑buy decisions, including technical evaluation of external

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, including 2+ years of manufacturing management, with preference for metal additive manufacturing and hands‑on machine operation
• Demonstrated experience with aerospace or highly regulated production environments
• Strong knowledge of metal LPBF processes and materials commonly employed in metal AM technologies such as Inconel, Titanium, or Copper alloys
• Proven experience optimizing manufacturing flow, leading root cause analysis, and developing repeatable manufacturing processes
• Leadership experience managing technical teams in a prototyping or production setting
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience producing flight hardware or propulsion components
• Background with EOS, SLM Solutions, VELO3D, TRUMPF, or similar LPBF platforms.
• Knowledge of heat treatment, HIP, machining, and NDE for AM components
• Experience standing up new AM facilities, bringing in new equipment, or scaling production
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing documentation best practices.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Employment Type

Exempt

Salary

$120,000 - $162,000 Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end.

Work Schedule

Full Time

Travel Requirements

< 25%

Relocation Stipend

Relocation Stipend

Location

Durango, CO

Posting Timeline

This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) days and will continue to accept applications until the role is filled. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews and interviews may begin during the posting period.

What You’ll Love About Us

Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%. We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the perfect fit for this role or another opportunity with us.

Reasonable Accommodation

At Agile, our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at Agile Space Industries. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request to [e-mail].

Recruitment Notice

Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions. All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered