Manager, Additive Manufacturing

divergent; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Divergent is seeking a leader to own and scale the post-processing value stream for additively manufactured parts, ensuring every item is inspected, qualified, and ready for downstream operations.

You will build and lead a high-performance team, implement standardized work and audits, and drive cost, throughput, and efficiency improvements while aligning with aerospace and defense standards.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in high-reliability environments.
• Experience managing post-processing or manufacturing operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Own the post-processing value stream from throughput to quality and safety.
• Ensure parts exiting the organization are fully inspected and qualified with zero defects escaping.
• Develop metrics and dashboards to drive world-class performance.

Skills

Leadership

Operations Management

Process Improvement

Data Analysis

Job description

The Role

Own and scale the post-processing value stream that transforms additively manufactured parts into fully qualified material with validated properties.

Own the Value Stream

• Serve as the single point of accountability for throughput, quality, and safety across all post-processing operations
• Ensure every part exiting your organization is fully inspected, qualified, and ready for downstream operations with zero defects escaping
• Establish objective metrics (including internal escape rates) and drive performance to world-class standards

Build & Lead a High-Performance Team

• Build, train, and develop a team of technicians and frontline leaders across all work centers
• Establish rigorous training and qualification standards aligned with aerospace and defense expectations
• Develop bench strength and identify successors for key roles

Drive Process Rigor & Compliance

• Deliver a step-change in process robustness across heat treat, media blast, build plate resurfacing, and inspection
• Ensure strict adherence to AS9100, military standards, and all applicable certification requirements
• Implement standardized work, controls, audits, and documentation systems to ensure repeatable execution

Champion Cost, Throughput, and Efficiency

• Identify and lead cost reduction initiatives across labor, equipment utilization, yield, and consumables
• Build a pipeline of high-impact improvements and execute against clear ROI targets
• Develop operational dashboards to enable data-driven decision-making

Build the Future (Automation & Capability Development)

Develop and drive a multi-year roadmap for automation and capability expansion across all work centers

Evaluate and integrate robotics and automation solutions, including building clear business cases

Lead initiatives such as:

• Media blast automation
• Build plate resurfacing (equipment selection, commissioning, and integration)
• Onboarding capability for processing new materials and alloys

Scale for Factory 2 and Beyond

• Partner with the Factory Development Team on equipment selection, layout, and material/people flow design
• Act as the operational lead for scaling these work centers into future factory deployments
• Drive readiness from early concept through full-rate production

Solve Complex Operational Problems

• Identify bottlenecks and failure modes across the full processing chain
• Lead cross-functional problem solving with engineering, quality, and maintenance
• Implement durable corrective actions that improve long-term system performance

Basic Qualifications

Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls

Leadership Profile

• Proven leadership in high-reliability, high-accountability environments
• Strong systems thinker-able to manage complex, interdependent processes with discipline and precision
• Demonstrated ability to build teams, enforce standards, and deliver results under pressure
• High ownership mindset with a bias toward action and continuous improvement

Operational & Technical Experience

• Experience leading operations, maintenance, or production teams in complex technical environments
• Familiarity with procedure-driven execution, qualification programs, and audit/compliance systems
• Experience managing risk, driving root cause resolution, and improving system reliability

Execution Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Comfortable operating both on the floor and at the systems level
• Effective communicator across technical and operational teams

Work Environment

Performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise and machinery

Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and handling of precision tools and materials.

Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. independently and 50 lbs. with assistance.

May involve crouching, climbing, confined spaces, or work at heights.

PPE (including but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, respirators as