Director, Manufacturing Development Engineering (Additive Manufacturing)

TL;DR

Director, Manufacturing Development Engineering (Additive Manufacturing): Leading the productionization of advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing (LPBF), and automation systems from prototype to full-rate production with an accent on scalable industrialization and operational scalability. Focus on driving manufacturing readiness, optimizing OEE and throughput, and managing the deployment of complex capital equipment across the DAPS ecosystem.

Location: On-site in Torrance, California, United States. Candidate must be able to lawfully access information subject to US export controls.

Salary: $201,940 - $277,660 USD

Company

Divergent is a technology company utilizing machine learning and additive manufacturing to revolutionize vehicle structure production for automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors.

What you will do

• Lead the Manufacturing Development Engineering organization supporting LPBF systems, automation equipment, and advanced manufacturing modules.
• Drive the productionization of advanced manufacturing systems from proof of concept through pilot, commissioning, and manufacturing at rate.
• Develop scalable manufacturing processes, tooling, documentation, and operational standards to support factory growth.
• Partner cross-functionally with hardware design, software engineering, and supply chain teams to improve manufacturability and uptime.
• Own manufacturing engineering KPIs including build rate, throughput, OEE, first-pass yield, and downtime reduction.
• Lead organizational planning, including hiring, mentorship, and team development.

Requirements

• Lawful access to information subject to US export controls is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or capital equipment development.
• 4+ years of engineering leadership experience in fast-paced production environments.
• Proven experience productionizing complex electromechanical systems from prototype to rate.
• Strong background in DFM, RCCA, tooling, commissioning, and production ramp activities.

Nice to have

• Experience with LPBF additive manufacturing systems, robotics, or capital equipment.
• Proficiency with NX CAD, Teamcenter PLM, and MES.
• Experience supporting factory scale-up, replication, or multi-site manufacturing deployment.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package including competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary incentive bonuses.
• Full health and wellness benefits with HMO and Premium PPO options, plus company-sponsored life and disability insurance.
• Generous time off including paid vacation, sick time, parental leave, and a year-end company shutdown.
• Investment in professional growth through reimbursement for learning and development initiatives.
• Collaborative, high-performing, and mission-driven environment focused on disrupting traditional manufacturing.