About the Role

The A*STAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) is seeking a highly motivated, independent, and innovative Research Engineer to join the Additive Innovation Centre (AIC). Hosted within A*STAR SIMTech and supported by the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC), AIC serves as an A*STAR hub for advancing additive manufacturing (AM) technologies from research to industrial deployment.

This role is for an engineer passionate about product design, Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), and metal additive manufacturing. The successful candidate will work closely with industry partners and multi-disciplinary research teams to develop innovative AM solutions from concept design through manufacturing and validation, with a primary focus on Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF).

Key Responsibilities

The Research Engineer will support and/or lead R&D projects at AIC, with a technical focus on metal laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF).

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the technical design scope for customer and industry projects, translating functional requirements into manufacturable additive manufacturing solutions.
• Develop product designs from concept generation through detailed CAD models and production-ready engineering drawings.
• Prepare, review, and approve engineering drawings, technical documentation, and manufacturing specifications to ensure quality and compliance with engineering standards.
• Apply Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles to optimise components for weight reduction, functionality, manufacturability, cost, and build efficiency.
• Perform design optimisation using topology optimisation, lattice structures, finite element analysis (FEA), and structural/load simulations where appropriate.
• Develop AM build strategies, including part orientation, nesting, support generation, distortion mitigation, and process parameter considerations.
• Ensure designs comply with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), dimensional requirements, and downstream manufacturing and inspection processes.
• Hands-on preparation, operation, monitoring, and unpacking of additive manufacturing systems.
• Designing and executing experimental matrices to develop robust, consistent, and reliable AM processes (printing) for various materials and complex geometries.
• Conducting dimensional inspection, materials characterization, mechanical testing, and other relevant functional evaluations.
• Coordinating post-processing activities to deliver end-to-end AM solutions for 3D-printed components.
• Analysing experimental results and documenting findings through technical reports and presentation materials.
• Working closely with cross-functional project teams to support project execution and technology translation.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, including design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), CAD-based modelling, and fusion- or sinter-based AM processes; knowledge of metallurgy is an added advantage
• Strong understanding and practical application of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles for component optimisation, manufacturability, and process planning.
• Proficient in 3D CAD software (preferably SolidWorks) for part and assembly design, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Good knowledge of engineering drawings, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance stack-up analysis, and engineering design best practices.
• Experience with additive manufacturing build preparation software such as Materialise Magics, 3DXpert, or equivalent, including build orientation, nesting, support generation, and process planning.
• Familiarity with design optimisation techniques, including topology optimisation, lattice structure design, and finite element analysis (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation), is an advantage.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, particularly metal additive manufacturing (Laser Powder Bed Fusion preferred), machining, heat treatment, inspection, and post-processing.
• Preferably 3 years of industry experience in additive manufacturing with a good understanding of the local AM landscape; fresh graduates with strong aptitude and hands-on experience are welcome to apply.
• Strong practical and experimental skills, with the ability to work independently in a laboratory environment.
• Diligent, proactive, and positive work attitude.
• Good communication, technical writing, and presentation skills.