Imagine building a part for the fastest jet engine, a dental implant, and a custom prosthetic, all in the same room, on the same day, with almost no waste. That’s not science; that’s additive manufacturing, best known as 3D printing. And it’s not just evolving; it’s accelerating, fast!
The global 3D printing marketplace is projected to grow more than 23% annually through 2030. However, machines are getting faster and materials are becoming more advanced, but there’s one element that’s still catching up: talent.
At AllSTEM, we’re seeing a shift. Not just in what’s being made, but in who’s needed to make it. Here are five keys to understanding how 3D printing is reshaping the workforce, and what it means for employers navigating this next frontier.
3D Printing Isn’t Just for Prototypes Anymore
Once reserved for early-stage design and testing, additive manufacturing is now being used for end-use parts in aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and beyond. That means the stakes are higher, and so is the need for precision, compliance, and repeatability.
This shift demands engineers who understand not just CAD software, but also materials science, thermal dynamics, and quality assurance. It’s not just about printing. It’s about performance.
The Talent Is Highly Specialized and in Short Supply
3D printing engineers are a rare breed. They blend mechanical engineering with software fluency, design thinking, and hands-on production experience. Many are self-taught or come from adjacent fields like robotics or biomedical engineering.
Finding them isn’t easy. Keeping them is even harder. That’s why companies are rethinking how they attract, train, and retain this niche talent pool.
The Tech Is Evolving Faster Than Job Titles
In traditional manufacturing, roles are well-defined. Additionally, they’re still emerging and evolving. Job descriptions often lag behind the actual work being done. One engineer might be responsible for design, machine calibration, post-processing, and testing all in a day’s work.
This fluidity requires flexible hiring strategies and a willingness to invest in cross-training and upskilling.
Collaboration Is the New Core Skill
3D printing doesn’t live in a silo. It touches on R&D, production, procurement, and even marketing, all in one scope. The best additive engineers aren’t just technical, they’re communicators. They translate complex specs into real-world outcomes and work across teams to bring ideas to life. In this space, soft skills are hard currency.
The Future Is Strategically Layered; Literally
Additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer, not brick by brick, like in yesteryear. But building a workforce to support it? Now, that takes layers, too. Layers of strategy, support, and foresight.
3D Printing is more about preparing for tomorrow’s breakthroughs than today’s mechanical needs. That means partnering with talent providers who understand the space, the stakes, and the speed of change.
At AllSTEM, we believe the future of manufacturing is additive and so is the future of talent. If you’re exploring how to scale your 3D printing capabilities, we’d love to help you think through the workforce side of the equation.
Let’s build what’s next; one layer at a time.
For more insights, visit http://www.allstemconnections.com.
