Job Overview:
ADDiTEC is seeking an LDED Robotics AM Applications Engineer to develop metal additive manufacturing applications using robotic laser directed energy deposition (LDED), with a primary focus on laser wire DED. This hands-on role combines CAD design, design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), robotic programming, toolpath development, process optimization, and part validation. The engineer will take applications from concept through prototype development and validation, producing demonstration components, documented case studies, and repeatable manufacturing processes. Working with Applications, R&D, Engineering, and Quality, this role will also support process qualification, material traceability, and quality documentation.
Key Responsibilities:
Design components, tooling, fixtures, and engineering drawings optimized for DED manufacturing, including machining allowances, tolerances, and post-processing requirements.
Program industrial robots and coordinated positioners; develop and optimize multi-axis deposition toolpaths using CAD/CAM, offline programming, and simulation software.
Develop LDED applications from feasibility assessment through prototype builds, inspection, and functional validation.
Create technical case studies documenting design approaches, materials, process parameters, results, and manufacturing benefits.
Develop and optimize laser wire DED process parameters, including laser power, travel speed, wire feed, shielding gas, and thermal management.
Conduct experiments and analyze build and inspection data to troubleshoot defects, improve deposition quality, and establish repeatable processes.
Coordinate machining, heat treatment, dimensional inspection, and material testing as needed.
Maintain controlled drawings, work instructions, robot programs, process records, material traceability, and validation documentation in accordance with the ISO 9001 quality management system.
Support process qualification, engineering changes, quality audits, and applicable customer and ISO/ASTM additive manufacturing requirements.
Perform equipment readiness checks and follow applicable laser, robotics, welding, and material-handling safety procedures.
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Robotics, or a closely related field.
Hands-on experience with metal additive manufacturing, robotic welding, or laser processing through industry experience, internships, or graduate research.
Strong CAD modeling and engineering drawing skills, with experience designing parts or fixtures for manufacturing.
Working knowledge of DfAM, deposition geometry, build orientation, thermal distortion, and post-processing requirements.
Practical experience with industrial robots, coordinated positioners, offline programming, and CAD/CAM or robotic additive manufacturing software.
Understanding of welding metallurgy, heat transfer, solidification, and common deposition defects.
Strong troubleshooting, experimental analysis, technical writing, and project management skills.
Familiarity with quality documentation, process validation, and engineering change control.
Preferred Qualifications:
Direct laser wire DED experience; WAAM or other metal DED experience is also valuable.
Experience with ABB or FANUC robots, AiBuild or comparable software, and multi-axis or multi-robot deposition.
Experience working with stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium, or copper alloys.
Knowledge of GD&T, topology optimization, thermal or structural simulation, Python, MATLAB, or process monitoring.
Experience supporting additive manufacturing qualification, customer technical data packages, and applicable ISO/ASTM standards.
ADDiTEC offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, company holidays, and the opportunity to contribute to the growth of an advanced manufacturing technology company.
