Manufacturing Process Engineer — Metal Additive Manufacturing

Manufacturing Process Engineer — Metal AM

SwirlX, Inc. | San Diego, CA (On-site / Hybrid) | Full-time

About SwirlX SwirlX builds compact heat exchangers (Vortex M1) for AI data center liquid cooling. We're scaling from prototype to production and need a Process Engineer to own the end-to-end manufacturing flow — from PBF print parameters to brazing, post-processing, and final assembly.

The Role You'll define and optimize how we actually make Vortex M1 at scale. This means writing the process specs, qualifying the print parameters, locking down post-processing (HIP, heat treat, machining, surface finish), and getting yield from prototype-level to production-ready. You'll work directly with the CEO and CTO on every manufacturing decision.

What You'll Do

• Develop and qualify PBF (LPBF) print parameters for 316L SS — layer thickness, laser power, scan strategy, support structures
• Design and validate post-processing flow: depowdering, stress relief, HIP, heat treatment, support removal, surface finishing
• Author Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), PFMEA, and Control Plans for full manufacturing line
• Define DFM (Design for Manufacturing) feedback loop with design team — orientation, supports, build envelope optimization
• Lead process validation runs (IQ / OQ / PQ) and yield improvement campaigns
• Own build farm capacity planning and throughput optimization across multiple machines
• Coordinate with overseas contract manufacturers on tech transfer and process replication
• Drive cost-down initiatives — build time reduction, material utilization, post-processing efficiency

Must-Have

• 5+ years manufacturing / process engineering, ideally aerospace, medical device, or precision components
• Hands-on Metal AM (LPBF / DMLS / EBM) process development experience — EOS, SLM Solutions, Velo3D, Renishaw, or equivalent
• Deep knowledge of post-processing: HIP, heat treatment, CNC machining, surface finishing
• Experience writing process specs, PFMEAs, and control plans
• Comfortable with statistical process control (SPC) and DOE
• Strong written and verbal English; ability to coordinate with overseas partners

Nice-to-Have

• 316L SS or other stainless / Inconel / Ti-6Al-4V parameter development experience
• Familiarity with Materialise Magics and Netfabb
• Heat exchanger or fluid component manufacturing background
• Experience scaling AM operations from R&D to production (5 → 50 → 500 units/month)