Additive Manufacturing (Am) Operations LeadAgile Space Industries is seeking an experienced and hands-on Additive Manufacturing (Am) Operations Lead onsite in Durango, CO to lead our additive operations, build scalable processes, and partner closely with Engineering, Production, Materials, and Quality to deliver high-performance printed components for space flight hardware and R&D programs.The Am Operations Manager is responsible for operational execution, technical leadership, team development, and continuous improvement across Agile's LPBF production ecosystem. This leader will oversee Am equipment, people, workflows, documentation, and quality standards supporting propulsion hardware across the full lifecycle: prototype, test, qualification, and production.The Am Operations Manager will also be core cross-function leader, partnering closely with Engineering, Production, Materials, and Quality to deliver high-performance printed components for space flight hardware and R&D programs.This role requires strong technical depth, a continuous-improvement mindset, and the ability to lead in a fast-paced aerospace environment where precision, reliability, and schedule discipline are essential.ResponsibilitiesAdditive Manufacturing OperationsOwn day-to-day operations of the LPBF production floor, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable execution.Manage production schedules across prototype, development, qualification, and production programs in coordination with other Agile departments.Oversee machine setup, build execution, powder handling, and post-processing workflows.Ensure repeatable, high-quality production of printed propulsion components.Maintain spare parts, consumables, gas supply, and other inventory critical to production.Drive equipment uptime, preventative maintenance, and facility readiness to support throughput growth.Establish, track, and continuously improve operational KPIs (yield, throughput, cycle time, scrap, machine utilization).Technical LeadershipPartner with Design Engineering during DfAM reviews to align geometry, support strategies, and material selection with LPBF capabilities.Facilitate AM process development, including control of AM process parameters, scan strategies, thermal histories, and build envelopes.Lead root cause analysis for print failures and drive corrective actionsMaintain configuration control of build files, machine settings, and AM processes.Oversee integration of downstream processes including heat treatment, HIP, machining, and inspection.Define and document AM processes in accordance with aerospace and internal quality standardsPeople LeadershipMentor Am technicians, operators, and engineers with emphasis on safety, technical rigor, and continuous learning.Establish onboarding pathways, technical certification levels, and recurring training cycles for Am roles.Allocate resources effectively across shifts and programs, adjusting team responsibilities based on skills, priorities, and workload.Cultivate a culture of accountability, ownership, and disciplined execution.Quality & CompliancePartner with Quality Engineering to define critical-to-quality features, inspection protocols, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria.Ensure compliance with ITAR, AS9100, and internal configuration-control and document-control requirements.Maintain full material and process traceability (powder lots, build files, inspection records, heat treat/HIP records, and rework history).Support internal and external audits, customer reviews, and supplier assessments.Ensure build and post-processing travelers are fully executed, documented, and closed out accurately.Strategic & Cross-Functional SupportEvaluate and select emerging Am technologies, materials, sensing systems, and post-processing techniques.Support make-buy decisions, including technical evaluation of externalRequirements7+ years of experience in manufacturing, including 2+ years of manufacturing management, with preference for metal additive manufacturing and hands-on machine operationDemonstrated experience with aerospace or highly regulated production environmentsStrong knowledge of metal LPBF processes and materials commonly employed in metal Am technologies such as Inconel, Titanium, or Copper alloysProven experience optimizing manufacturing flow, leading root cause analysis, and developing repeatable manufacturing processesLeadership experience managing technical teams in a prototyping or production settingAbility to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specificationsPreferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or related disciplineExperience producing flight hardware or propulsion componentsBackground with EOS, SLM Solutions, VELO3D, TRUMPF, or similar LPBF platforms.Knowledge of heat treatment, HIP, machining, and NDE for Am componentsExperience standing up new Am facilities, bringing in new equipment, or scaling productionFamiliarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing documentation best practices.Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computerEmployment Type: ExemptSalary: $120,000 - $162,000 Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end.Work Schedule: Full TimeTravel Requirements: < 25%Relocation StipendLocation: Durango, COPosting Timeline: This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) days and will continue to accept applications until the role is filled. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews and interviews may begin during the posting period.What You'll Love About Us: Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%. We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.Disclaimer: Agile is proud to offer a competitive benefits package to support our team members as they take on challenging, mission-driven work. The benefits listed in this job description are applicable to full-time employees. Part-time, temporary, or other non-full-time employees may have different benefit eligibility in accordance with company policy and applicable plan terms.Don't meet every single requirement? At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.
If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the perfect fit for this role or another opportunity with us.Reasonable Accommodation: At Agile, our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at Agile Space Industries. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request to Notice: Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions.
All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered