Staff Project Manager, Process and Applications Engineering

Job Purpose

The Staff Project Manager will lead and orchestrate complex, cross-functional R&D and development projects within Process and Applications Engineering organization at VulcanForms. This role is responsible for ensuring disciplined execution of internal R&D activities that leverage laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) as a core manufacturing technology.

The position operates at the intersection of process development, materials engineering, DfAM, and application/product engineering, ensuring that innovations are translated into qualified, production-ready solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the planning and execution of a portfolio of process development and application engineering projects, mainly focusing on internal R&D and development projects
• Develop and manage integrated technical project plans spanning process development, materials qualification, application development, and product industrialization, and ensure seamless handoffs from process development to application development to product qualification
• Establish program governance, reporting cadence, and performance tracking
• Partner with Commercial, NPI and Operations team to align the deliverables and timelines between internal R&D activities, NPI programs and production schedules
• Drive adoption of stage-gate (or equivalent) development processes tailored to additive manufacturing workflows
• Implement scalable project management tools and best practices across the organization
• Identify bottlenecks in development workflows and lead continuous improvement initiatives
• Enable faster iteration cycles while maintaining rigor in qualification and documentation
• Provide data-driven insights to support decision-making and strategic trade-offs

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in program/project management within engineering, manufacturing, or R&D environments
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• Background in process development, applications and product development engineering, or advanced manufacturing systems
• Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional development programs with multiple technical stakeholders
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycle, especially in industrial or production environments
• Demonstrated ability to operate in fast-paced, ambiguity-rich environments
• Familiarity with qualification standards in aerospace, defense, medical, or industrial sectors

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with LPBF or metal additive manufacturing technologies
• Experience with digital thread concepts, data-driven manufacturing, or engineering software platforms
• Project Management or equivalent certification

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 $111,500 to $153,000