Job Purpose
As a NPI Manufacturing Process Development Engineer I, Consumer Technology, you will support the development and improvement of manufacturing processes that translate customer designs into repeatable, high-quality physical products. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will assist with process development activities across the digital manufacturing workflow, including laser processing, print layouts, thermal processing, and related post-print operations.
You will apply foundational engineering principles, execute defined experiments and tests, analyze manufacturing data, and document results to help establish and maintain stable manufacturing processes. This role provides an opportunity to build hands-on expertise in advanced manufacturing, materials processing, and data-driven process development while contributing to the successful production of consumer technology products.
Key Responsibilities
- Process Development Support: Assist senior engineers with the development, documentation, and improvement of 3D digital manufacturing processes, including laser printing, stress relief, heat treatment, and part extraction.
- Experiment Execution: Execute defined experiments, engineering trials, and test plans under guidance to evaluate process parameters, material behavior, mechanical properties, surface finish, and other product requirements.
- Data Collection & Analysis: Collect, organize, and analyze manufacturing and experimental data using established statistical and engineering tools. Identify basic trends and communicate findings to the engineering team.
- Process Monitoring: Support the monitoring of manufacturing process performance and help identify deviations from established process windows, specifications, or standard procedures.
- Defect Investigation Support: Assist with investigations of failed builds, non-conformances, dimensional issues, and material or process variations by gathering data, performing defined analyses, and documenting observations.
- Process Documentation: Create and maintain engineering documentation, including test reports, work instructions, process specifications, experimental results, and standard operating procedures under guidance.
- Manufacturing Support: Work with engineering, operations, quality, and other cross-functional partners to address routine manufacturing issues and support successful execution of production processes.
- Design for Manufacturability Support: Assist Applications and Design teams with Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) activities by applying established guidelines to customer designs, support structures, and post-processing requirements.
- Continuous Improvement: Participate in process improvement activities focused on manufacturing consistency, quality, yield, productivity, and reduction of process variation.
- Technical Learning: Build knowledge of additive manufacturing technologies, materials, manufacturing processes, and company procedures through hands-on work, training, and coaching from experienced engineers.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience: 0-2 years of relevant engineering experience. Relevant internships, co-op assignments, research, laboratory, or academic project experience in manufacturing or materials processing may be considered.
- Engineering Fundamentals: Broad theoretical understanding of engineering principles related to manufacturing processes, materials, heat transfer, mechanics, or related technical areas.
- Data Analysis: Foundational ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret engineering or experimental data.
- Statistical Knowledge: Basic knowledge of statistical methods, Design of Experiments (DOE), or Statistical Process Control (SPC) through coursework, research, internships, or industry experience.
- Materials Knowledge: General understanding of material properties, thermal processing, mechanical testing, microstructure, or manufacturing process fundamentals.
- Problem Solving: Ability to apply engineering fundamentals and established procedures to routine technical problems and recognize when issues require escalation.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document experimental results and communicate technical information.
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional engineering and manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship, co-op, research, or project experience in metal additive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor processing, aerospace manufacturing, injection molding, materials processing, or another high-precision manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to statistical analysis tools such as Minitab or JMP.
- Familiarity with CAD, technical drawings, engineering specifications, or manufacturing documentation.
- Hands-on laboratory or manufacturing experience involving materials characterization, mechanical testing, thermal processing, or process development.
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.
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.