Velo3D, Inc.
Additive Manufacturing
ContinuousImprovementEngineer
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid candidates.
“Continuous Improvement Engineer at Velo3D, Inc.. Skills: Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing Processes, Root Cause Analysis, Data Analysis. Drive systematic waste elimination and process excellence across the AM value stream.. Identify root causes, reduce cycle time and scrap, stabilize build processes.”
What You'll Achieve.
Systematic waste elimination; Process excellence; Reduced cycle time; Reduced scrap; Stabilized build processes; Improved first-pass yield; Reduced setup/changeover time; Operator consistency; Reduced operator error; Reduced build-to-build variation; Key CI metrics: OEE, first-pass yield, scrap rate, cycle time, on-time delivery, and cost per part
Industry & Context.
Structured problem-solving discipline; Identify root causes; Root cause analysis (RCA) using A3, 5-Why, and fishbone tools; Analyze build failure data, non-conformances, and scrap trends to identify systemic issues
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
3–8 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 ability to build and interpret control charts, Pareto analyses, and run charts., written and verbal communication able to present CI project results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences., Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field — or equivalent practical experience.
Nice to Have
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.
What You'll Do.
Drive systematic waste elimination and process excellence across the AM value stream.
reduce cycle time and scrap
stabilize build processes.
Build a culture of continuous improvement on the production floor.
Lead value stream mapping (VSM) exercises across AM production.
Facilitate kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops.
Develop and maintain standard work documentation.
Drive 5S implementation and sustainment.
Manage CI project pipeline — intake
and results verification.
Analyze build failure data
Establish and maintain process parameter baselines.
Support post-process improvement initiatives.
Champion mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions.
and report key CI metrics.
Develop and maintain visual performance boards.
Establish baseline measurements and validate sustained results.
Present project status
and CI pipeline health to operations leadership.
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Partner with operations, quality, and design engineering to identify root causes, reduce cycle time and scrap, stabilize build processes.; Collaborate with AM process engineers to establish and maintain process parameter baselines.; Support post-process improvement initiatives including heat treatment, finishing, inspection, and part qualification workflows.; 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.; Coordinate with supply chain and procurement on supplier quality issues.
Communication Scope
Written and verbal communication; Present CI project results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences; Present project status, results, and CI pipeline health to operations leadership on a regular cadence
Process & Methodology
CI project pipeline management (intake, prioritization, chartering, execution, and results verification), ROI tracking, Project status reporting, Results verification
Full Job Description
## Description 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 &
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