VP of Additive Manufacturing – Medical Device Innovator | Boston, MA

Are you an experienced leader in additive manufacturing with a strong track record of driving innovation and scaling production? Do you have deep expertise in 3D printing technologies, particularly within the highly regulated medical device industry? If you are energized by building teams, advancing technical processes, and accelerating product-to-market strategies, this Vice President of Additive Manufacturing opportunity with a cutting-edge medical device innovator in Boston, MA may be your next strategic career move.

Lead the Future of Medical Device Production Through Advanced 3D Printing Innovation

Our client—an advanced medical technology company at the forefront of personalized healthcare—is seeking an exceptional VP of Additive Manufacturing. This visionary role will lead end-to-end additive manufacturing strategy, operations, regulatory alignment, and commercialization of next-generation 3D-printed medical devices. This is your chance to shape the future of personalized implants, procedure-assisting surgical tools, and device components that improve patient outcomes and save lives.

Drive Additive Manufacturing Transformation and Innovation in the Medical Device Industry

Our client is expanding rapidly and investing heavily in additive manufacturing as a core strategic pillar of its product development roadmap. The VP of Additive Manufacturing will lead the charge in scaling internal AM capabilities, optimizing production workflows, and integrating new materials and manufacturing techniques that improve quality, speed, reliability, and cost efficiency.

This position provides the unique opportunity to:

Own the entire additive manufacturing function from strategy to execution
Build and mentor a best-in-class AM engineering and operations team
Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, quality, regulatory, product, sourcing, and commercialization
Influence strategic business decisions and shape the future direction of AM for the company

This is not just another leadership role—it is a pivotal position that will define the organization’s competitive advantage and disrupt the industry’s conventional manufacturing standards.

Key Responsibilities of the VP of Additive Manufacturing – Boston, MA

Strategic Leadership & Operational Ownership

Develop and execute the long-term additive manufacturing strategy aligned with corporate innovation, supply chain, and commercialization goals.
Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging AM technologies and best practices, ensuring the company remains ahead of industry advancements.
Partner directly with executive leadership to drive AM-based business initiatives and revenue growth.

Team Building & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lead, mentor, and expand the AM and advanced manufacturing team, including engineers, technicians, and production specialists.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Build strong relationships across product, engineering, R&D, quality, regulatory, and operations teams.

Process Development & Technology Optimization

Own process development from prototype iteration to scalable manufacturing.
Implement Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles to streamline engineering workflows.
Drive process validation, machine qualification, and production documentation.

Regulatory, Quality, and Compliance Leadership

Ensure AM processes, materials, and documentation meet all FDA, ISO 13485, and medical device quality compliance requirements.
Work with regulatory teams to support submissions, audits, and approvals.

Material, Machine & Facility Ownership

Select, justify, and manage capital investments in AM equipment, systems, software, and facilities.
Develop relationships with equipment suppliers, external AM partners, and material technology providers.

Cost Optimization & Efficiency Improvement

Lead cost-reduction initiatives through process automation, material selection, throughput optimization, and vendor negotiations.
Track KPIs related to yield, cycle time, cost per part, and operational performance.

Commercialization & Product Launch Support

Partner with product management and marketing to support product launch readiness and customer adoption.
Ensure AM scaling aligns with market demand and commercialization forecasts.

What the Client is Looking for in You

This role requires a rare combination of technical mastery, executive leadership, regulatory understanding, and entrepreneurial problem-solving. The ideal candidate is a builder, a disruptor, and an industry visionary.

Required Qualifications

10+ years of experience in additive manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a leadership or executive function.
Proven success scaling AM operations for medical devices, implants, surgical tools, or similarly regulated products.
Strong technical expertise with metal and polymer additive systems (SLA, SLM, SLS, DMLS, Binder Jetting, etc.).

Technical & Industry Expertise

Deep understanding of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), lattice design, material science, and AM process validation.
Experience building and managing ISO 13485-compliant or FDA-regulated manufacturing environments.
Strong financial acumen—ability to forecast cost, build a budget, and justify capital expenditures.

Leadership Qualities

You think strategically while executing tactically.
You inspire your team, provide mentorship, and build high-performance cultures.
You thrive in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Exceptional Communication & Influence

Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical executives and stakeholders.
Comfortable leading cross-functional groups and winning buy-in across departments.

FAQs About the VP of Additive Manufacturing – Boston, MA

1. What is the core responsibility of this VP position?

You will architect and scale the company’s entire additive manufacturing ecosystem—from process strategy and equipment selection to team hiring and high-volume production—with full impact on business growth and product innovation.

2. Is this role focused only on prototyping?

No. This position covers both prototype development and full commercialization of 3D-printed medical devices.

3. Will I be managing a team?

Yes. You will lead, hire, and scale an engineering and operations team responsible for AM programs, production readiness, and performance.

4. Does this role require hands-on involvement with AM equipment?

Yes. While this is an executive role, strong technical credibility is required. You will evaluate machines, materials, workflows, and troubleshooting when necessary.

5. What opportunities for growth exist within the organization?

This role reports directly to executive leadership and has visibility at the board level. Performance excellence can lead to expanded responsibilities or advancement into a Chief Manufacturing or Technology Officer role.

6. Is relocation support offered?

Yes—relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

7. Does the company support R&D and innovation?

Absolutely. Innovation is a core part of their value proposition, and significant resources are allocated to R&D, material exploration, and new AM technology adoption.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

Compensation is designed to attract the highest-caliber AM leader in the medical device sector and may include:

1. Base Salary

Competitive and commensurate with AM leadership experience:
$180,000 – $240,000 annually

2. Annual Performance Bonuses

Bonus incentives (up to 30%) tied to measurable KPIs such as:

Manufacturing throughput
Yield improvement
Product launch success

3. Long-Term Incentives / Equity Participation

As a strategic executive role, equity and stock options may be included, aligning compensation with company growth.

4. Benefits & Coverage

Medical, vision, and dental insurance
Life and disability coverage
Flexible spending account (FSA) or HSA options

5. Retirement Benefits

401(k) matching available
Financial planning support

6. Paid Time Off (PTO)

Generous PTO, sick leave, paid company holidays.

7. Relocation & Travel Support

Relocation may be provided for the right candidate.

8. Professional Development

Budget allocated for:

Continuing education
Advanced certification
Conference and industry summit participation

Total compensation package value: $220,000 – $300,000+ potential earnings annually.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced additive manufacturing leader and ready to shape the future of personalized medicine, we want to speak with you.

Submit your updated resume and a brief cover letter highlighting:

Your AM leadership experience
Scale and complexity of operations you’ve led
Your impact on innovation, cost reduction, and production throughput

Our team at JRG Partners specializes in placing top executives across advanced manufacturing industries, including as a 3D Printed Medical Devices Executive Search Firm.

Take the next step in your career and lead a transformational shift in modern medical manufacturing.

Tags

Job Category: medical device innovator

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Boston

VP of Additive Manufacturing – Medical Device Innovator – Boston, MA