About this role
company
About Us
Founded in 2015 to develop the world’s first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting-edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship. Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.
role
Job Purpose
As an Associate Product Development Engineer at VulcanForms, your mission is to help support design and optimization of our high-speed laser-powder-bed-fusion process and its digital workflow to deliver production-ready parts at scale. You’ll collaborate across hardware, software, and operations teams to continuously improve print quality, system reliability, and workflow efficiency – enabling transformative outcomes for our customers and the future of advanced manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and updating LPBF process recipes and build configurations, including build files and post-processing steps, under guidance from senior engineers.
- Manipulate and prepare customer models through CAD and digital thread process to prepare for printing
- Support hardware, software and operations teams to develop and implement integrated process – from R&D through pilot runs to full serial production – achieving high manufacturing readiness levels.
- Translate user requirements into engineering specifications that guide end-to-end product and process development; collaborate with internal teams to optimize part designs for LPBF, balancing geometry, supports, tolerances and material performance.
- Build and iterate parts, hardware, and tools to support First Article Inspection and production launches of products in medical, aerospace, consumer, defense, and other industries.
- Interface and communicate technical progress, issues, and findings with internal teams and customer program managers
- Support root cause analysis of print defects by collecting data, running experiments, and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
- Contribute to the development of application-specific process workflows to meet requirements for dimensional accuracy, mechanical performance, and surface finish.
- Work with downstream teams in machining, finishing, and inspection to support DFM and continuous process improvement efforts.
- Assist operations, manufacturing engineering, and quality teams in development and execution of SOP’s and quality control methods
- Create, update, and maintain detailed documentation: build recipes, work instructions, inspection protocols, change logs and training materials – ensuring repeatability, traceability and production compliance
Qualifications
- Minimum of 1 year hands-on experience in product or applications development, preferably with a focus on LPBF or directed energy deposition (DED) processes.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as Siemens NX, Creo, or SolidWorks.
- Solid understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.
- Familiarity with quality management systems and associated standards.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Knowledge of subtractive manufacturing operations (e.g. milling, turning) and their design constraints is a plus.
VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.
The annual base salary range for this position is $69,000 to $95,000.