Additive Manufacturing Specialist

Authorized to work in the U.S. with no sponsorship

$30-$38 hourly DOE / Full Benefits

QUALA is seeking an Additive Manufacturing Specialist for a long-term contract role working on‑site in Foster City, CA. This is an exciting opportunity to work within an organization that is developing the first ground‑up, fully autonomous vehicle and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. They are transforming mobility‑as‑a‑service by developing a fully autonomous, purpose‑built fleet designed for AI to drive and humans to enjoy!

As an Additive Manufacturing Specialist, you will serve as a technical anchor for the Additive Manufacturing (AM) Lab, driving the end‑to‑end realization of complex autonomous vehicle prototypes. Beyond standard operation, you will act as a Design‑for‑Manufacturability (DfM) consultant to engineering teams and internal clients, optimizing builds for high‑performance materials and mission‑critical throughput; unlocking new speed of prototype delivery. You are responsible for the strategic health of the lab, including process optimization, equipment evaluations, planning, and the technical guidance of prototyping workflows.

• Design Consultation & DfM: Actively support design reviews related to Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) with engineers to optimize geometries for SLA, SLS, and Polyjet; proactively identify failure risks in CAD models before they reach the build tray to minimize material waste.
• Process Engineering: Develop and document standardized build parameters and post‑processing two essential workflows:
  Additive Manufacturing (primary) and Laser Cutting (secondary) to ensure repeatable, high‑quality output across all AM and Laser Cutting platforms.
• Complex System Integration: Oversee the final assembly of high‑fidelity prototypes, e.g. integrating 3D‑printed components with CNC‑machined parts and complex electronics.
• Post processing of prototype parts: Actively guide and execute post‑processing work such as sanding, painting, inserts, dyeing and other part finishing related activities.
• Workflow Coordination: Facilitate the prioritization of incoming JIRA requests to ensure alignment with prototyping deadlines.
• Machine Maintenance, Repair and Troubleshooting: Quickly, safely and correctly troubleshoot, diagnose and lead repair activities (whether internally or externally) maximizing part throughput
• Technical Vendor Liaison: Act as a technical point of contact for vendor support, service coordination, and troubleshooting of Additive Manufacturing and Laser Cutting equipment.
• Knowledge Sharing: Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to share best practices on advanced AM techniques and safety protocols.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design or Engineering with 4 to 6 years of experience in high‑stakes prototyping or advanced manufacturing environments, or equivalent.
• Technical Mastery: Deep expertise in the chemical and thermal properties of advanced resins and powders (SLA, SLS, FDM, and Polyjet); proven ability to make quick and sound technical recommendations on AM materials, processes and applications.
• Advanced CAD: High proficiency in Solidworks, CATIA, specifically for fixture design and modifying complex assemblies for printability.
• Advanced CAM: High proficiency in part processing software, aka "slicers", such as Materialize Magics, GrabCAD Print (Stratasys) and / or Autodesk Fusion (AM build extensions); and/or similar.
• Precision Metrology: Demonstrated ability to perform quality control using precision measurement tools to validate part accuracy against GD&T requirements.
• Strategic Problem Solving: A proven track record of improving lab efficiency, reducing build failure rates, or streamlining post‑processing cycles.
• Cross‑functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Demonstrated ability to drive outsized positive outcomes and impact through thoughtful, effective and regular cross‑functional activities across other internal teams (CNC machining, Welding, etc.)

• GD&T Proficiency: Ability to interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing to ensure functional fitment of prototype assemblies.
• Fabrication Versatility: Meaningful experience in other prototyping methodologies like: MIG/TIG welding and CNC operation experience.
• Safety & Compliance: Experience implementing OSHA‑compliant shop safety programs or hazardous material management (Haz Mat).