Principal Additive Manufacturing Engineer Applications

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.

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.

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 technical roles.
• Experience mentoring and guiding engineering teams in AM applications.
• Familiarity with cost, risk, and performance trade-offs in enterprise-level AM solutions.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Work Environment:

Work is performed in both office and manufacturing/laboratory settings, including additive manufacturing labs, prototype areas, and production floors. Frequent collaboration with engineering, production, and application teams is required. Travel:

Occasional domestic or international travel may be required to customer sites, supplier facilities, or training events. Physical Demands:

Ability to stand, walk, and move through lab and production areas for extended periods. Occasional lifting of materials, components, or tooling up to 25 pounds. Ability to operate equipment, handle parts, and interact with additive manufacturing machinery safely. Safety and Protective Equipment:

Must adhere to company safety protocols and use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats, as required. Work Culture:

Fast-paced, innovation-driven environment requiring hands-on involvement, technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and collaboration to advance additive manufacturing applications.

Performance Competencies

• Technical Leadership: Authority in AM applications with the ability to guide internal and customer teams.
• Strategic Thinking: Translate mission requirements into actionable AM solutions.
• Customer Engagement: Communicate complex technical concepts to executives, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Mentorship: Develop and inspire engineering talent across the organization.
• Innovation: Drive adoption of advanced AM technologies and methods.
• Compliance: Ensure all work meets regulatory, safety, and quality standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Nikon AM Synergy Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.