As the market for 3D printing grows exponentially each year, so does the demand for those who are professionally-trained in developing three-dimensional objects outside of iPad apps and cookie cutter mesh-mixers.
The number of job ads alone that require additive manufacturing and 3D printing skills has increased 1,834% in the last four years and over 103% in the last year alone from August 2013 to August 2014.
While a number of these jobs could be traced back to companies based in the 3D printing sector, there are still companies ranging from architecture firms to auto tuning shops that have adopted additive manufacturing methods into their workflow or list of services.
“3D printing and additive manufacturing skills were most sought after in engineering jobs, representing 35% of these ads posted over the past 30 days.”
Said Engineering.com in their job report.
“Other occupational categories that also required candidates with this skill set were IT and management.”
Most In-Demand 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Jobs
- Industrial Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Software Developers, Applications
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
- Marketing Managers
The following industries were the most in-demand:
- Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
- Tire and Tube Merchant Wholesalers
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Aluminum Sheet, Plate, and Foil Manufacturing
While professional engineers and designers are used to using additive manufacturing methods as a way of supporting another manufacturing method (or methods), it will be interesting to see how the additive manufacturing-specific job market ends up shaping the job market in the next 5-10 years.
