Additive Manufacturing Process Qualification & Supplier Development Lead Engineer

Job Purpose

The AM Process Qualification and Production Industrialization Technical Lead will serve as Honda’s technical authority for metal LPBF equipment and processes and translate that expertise into practical qualification requirements for aerospace components.

The role will use those requirements to evaluate, develop, and technically guide in-house and external manufacturing sources toward stable, repeatable, and production-capable AM processes.

Following qualification, the position will lead to establish the actual production process by translating qualified conditions into robust manufacturing methods, equipment and process controls and requirements, and standard operating procedures. The role will continue to provide technical leadership for production ramp-up, process stabilization, significant changes, and AM-related issues, working with Quality Assurance and Parts Quality while retaining clear ownership of AM equipment, process capability, and manufacturing-technology decisions.

Key Accountabilities

[LPBF Equipment & Process Technical Expertise]

• Maintain deep, practical expertise in LPBF equipment and processes, including machine operation, calibration, maintenance, process parameters, powder behavior, build preparation, monitoring, and post-processing, and understand how these factors interact to affect process repeatability and part quality
• Lead or direct process development, DOE, engineering trials, data analysis, and root-cause investigation for AM equipment and process issues
• Maintain sufficient in-house capability to independently assess manufacturing-source proposals, trial results, process limitations, and technical risks

[AM Qualification Requirements & Technical Evaluation]

• Convert LPBF equipment and process knowledge into clear qualification requirements, test methods, and acceptance criteria
• Define the technical content of machine and process qualification, including parameter control, equipment condition, powder/build controls, process repeatability, and production demonstration
• Review qualification plans and results, identify technical gaps, and make recommendations on readiness for the next development, qualification, or production stage
• Partner with Quality Assurance, Parts Quality, Materials, Design, and Certification while leading decisions related to AM equipment performance, process capability, and technical qualification adequacy

Key Accountabilities Cont.

[Manufacturing Source Technical Development & Production Process Establishment]

• Evaluate and develop the AM technical capability of in-house and external manufacturing sources, including equipment, process control, troubleshooting capability, technical staffing, and ability to sustain repeatable production
• Translate qualified process conditions into a practical production process, including build preparation, equipment verification, parameter and powder controls, monitoring, post-processing interfaces, technical work requirements, and reaction plans
• Provide technical direction during production planning, pilot builds, production ramp-up, and process stabilization to close capability gaps and achieve repeatable quality, yield, throughput, and cost performance
• Assess whether equipment, process, material, software, or production changes could affect the qualified AM process and require technical verification or requalification
• Apply lessons learned and proven methods to future parts, machines, materials, and manufacturing sources

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Minimum Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience

Minimum Experience

Must-Have

• 5+ years of relevant experience in metal LPBF process development, AM machine and process qualification,manufacturing source development and production process establishment
• Strong hands-on experience with production metal LPBF equipment, including machine setup, calibration or verification, parameter development, powder handling, build execution, troubleshooting, and maintenance-related process impacts
• Demonstrated ability to analyse AM process data and failures and identify effective technical countermeasures

Preferred

• Working knowledge of AMS 7003, AMS 7032, aerospace material/process qualification, or comparable controlled-manufacturing requirements
• Experience with production LPBF systems, including multi-laser platforms such as EOS M400-4, or comparable equipment

Other Job-Specific Skills

Must-Have

• Ability to maintain a safe, clean, and controlled AM work environment
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T, tolerances, and manufacturability considerations
• Strong practical engineering skills and the ability to independently perform hands‑on work on technical work
• Ability to organize and execute technical projects, track schedules, and contribute to issue resolution across cross-functional teams
• Ability to write clear, structured engineering documents and communicate technical content effectively
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain detailed records, and ensure appropriate process traceability
• Effective communication and collaboration across international and cross-functional teams

Preferred

Knowledge of aerospace quality frameworks (i.e. AS9100) or AM certification concepts (i.e. Regulatoryguidance: AC35.15-3 for FAA, CM-S-008 for EASA etc.)

Working Conditions

• Work includes office, laboratory, and manufacturing-floor activities in controlled AM environments
• Required PPE and metal-powder safety practices must be followed
• Domestic and international travel and meetings with global teams are expected based on project needs
• Ability to lift more than 25 lbs. and limited overtime may be required