Director of Manufacturing

Velo3D, Inc.; Fremont (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(K) employer contributions

Job summary

Velo3D, Inc. is seeking a Director of Manufacturing in Fremont, CA. This role involves overseeing all manufacturing operations including additive production, quality control, and continuous improvement processes.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in additive manufacturing and a proven ability to scale operations. Responsibilities include leading daily operations, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Competitive salary from $180,000 to $220,000 and excellent benefits included.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of manufacturing experience, including 5+ years in additive manufacturing.
• Proven experience scaling manufacturing operations in a high-growth environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy aligned with company goals.
• Oversee production across metal and/or polymer AM technologies.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain.

Skills

Additive manufacturing experience

Leadership

Lean/CI tools (5S, Kaizen, etc.)

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science or related field

Tools

ERP/MES systems (e.g., NetSuite, Odoo, Epicor, Dynamics)

Six Sigma certification

Job description

Position Overview

The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing all manufacturing operations, including additive production, post-processing, materials management, quality control, maintenance, and continuous improvement. This role will build and optimize scalable processes, drive operational excellence, ensure regulatory and audit readiness, and lead the transition from prototype to full production. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-growth, fast-paced environment, and brings deep experience in additive manufacturing, operational scaling, and team leadership.

Responsibilities

Manufacturing Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy aligned with company goals, customer requirements, and public‑company operational expectations.
• Lead day‑to‑day operations across additive printing, post‑processing, machining, finishing, and assembly.
• Build capacity models, production plans, and operating metrics to support revenue growth and product expansion.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, and Program Management.

Additive Manufacturing Operations

• Oversee production across metal and/or polymer AM technologies (e.g., SLS, MJF, DMLS/SLM, FDM, SLA).
• Ensure machine uptime, print quality, and process stability through robust preventive maintenance and calibration programs.
• Implement Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) feedback loops with Engineering.

People Leadership

• Manage and mentor a growing team of supervisors, technicians, operators, and support staff.
• Develop a high‑performance team culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead workforce planning, hiring, and training programs to support scale.

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Partner closely with Quality to maintain manufacturing readiness for audits, certifications, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, FDA/medical standards as applicable).
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, documentation, and lot/material traceability protocols.
• Champion a strong safety culture and lead site EHS initiatives.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and data‑driven methodologies.
• Optimize workflows, material flow, and facility layout for efficiency and scalability.
• Establish KPIs for throughput, OEE, scrap rates, cost per part, and scheduling accuracy.
• Manage production budgets and contribute to forecasting for capital equipment, staffing, and operational costs.

Technology & Equipment Management

• Evaluate and implement new AM technologies, software, automation tools, and post‑processing equipment.
• Oversee capital equipment acquisitions and the commissioning of new systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of manufacturing experience, including 5+ years in additive manufacturing.
• Proven experience scaling manufacturing operations in a high‑growth environment.
• Strong understanding of AM processes, materials, machine operation, and post‑processing.
• Experience with ISO/AS quality systems and public‑company operational rigor (documentation, controls, audits).
• Demonstrated leadership of multi‑functional manufacturing teams.
• Experience with Lean/CI tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM, root‑cause analysis).
• Excellent problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, medical device, or industrial manufacturing regulated environments.
• Master’s degree (MBA or technical field).
• Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems (e.g., NetSuite, Odoo, Epicor, Dynamics).

Our team enjoys excellent benefits including healthcare coverage and 401(K) employer contributions. We believe in transparency and recognizing exceptional efforts through our monthly all‑hands meetings and team member appreciation awards.

The starting base salary for this full‑time position is between $180,000 and $220,000. This salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this position in the U.S. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as work experience, job‑related skills, related education, work location, and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. In addition to a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package, this position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and equity program, as applicable.

Velo3D provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to, and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on, race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.