Continuous Improvement Engineer

Velo3D

Job Location:

Fremont, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 85000 - 130000

Posted on: 18 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Position Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Engineer Additive Manufacturing drives systematic waste elimination and process excellence across the AM value stream. Using Lean methodologies this role partners with operations quality and design engineering to identify root causes reduce cycle time and scrap stabilize build processes and build a culture of continuous improvement on the production floor. The ideal candidate combines hands-on knowledge of additive manufacturing processes with structured problem-solving discipline and the communication skills to lead cross-functional kaizen activity.

Responsibilities

Lean & Waste Elimination

Lead value stream mapping (VSM) exercises across AM production to identify and prioritize waste including overproduction wait time transport motion over-processing defects and underutilized talent.
Facilitate kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops targeting throughput first-pass yield and setup/changeover time reduction.
Develop and maintain standard work documentation (SOPs work instructions visual aids) that lock in gains and support operator consistency.
Drive 5S implementation and sustainment across AM work cells; establish audit rhythms and visual management systems.
Own CI project pipeline intake prioritization chartering execution and results verification with clear ROI tracking.

Process Stabilization & Build Quality

Analyze build failure data non-conformances and scrap trends to identify systemic issues; lead structured root cause analysis (RCA) using A3 5-Why and fishbone tools.
Collaborate with AM process engineers to establish and maintain process parameter baselines ensuring builds run to proven recipes with minimal variation.
Support post-process improvement initiatives including heat treatment finishing inspection and part qualification workflows.
Champion mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions that reduce operator error and build-to-build variation.

Metrics & Performance Management

Define track and report key CI metrics: OEE first-pass yield scrap rate cycle time on-time delivery and cost per part.
Develop and maintain visual performance boards (physical or digital) at the cell level to enable daily accountability conversations.
Establish baseline measurements before improvement initiatives and validate sustained results post-implementation.
Present project status results and CI pipeline health to operations leadership on a regular cadence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with quality engineers to integrate CI work with the quality management system (QMS) CAPA processes and corrective action tracking.
Engage with design and applications engineering to provide DfAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing) feedback that reduces downstream production complexity.
Mentor operators and technicians on Lean fundamentals standard work adherence and problem-solving tools; build floor-level CI capability over time.
Coordinate with supply chain and procurement on supplier quality issues that create variation or waste in the AM process.

Qualifications

Required

38 years of experience in manufacturing engineering industrial engineering or a CI/Lean role in a production environment.
Demonstrated hands-on experience applying Lean tools: 5S standard work VSM kaizen facilitation visual management and root cause analysis.
Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes (FDM SLA SLS DMLS or equivalent) either through direct work experience or formal training.
Proficiency in data analysis using Excel Minitab or similar tools; ability to build and interpret control charts Pareto analyses and run charts.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present CI project results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Industrial Engineering Manufacturing Engineering or a related technical field or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred

Lean certification (Lean Bronze Lean Practitioner) or Six Sigma Green Belt.
Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (AS9100 ISO 9001 or equivalent).
Exposure to additive post-processing quality inspection (CMM CT scanning optical) or materials qualification workflows.
Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and build data traceability in an AM context.
Experience leading kaizen events as a facilitator not just a participant.

About the Company:

Velo Velo3D Sapphire and Intelligent Fusion are registered trademarks of Velo3D Inc. Without Compromise Flow Flow Developer and Assure are trademarks of Velo3D Inc.

With the only SupportFree laser powder bed fusion capability we enable on-demand manufacturing of production quality Titanium Inconel and Aluminum parts with an unprecedented degree of design freedom and quality control. The VELO3Daward-winning solution includes an integrated offering of hardware and software: Sapphire metal AM production printer Flow print preparation software Assure quality assurance and control system and an integrated manufacturing process that runs throughout the printing operation.

Our team enjoys excellent benefits including healthcare coverage and 401(K) employer contributions. We believe in transparency and recognizing exceptional efforts through our monthly all-hands meetings and team member appreciation awards.

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The starting base salary for this full-time position is between $85000 and $130000. This salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this position in the U.S. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors such as work experience job-related skills related education work location and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the addition to a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package this position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and equity program as applicable.

Velo3D provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race color religion age sex national origin disability medical condition genetic information military or veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Required Experience:

Position Summary:The Continuous Improvement Engineer Additive Manufacturing drives systematic waste elimination and process excellence across the AM value stream. Using Lean methodologies this role partners with operations quality and design engineering to identify root causes reduce cycle time and...