R&D Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Southampton

Position Summary:

The Additive Manufacturing Engineer I will lead the development, validation, and scaling of additive manufacturing technologies within the R&D organization. This role is responsible for advancing material processing, driving cross-functional collaborations on new product designs, and implementing strategic initiatives for the 3D Lab. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in 3D printing processes, hands-on experience with polymer materials, and a strong understanding of analytical and physical testing for product development in biopharmaceutical or industrial applications.

This position has significant growth potential.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Technology & Process Development

• Develop, optimize, and qualify AM processing parameters for SLA, SLS, high-temperature FDM, and polymer vapor fusing/post-processing.
• Perform material characterization and studies on surface finish and dimensional accuracy across 3D Lab technologies.
• Define print validation protocols and document best practices to ensure repeatable, robust manufacturing.
• Lead production-focused AM process development and continuous improvement to improve quality, yield, cost, and throughput.
• Plan and implement AM and post-processing equipment, ensuring safe operation and compliant processes.
• Partner with Design and Product Development teams on application development, prototyping, and first-article builds.
• Design and assess prototypes using biomechanical test models and experimental methods.

Research & Collaboration

• Collaborate with external partners, universities, and suppliers on new product development initiatives.
• Attend trade shows, conferences, workshops, webinars, etc. relevant to additive manufacturing at New Age Industries.
• Lead feasibility studies for additive components used in biopharmaceutical assemblies, industrial tubing systems, and custom tooling.
• Design and execute experiments that challenge material and equipment capabilities.
• Evaluate new additive technologies, materials, and post-processing techniques aligned with company R&D strategy.
• Conduct root cause analysis on complex experimental and production data sets.
• Engage end-users to gather feedback and identify opportunities for product and process improvements.
• Manage laboratory operations including equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, and consumable inventory planning.
• Develop and execute analytical and mechanical testing protocols (e.g., tensile, flexural, burst, thermal, microscopy) to characterize printed materials.

Requirements

Education, Skills and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of industry experience, or Master's degree with 3+ years, in Additive Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, or related field.
• Must be willing to work extensively in a cleanroom environment (hair net, beard net, boot covers, and a frock).
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear R&D documentation and executive-ready summaries to support rapid decision-making.
• Hands-on experience with SLA, SLS, and FDM technologies and associated software (e.g., Pre Form, Materialise Magics, Orca Slicer).
• Strong understanding of polymer material properties, thermal behavior, and surface modification methods.
• Proficient in analytical and mechanical testing techniques and standards (e.g., DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, tensile, burst).
• Proficiency in Solid Works and data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab, Power BI), including Copilot.
• Strategic thinker able to balance innovation, technical rigor, and business objectives.
• Strong project management, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Capable of working independently and effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Additive Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., GMP, ISO 13485).
• Prior involvement in R&D roadmap planning or laboratory technology strategy.
• Knowledgeable of tubing extrusion of silicone and thermoplastic polymers.
• Knowledgeable of injection molding of silicone and thermoplastic polymers.
• Experience with twin screw extrusion for custom formulation of 3D filaments.
• Proficiency in chemistry for material and test method development to support R&D activities.
• Knowledgeable of electrical wiring and power considerations for equipment.