Principal Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Director of Engineering

Classification/Status: Exempt / Full-Time

Location: Nikon AM Technology Center/3550 Carson St. Long Beach, CA 90808

Company Overview

Operating from the modern Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, Nikon AM Synergy is a provider of holistic solutions in additive manufacturing, R&D, and engineering. Our mission is to accelerate customer adoption and scaling of metal AM for cutting-edge applications, with a particular focus on the defense, aerospace, and energy sectors. This will be through both Nikon SLM Solutions’ industry-leading laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technology enhanced by premier metallurgy and metrology capabilities.

Nikon AM Synergy offers specialized capabilities within an ultra-secure environment, meeting the stringent security requirements of defense and aerospace clients. These capabilities are bolstered by our collaborative and hands-on approach, as well as technical and business development teams with extensive industry knowledge and expertise, consistently delivering results for our strategic customers.

Position Overview

The Principal Additive Manufacturing Engineer – Applications is a senior technical leader and customer-facing authority. This role engages directly with aerospace and defense primes, OEMs, and government stakeholders to apply additive manufacturing to complex programs. Operating at a peer-to-peer level with senior customer engineers, the Principal Engineer guides strategy, influences design and qualification decisions, and ensures Nikon AM Synergy delivers innovative, reliable AM solutions that meet mission-critical objectives.

The position requires deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor engineering teams while managing high-value customer relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical interface for key aerospace and defense programs, from concept through qualification and production.
• Act as the technical lead and trusted advisor for high-value customer accounts.
• Lead technical design reviews, workshops, and strategy sessions, influencing the adoption of AM solutions.
• Develop and present complex engineering proposals and white papers that align AM solutions with customer mission requirements.
• Drive the implementation of advanced Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) techniques, simulation-driven optimization, and qualification plans for critical hardware.
• Advocate for customer requirements internally and guide Nikon AM Synergy teams to deliver successful outcomes.
• Collaborate with business development, quality, and manufacturing teams to shape capture strategies and execution plans for new opportunities.
• Monitor and interpret industry standards, DoD/NASA qualification pathways, and evolving AM technologies to inform customer engagements.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff, building the next generation of AM technical leaders.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards including AS9100D, NADCAP, and ITAR.
• Other duties may be assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace/defense additive manufacturing, advanced design engineering, or manufacturing applications.
• Recognized subject-matter expertise in metal additive manufacturing (LPBF/DMLS, DED, hybrid processes).
• Proficiency in CAD (NX preferred), AM build preparation tools, AM simulation, and/or FEA.
• Proven ability to engage senior technical leaders at primes, OEMs, and government agencies.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials science, metallurgy, thermal-mechanical behavior, and structural performance of AM parts.
• Demonstrated track record of influencing design and qualification decisions in aerospace/defense programs.
• Knowledge of Aerospace Quality Standards and Certification Requirements (AS9100D, NADCAP, MIL-SPEC, MMPDS).
• U.S. Citizenship required. Must be eligible to hold and/or maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or related engineering fields.
• Leadership experience in customer-facing…