Position Overview

The Post-Processing Manager oversees all downstream operations after metal additive manufacturing, including cleaning, de-powdering, heat treatment/HIP, CNC machining, surface finishing, coating, inspection, and assembly. This role combines operational leadership of the full post-processing workflow with deep technical expertise in CNC machining. The ideal candidate has a strong machining background, proven experience leading a production team, and the ability to integrate traditional machining practices within a hybrid additive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Leadership (Post-Processing Department)

Lead day-to-day operations of the post-processing department, including scheduling, workflow, and resource allocation.
Manage technicians/operators across cleaning, de-powdering, heat treat/HIP, machining, finishing, coating, and inspection.
Develop and maintain SOPs and work instructions for all downstream processes.
Oversee maintenance and calibration of all post-processing equipment, tools, and CNC machinery.
Drive continuous improvement using lean manufacturing principles; identify and resolve bottlenecks to improve throughput and scalability.
Maintain accurate production logs, metrics, and quality documentation; provide regular updates to senior management.
Partner with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure parts meet specification and performance requirements.
Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, AS9100/ISO, and internal safety protocols.
Manage departmental budgets, labor planning, and capital equipment projects.

CNC Machining & Technical Responsibilities

Oversee CNC machining operations that support additive components, including setup, programming review, production, and inspection.
Lead, train, and develop a team of machinists and finishing technicians.
Review and optimize CNC programs, tooling, workholding, and fixturing for efficiency and accuracy (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis equipment).
Partner with additive engineers to define machining strategies for near-net-shape parts and complex geometries.
Support root-cause analysis, scrap reduction, and corrective actions tied to machining and post-processing defects.
Ensure completion of FAIRs, in-process checks, and final inspections aligned with AS9100 requirements.
Maintain equipment reliability through preventive maintenance and operator ownership programs.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent experience.
5+ years of experience in CNC machining, precision machining, additive manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing.
2+ years of supervisory or management experience.
Strong hands-on expertise in CNC machining, including multi-axis machining, GD&T, fixture design, and programming fundamentals (Mastercam/Fanuc preferred).
Familiarity with additive manufacturing workflows and downstream post-processing methods.
Experience with inspection, metrology, FAIRs, and aerospace-quality systems (AS9100, ISO).
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with ERP/MES systems and basic data analysis tools.

Preferred Experience

Machining titanium, Inconel, stainless steels, and aluminum alloys (especially those produced via additive) -- preferred
CNC Programming knowledge
Background in aerospace, firearms components, medical devices, or semiconductor components.
Mechanical aptitude and comfort working in a hands-on shop environment.

You should be proficient in:

GD&T
CNC Tooling
CNC Programming
G-Code
Machine Setups for Production Runs