Principal Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Cumberland Additive, Inc.; Pflugerville (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cumberland Additive, Inc. in Pflugerville, TX is seeking Senior AM Engineer or Principal AM Engineer to guide customers on part design, develop robust manufacturing plans, and manage build files for metal powder bed fusion.

The role combines internal production engineering, customer-facing product development, and R&D programs. Candidates should have extensive PBF experience, strong communication, and the ability to create design guidelines and support equipment selection.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in additive manufacturing, mechanical, or metallurgical fields.
• Minimum 10+ years AM engineering or related experience for Senior; 13+ years for Principal.
• Proficient with CAD and build prep software (SolidWorks/Catia, Magics, 3DExpert).
• Experience with powder bed fusion and post-processing.
• ITAR requires U.S. person status.

Responsibilities

• Provide internal technical guidance to engineers and technicians.
• Lead customer-facing project activities and develop manufacturing plans.
• Develop design guidelines and build files; support RCCA and post-processing specs.
• Manage part geometries, materials, supports, and nesting strategies for PBF.
• Support program management and supplier coordination; occasional travel may be required.

Skills

Powder bed fusion expertise

Customer-facing communication

Education

Engineering degree in related discipline (AM, mechanical, metallurgical)

Tools

SolidWorks

Catia

Materialise Magics

3DExpert

MS Office

Job description

Role and Responsibilities

• The candidate will utilize skills and experience in additive manufacturing (AM) to provide guidance to customers on part design and selection, develop robust manufacturing plans and build files, and oversee successful completion of customer orders.
• The Senior and Principal Engineer levels within the engineering team are reserved for candidates possessing a combination of education and experience that supports their status as a subject‑matter‑expert in the field of powder bed fusion. Although this is an individual contributor position, the person in this role provides advisory support for the internal engineering team for learning, training, and guidance on technical matters. Due to the breadth of manufacturing scope we handle, this role requires considerable background knowledge in powder bed fusion, post‑processing, heat treating, destructive and non‑destructive testing, and finishing methods.
• The ideal candidate has experience in a production environment with selection of appropriate part geometries, materials, supports, and nesting strategies for metal powder bed fusion. Interpersonal skills are critical for properly communicating with customers and internal stakeholders.
• This position features three facets:
  • Internal production engineering activities, serving as the subject matter expert
  • Customer‑facing product development and support
  • Engineering technical programs /R&D
• Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Maintain an intimate working knowledge of powder bed fusion AM machines (EOS, SLM, Colibrium, etc.)
  • Assess part characteristics for manufacturability, design optimization, material and equipment selection
  • Guide customers in the selection of materials
  • Develop content and best practices for design and manufacturability by establishing design guidelines to ensure lessons learned and best practices are documented
  • Create build files, layouts, and use cost estimation models
  • Lead and provide technical direction for technicians
  • Provide hands‑on support with printing and inspection equipment
  • Manage acquisition of necessary maintenance contracts, consumables, and software to support growth
  • Read and understand dimensional drawings, including GD&T
  • Analyze and specify post‑processing steps such as heat treatment, finish machining, and coatings
  • Support and guide the root‑cause and corrective action (RCCA) process for technical issues.
• Customer Programs
  • Assist in assembling quotations in response to customer RFQ's
  • Lead customer projects as the assigned project engineer
  • Prepare project schedules to define project scope deliverables
  • Lead and/or participate in regular customer meetings
  • Monitor and manage project costs in respect to the established budget
  • Anticipate problems and concerns relevant to project management and provide timely solutions
  • Coordinate document submittals, approvals, distribution, and revision control
  • Initiate purchase requisitions for tools, fixtures, operational equipment, and outside services
  • Maintain a strong working relationship with the customer
  • Occasional travel may be required to support project or program goals
• Engineering Technical Programs / R&D
  • Lead advanced technical engineering programs (material/product/process development)
  • Lead statistical process control initiatives
  • Lead operational and supply chain cost reduction and optimization projects
  • Provide guidance on facility improvements, equipment selection, and in‑sourcing

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Position title and compensation for Senior AM Engineer and Principal AM Engineer are determined based on qualifications and experience. Candidates shall meet the minimum requirements stated below.
• Engineering degree in a related discipline (additive manufacturing, mechanical, metallurgical, etc.)
• Minimum years of experience follow the Levels described below.
• Experience with the following software: CAD (e.g. SolidWorks, Catia), Build Preparation/Slice software (e.g. Materialise Magics, 3DExpert), Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with processing parts via powder bed fusion.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. ‘Green Card Holder’), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
• Senior: Degreed Engineer with 10+ years of AM Engineering or related experience. Possesses extensive skills and previous experience in design and optimization for 3D printing, machine setup and troubleshooting, material selection and analysis, and production engineering activities (building BOMS, routings). Brings wisdom from previous experience to the team (additive manufacturing and post‑processing), works autonomously, and supports business development objectives successfully by building customer relationships. Maintains awareness of technical industry trends and best practices and uses that knowledge to ideate and drive continuous improvement for the engineering team. Develops strategic plans for engineering‑related projects to increase capability and technical breadth within the organization. Serves as a mentor to engineers at lower levels.
• Principal: Engineer with 13+ years of AM Engineering or related experience. Masters or PhD in AM or related discipline may count for up to 3 years of experience. In addition to Senior‑level qualities, carries 3+ years of previous experience in a senior‑level technical role as a subject‑matter expert.

Preferred Additional Qualifications and Education

• Masters or PhD in additive manufacturing or related engineering discipline
• Previous experience working for a Contract Manufacturer in laser powder bed fusion
• Experience with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 Revision D
• Mechanical Test Lab Experience (Destructive and Non‑Destructive Testing)