Engineering Manager - Additive Manufacturing & LFAM

Formative 3D; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Formative 3D is seeking an Additive Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Falls Church, VA to lead the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of our LFAM and extrusion‑based manufacturing operations. You will build and mentor a hands‑on team, optimize print processes, and drive continuous improvement across production, engineering, and leadership groups.

You will own print parameters, toolpaths, material handling, automation initiatives, capacity planning, and cross‑functional collaboration

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of manufacturing experience with hands-on additive manufacturing.
• Experience in extrusion-based printing, toolpaths and material handling.
• Experience with large-format additive systems (CEAD, Caracol, Thermwood).
• Knowledge of automation, robotics and MES/ERP/IoT environments.
• Lean/Six Sigma or equivalent process improvement experience.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams in fast-paced settings.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Able to work in an industrial environment with PPE.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of LFAM/FDM technicians with safety and accountability.
• Own print processes, parameters, material flow and part quality.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions quickly.
• Collaborate with Production to streamline post-processing and assembly.
• Manage capacity planning, scheduling and staffing with HR.
• Partner with Engineering/R&D on new materials and processes.
• Drive automation and smart factory initiatives.
• Report KPIs, timelines, resources, and risks to leadership.
• Establish SOPs and maintain quality and documentation.
• Coach team members through performance management and growth plans.

Skills

LFAM/FDM experience

Extrusion-based printing

Automation & smart factory

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/ Mechatronics / Electrical / Materials Science

Tools

CEAD

Caracol

Thermwood

Job description

Formative 3D is seeking an Additive Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Falls Church, VA to lead the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of our LFAM and extrusion‑based manufacturing operations. You will build and mentor a hands‑on team, optimize print processes, and drive continuous improvement across production, engineering, and leadership groups.

You will own print parameters, toolpaths, material handling, automation initiatives, capacity planning, and cross‑functional collaboration