Learn About These Top Careers in 3D Printing
3D printing is no longer solely the realm of hobbyists. Learn about these top careers in 3D printing to find out about jobs in additive manufacturing.
When 3D printing first became widely known, the general public tended to regard it as a hobby—something for tech nerds and artists to play with but not something you could do for a living. But when you learn about these top careers in 3D printing, you’ll gain a new perspective on the possibilities of additive manufacturing.
Applications That Use 3D Printing
Medical Devices
Medical schools use 3D simulations to train doctors. Now, however, medical device manufacturers use 3D printing to make implantable devices, prostheses, and new drug delivery systems. Biomedical engineers are adding 3D modeling and design skills to their resumés to land jobs in research and development and medical device manufacturing.
CAD Coding and Software
Most 3D printing design is done with software developed by 3D software engineers. As more industries and businesses adopt 3D printing as part of their manufacturing or assembly processes, workers may need to begin using custom software to keep their operations running smoothly.
3D modeling is a career in itself; simply knowing how to use current modeling software to produce innovative designs is a skill that will enhance any resumé.
Cars
The automotive industry is the top industrial user of 3D printing technology. From passenger sedans to racecars, automakers are using 3D-printed parts to create sleek, lightweight designs in conventional and electric vehicles.
New and Surprising Needs for 3D Printing Knowledge
Fashion
Jewelry, belt buckles, costume pieces, and even entire outfits can be envisioned using 3D printing technology. Fashion designers can use inexpensive 3D printing filaments to test designs before creating them in more expensive metals or fabrics. While computer-assisted design helps envision new styles on a screen, 3D printing makes them tangible and touchable, enabling designers to adjust the scale, complexity, or detailing of their ideas.
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Law
In the hobby world, makers freely share their 3D models for things like keychains, coin purses, or toys. But in business and industry, designs are protected as valuable intellectual property. Attorneys who specialize in copyrights, trademarks, and patents will be needed as additive manufacturing continues to grow.
Estimates from market researchers have the 3D printing industry growing from around 14 billion to nearly 60 billion by 2030.
Architecture
Models created with 3D printing have long been a feature of architectural design. Now, however, architects can oversee the construction of homes using 3D technology developed specifically to support the building of houses and commercial structures. Huge 3D printing machines can create entire houses of concrete in a matter of hours.
People who aspire to careers that use 3D printing skills and knowledge should become familiar with different types of 3D printing materials and software. Education in mechanical, biomedical, software, and materials engineering is valuable to additive manufacturing employers. Professional careers in law, architecture, or medicine also get a boost from 3D printing knowledge. If you’re creative, curious, and interested in continuous improvement, learning about top careers in 3D printing might be right for you.
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
