Principal Additive Manufacturing Engineer - Applications

Company OverviewNikon AM Synergy is a metal additive manufacturing (AM) supplier for the aerospace and defense industry, focused on the design and manufacture of hardware to customer requirements. Our objective is to support the growth of the AM industry by providing exceptional engineering services to our customers, allowing them to leverage AM in ways that they previously thought impossible.Position OverviewThe Principal Additive Manufacturing Engineer - Applications is a senior technical authority and customer-facing leader. This individual will engage directly with aerospace and defense primes, OEMs, and government stakeholders to shape how additive manufacturing is applied to their most challenging programs. Operating at a peer-to-peer level with senior customer engineers, the Principal Engineer will guide strategy, influence design and qualification decisions, and ensure that Nikon AM Synergy delivers innovative and reliable AM solutions that meet mission-critical objectives.Reports to:Director of Engineering and OperationsResponsible for:Acting as the technical lead and trusted advisor for key aerospace and defense accounts.Leading technical strategy for customer programs, ensuring AM adoption delivers measurable mission impact.Providing thought leadership on AM applications, standards, and qualification methods to customer stakeholders.Representing Nikon AM Synergy in senior-level technical discussions, reviews, and program strategy meetings with customers.Translating customer mission requirements into enterprise-level AM solutions, balancing performance, risk, and cost.Driving internal capability development based on customer needs and future defense/aerospace requirements.Coaching and mentoring engineers across the organization to elevate Nikon AM Synergy’s customer-facing technical depth.Ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards (AS9100D, NADCAP, ITAR).Job DutiesServe as the primary technical interface for high-value customer programs, from concept through qualification and production.Lead technical design reviews, workshops, and strategy sessions with aerospace and defense customers, influencing adoption of AM solutions.Develop and present complex engineering proposals and white papers that align AM solutions with customer mission requirements.Drive implementation of advanced 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 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.Act as a mentor and role model for engineering staff, developing the next generation of AM technical leaders.SkillsRecognized subject-matter expertise in metal additive manufacturing applications for aerospace and defense.Ability to engage confidently with senior technical leaders at primes, OEMs, and government agencies.Demonstrated track record of influencing design and qualification decisions in aerospace/defense programs.Expert-level knowledge of AM processes (LPBF/DMLS, DED, hybrid), materials (Ti, Ni, Al, Cu alloys), and post-processing.Proficiency in CAD (NX preferred), AM simulation, and FEA, with ability to clearly communicate findings to diverse audiences.Strong understanding of aerospace materials science, metallurgy, thermal-mechanical behavior, and structural performance of AM parts.Proven experience presenting complex technical concepts to executive-level and non-technical stakeholders.Knowledge of Aerospace Quality Standards and Certification Requirements (AS9100D, NADCAP, MIL-SPEC, MMPDS).Leadership ability to mentor, guide, and inspire teams in both technical excellence and customer engagement.Education / General RequirementsREQUIRED: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.DESIRED: Master’s Degree or higher in a related engineering field.REQUIRED: 10+ years of experience in aerospace/defense additive manufacturing, advanced design engineering, or manufacturing applications.REQUIRED: Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOD SECRET Security Clearance as required for this position. Ongoing employment is contingent upon maintaining the clearance.