Director of Manufacturing - Velo3D

The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing all manufacturing operations, including additive production, post-processing, materials management, quality control, maintenance, and continuous improvement. This role will build and optimize scalable processes, drive operational excellence, ensure regulatory and audit readiness, and lead the transition from prototype to full production. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-growth, fast-paced environment, and brings deep experience in additive manufacturing, operational scaling, and team leadership.

Manufacturing Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy aligned with company goals, customer requirements, and public-company operational expectations.
• Lead day-to-day operations across additive printing, post-processing, machining, finishing, and assembly.
• Build capacity models, production plans, and operating metrics to support revenue growth and product expansion.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, and Program Management.

Additive Manufacturing Operations

• Oversee production across metal and/or polymer AM technologies (e.g., SLS, MJF, DMLS/SLM, FDM, SLA).
• Ensure machine uptime, print quality, and process stability through robust preventive maintenance and calibration programs.
• Implement Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) feedback loops with Engineering.

People Leadership

• Manage and mentor a growing team of supervisors, technicians, operators, and support staff.
• Develop a high-performance team culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead workforce planning, hiring, and training programs to support scale.

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Partner closely with Quality to maintain manufacturing readiness for audits, certifications, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, FDA/medical standards as applicable).
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, documentation, and lot/material traceability protocols.
• Champion a strong safety culture and lead site EHS initiatives.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies.
• Optimize workflows, material flow, and facility layout for efficiency and scalability.
• Establish KPIs for throughput, OEE, scrap rates, cost per part, and scheduling accuracy.
• Manage production budgets and contribute to forecasting for capital equipment, staffing, and operational costs.

Technology & Equipment Management

• Evaluate and implement new AM technologies, software, automation tools, and post-processing equipment.
• Oversee capital equipment acquisitions and the commissioning of new systems.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or related field.

10+ years of manufacturing experience, including 5+ years in additive manufacturing.

Proven experience scaling manufacturing operations in a high-growth environment.

Strong understanding of AM processes, materials, machine operation, and post-processing.

Experience with ISO/AS quality systems and public-company operational rigor (documentation, controls, audits).

Demonstrated leadership of multi-functional manufacturing teams.

Experience with Lean/CI tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM, root-cause analysis).

Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, medical device, or industrial manufacturing regulated environments.
• Master’s degree (MBA or technical field).
• Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems (e.g., NetSuite, Odoo, Epicor, Dynamics).