Director, Product Development Engineering (CNC Machining)

The posting, as Vulcanforms wrote it

About Us
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 Purpose
As the Director, Product Development Engineering (CNC Machining) at VulcanForms, you will serve as the strategic technical executive responsible for leading, scaling, and unifying our medical device product development engineering organization for precision subtractive manufacturing. In this high-visibility role, you will architect the overarching engineering strategy for multi-axis CNC machining platforms (5-axis milling, Swiss turning, EDM), advanced CAM workflows, fixture design, and post-processing integration specifically tailored for high-consequence medical device applications. Products in this portfolio are manufactured through laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), with CNC machining performed on 3D-printed, near-net-shape substrates to achieve final geometry, tolerances, and surface finish. You will own the phase-gated pathway from medical device design input through process validation and a formal handover to Operations for full-rate serial production—translating customer requirements into scalable engineering frameworks that set industry standards for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, system reliability, and yield across our commercial medical programs. You will manage and grow a multidisciplinary team of senior, principal, and product development engineers while acting as a key technical authority across hardware, software, tooling, quality, and operations. By establishing rigorous engineering governance, driving Design for Manufacturability (DFM) methodologies, building robust inspection strategies, optimizing manufacturing workflows, and expanding customer technical partnerships, you will ensure VulcanForms delivers production-ready, implantable, and surgical-grade components for our most strategic medical device customers.
Key Responsibilities

• Executive Engineering Leadership & Strategy: Define and execute the long-term roadmap for medical device product development engineering for subtractive (CNC) manufacturing, from customer design inp

[…]
ations for full-rate serial production, under ISO 13485 and 21 CFR 820.

• Strong expertise in manufacturing workflow optimization (lean, value stream mapping, cycle-time and setup reduction) and integrated manufacturing workflows, including hybrid manufacturing (additive-to-subtractive workflows), passivation, electropolishing, cleanroom packaging, and non-destructive testing (NDT).
• Practical, hands-on manufacturing skills, including medical device cleaning and cleaning validation, cleanroom packaging and sterile barrier systems, and QC inspection (receiving, in-process, and final inspection using CMM, optical comparators, and manual gauging), with the ability to work directly on the shop floor alongside technicians and operators.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience building or scaling product development or application engineering departments within high-growth medical device or advanced manufacturing technology companies.
• Experience processing 3D-printed metal substrates (e.g., LPBF parts), including datum establishment on as-built geometry, support removal, stock allowance management, and machining of near-net-shape features.
• Experience with enterprise-level CAD/CAM software, machining simulation tools, and digital manufacturing suites (e.g., Siemens NX CAM, Mastercam, Esprit, Vericut).
• Hands-on familiarity with medical-grade materials (Titanium Ti-6Al-4V ELI, CoCr, Stainless Steel 316L/17-4PH, PEEK) and associated cutting tool physics/coolant delivery methodologies.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Black Belt credentials.

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 $176,000 to $242,000