Founded in 2015 to develop the world’s first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting-edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship. Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.
Job PurposeAs a Sr. Manufacturing Development Engineer - Equipment, you will serve as a primary technical driver for the deployment, commissioning, and operational stability of VulcanForms’ industrial hardware infrastructure. You will own the technical execution of taking complex manufacturing equipment from initial unboxing and facility integration through strict installation and operational qualifications. This role spans a diverse and advanced asset matrix, including industrial post-processing, automation, and metal additive systems, requiring a proactive problem-solver who can ensure our machinery runs reliably in a 24/7 production environment.
Key Responsibilities- Equipment Commissioning & Validation: Lead the end-to-end deployment, site integration, and qualification (IQ/OQ/SAT) of diverse industrial manufacturing equipment matrices (including but not limited to: EOS Metal 3D Printers, Vacuum/Atmosphere Heat Treatment Furnaces, Solukon Depowdering systems, Wire EDM, Build Plate Resurfacing/Milling machinery, and industrial Clean lines).
- Vendor & OEM Interface: Act as the primary technical point of contact for external equipment manufacturers and rigging teams, managing delivery timelines, technical installation requirements, and troubleshooting major hardware anomalies.
- Hardware Stability & Optimization: Define, monitor, and improve equipment-level performance metrics, driving initiatives to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and Uptime while minimizing MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and MTTR (Mean Time To Repair).
- Documentation & Standards: Author standard operating procedures (SOPs), equipment preventative maintenance schedules, and clear facility integration logs to ensure seamless handoffs to the production operations and maintenance teams.
- Cross-Functional Execution: Collaborate closely with Facilities, EHS, Quality, and Process Engineering teams to ensure new equipment modules safely integrate into factory floor layouts and enterprise data/SCADA networks.
- Experience: 5+ years of progressive engineering experience managing complex equipment deployment, factory automation, or industrial machinery integration within a high-stakes manufacturing environment.
- Validation Track Record: Documented experience executing formal equipment qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and mechanical troubleshooting frameworks.
- Technical Versatility: Hands-on familiarity with at least two major industrial equipment categories (e.g., CNC/EDM machining, vacuum/fluid/pneumatic systems, high-temperature thermal systems, robotic automation, or industrial chemical/clean processing).
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Communication: Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to manage vendor relationships and clearly report machine readiness metrics to leadership.
VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.
The annual base salary range for this position is $106,000 to $171,000.
Skills Required
- 5+ years progressive engineering experience managing complex equipment deployment, factory automation, or industrial machinery integration in a manufacturing environment.
- Documented experience executing formal equipment qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and mechanical troubleshooting frameworks.
- Hands-on familiarity with at least two major industrial equipment categories (examples: CNC/EDM machining, vacuum/fluid/pneumatic systems, high-temperature thermal systems, robotic automation, industrial chemical/clean processing).
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Strong project management and communication skills to manage vendor relationships and report machine readiness metrics to leadership.
What We Do
VulcanForms builds and operates advanced digital manufacturing infrastructure that enables the world's critical industries to innovate, grow, and deliver sustainable impact. A MIT-born company, VulcanForms has invented and commercialized the world’s first industrially scalable metal additive manufacturing (AM) solution and pioneered integrated digital production systems. Combining breakthrough technologies in additive and subtractive manufacturing, industrial automation, digital thread and engineering expertise, the company serves leading medical, defense, aerospace, and semiconductor companies, producing precision components and assemblies. For more information, visit www.vulcanforms.com.
