Aerospace & Defense Additive Manufacturing trends in 2026
What’s to come in 2026 for Aerospace & Defense Additive Manufacturing (AM)?
The Talent Race Is On
Today we look at what’s down the road in 2026 for Additive Manufacturing in Aerospace & Defense.
This article focuses on:
- talent demand
- hot AM roles
- how to remain competitive in a booming hiring market
- how to capitalise on the boom for your career
Market Momentum
Additive manufacturing in aerospace and defense has moved from experimentation to execution.
The market is projected to grow at roughly 18% CAGR this decade, expanding from around $3.3B in 2024 to more than $15B by 2033. Commercial aviation leads adoption, with defense and space close behind.
Prototyping still accounts for roughly 60% of usage, but end-use production parts now represent about 40% and rising. Aerospace and defense already account for nearly 28% of global industrial 3D printer installations. Much of this demand is focused on metal systems, with metals comprising approximately 42% of industrial AM material usage.
The technology is proven. The constraint is talent.
Talent Demand Surge
Growth has translated directly into hiring pressure.
OEMs, defense primes, and specialist AM firms are competing aggressively for experienced engineers and technicians. Larger players are leveraging premium compensation and structured career paths, while smaller firms are competing for the same niche expertise.
As additive shifts from R&D to scaled production, employers are prioritising professionals who combine advanced design capability with hands-on process control. Specialist skill sets remain scarce, and critical vacancies are increasingly difficult to fill.
Critical Roles driving Aerospace Additive Manufacturing
The hiring surge spans the product lifecycle – from R&D to shop floor production. Some of the in-demand roles and skill sets driving aerospace/defense AM today include:
Additive Manufacturing Design Engineers
DfAM specialists who optimise flight-ready parts using generative design and simulation. As production use expands beyond prototyping, their ability to design specifically for additive is essential to unlocking performance and weight reduction.
Materials & Process Engineers
With metals accounting for approximately 42% of industrial AM material usage, expertise in metal powders, laser powder bed fusion, and electron beam systems is highly sought-after. These engineers ensure repeatability, mechanical integrity, and scalable output.
AM Machine Operators & Technicians
As end-use production now represents roughly 40% of AM applications, machine operators and process technicians have become production-critical. Many companies cite these roles as top hiring priorities, particularly those experienced in metal systems, calibration, and troubleshooting.
Quality & Certification Engineers
Aerospace and defense represent nearly 28% of global industrial AM installations, and certification standards are non-negotiable. Engineers skilled in process validation, nondestructive testing, FAA or DOD compliance, and quality systems such as AS9100 or NADCAP are essential to program success.
Application Engineers & Program Leads
As the market accelerates toward $15B by 2033, organisations require leaders who can align technical capability with commercial programs, driving structured implementation rather than isolated experimentation.
Execution is now as critical as innovation. Designing advanced parts is only valuable if they can be printed, qualified, and delivered at scale.
How to Attract and Retain Top AM Talent
Compete strategically
In this competitive landscape, winning the talent war requires more than posting a job ad. A few strategies A&D employers are using to stand out:
- Invest in development. Structured progression and upskilling are powerful differentiators in a field where formal education is still catching up.
- Offer flexibility where possible. Design and simulation roles increasingly expect hybrid models.
- Lead with mission and clarity. Aerospace additive is transformative. Candidates respond to impact, transparency, and strong leadership.
- Prioritise retention. In a constrained market, retaining experienced AM professionals is as critical as hiring new ones.
How to capitalise on the surge to build your career
Leverage the moment
Demand is high, particularly for specialists who can deliver measurable production outcomes.
- Highlight expertise in metal systems, DfAM, certification, or process optimisation. Quantify results. Stay current with compliance standards and evolving platforms.
- As additive manufacturing in aerospace moves firmly into scaled production, execution capability commands a premium.
Get ahead of the curve
Whether you are scaling an aerospace AM program or exploring your next career move in additive manufacturing, having the right expertise matters.
At Kensington 360, we specialise in connecting aerospace and defense organisations with hard-to-find additive manufacturing talent across design, process engineering, production, and leadership.
If you are hiring or planning workforce expansion in AM, speak directly with one of our specialist consultants to discuss your recruitment needs and market insights, contact me today.
If you enjoyed this Aerospace & Defense trends in 2026 article, explore our latest industry insights. Or follow us on LinkedIn for up to the minute news, advice and trends.
Additive Manufacturing – Head of Space Industry Recruitment
Sources & Further Reading
3D Printing in Aerospace & Defense – Market Forecasts; Alexander Daniels Global – AM Workforce Survey 2025; NTTF – AM Skills Development Insights; Industry Reports & Articles on AM Hiring Trends.