Operations Manager - Additive Manufacturing

Job Description

CoAspire ( is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over thirteen years of a legacy of innovation, we're at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight-knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work-life balance come first. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission-critical technology!

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Position: You will serve as the on-site Operations Manager responsible for oversight and leadership of additive manufacturing technicians, operators, and related production roles. This role monitors daily additive manufacturing operations - including machine setup and operation, build preparation, post-processing, inspection, and throughput - while ensuring schedule adherence, regulatory compliance, and the highest standards of safety and quality in a defense manufacturing environment. You will provide clear direction, documentation, reporting, and team leadership to deliver mission-critical components.

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Responsibilities:

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• Provide day-to-day management of all additive manufacturing operations and personnel.
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• Follow programmatic schedules and monitor resources to ensure cost, timeline, and technical performance align with company and customer requirements.
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• Participate in programmatic reviews and drive process improvements as additive manufacturing capabilities mature.
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• Oversee compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including routine audits, inspections, and adherence to company and customer specifications.
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• Facilitate regular stakeholder communications to track production milestones and resolve operational challenges.
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• Support and provide necessary documentation for supply chain management, contracting, performance metrics, and production reporting on an as-needed basis.
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• Mentor and develop additive manufacturing technicians and operators, ensuring proper training, work instruction adherence, and continuous skill growth.
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• Coordinate machine utilization, maintenance scheduling (in partnership with maintenance teams), material inventory, and workflow to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
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Qualifications:

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• 8+ years of production supervision experience in manufacturing environments, preferably defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or additive manufacturing.
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• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related field (or equivalent military/DoW experience).
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• Strong skills in production scheduling, metrics tracking, and reporting (e.g., Excel, ERP/MRP systems).
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• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance (or the ability to obtain a clearance).
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• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills in production and/or government-regulated environments.
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• Demonstrated ability to lead teams of technicians and operators in a fast-paced, high-reliability manufacturing setting.
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• Experience with metal additive manufacturing processes and materials
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Desired Skills:

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• Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent military/DoW experience).
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• Hands-on or supervisory experience with additive manufacturing processes (metal or polymer powder-bed fusion, directed energy deposition, or similar).
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• Familiarity with additive manufacturing quality standards, process controls, and post-processing workflows.
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What We Offer:

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Beyond competitive pay, we offer:

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• Full benefits from day one: medical, dental and vision
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• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting
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• PTO and Federal holidays
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This position pays $120,000 -$150,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications.

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Apply now! We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Let's build the future together. No agencies, please.

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