The Job Roles Emerging With Additive Manufacturing

Not long ago, one engineer could take an additive manufacturing project from design file to finished part. That’s changed. As the technology has scaled, so has the number of people it takes to run it and the range of skills required at each step. Some of these roles were rarely defined as separate positions a decade ago. Others have evolved so much they have little in common with their traditional counterparts.

Looking at these positions offers another way to understand how the industry itself is maturing. Below, we explore several key technical roles that have emerged alongside the growth of industrial 3D printing.

Design for Additive Manufacturing Specialist

Designing a part for 3D printing is not the same as designing it for machining or injection molding. This crucial step in the additive manufacturing workflow requires new skills, so much so that it is now commonly referred to as Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM). As a result, it calls for specialized profiles. Companies are increasingly looking for candidates who understand the specific design constraints of additive manufacturing. What rules should be followed? What key factors need to be considered when designing a part?