Application Guide
How to Apply for Technical Lead, Preprint Software
at Velo3D
🏢 About Velo3D
Velo3D is revolutionizing metal 3D printing with its Sapphire printers, enabling complex geometries for industries like aerospace and energy. If you want to work on cutting-edge additive manufacturing that reduces waste and enables cleaner energy, this is the place.
About This Role
As Technical Lead for Preprint Software, you'll own the software that prepares models for printing—critical for print success. You'll lead a team of engineers, evolve architecture for scalability, and integrate ML to optimize print paths and detect defects.
💡 A Day in the Life
You'll start by reviewing sprint progress with your team, then dive into code reviews for new slicing algorithms. Afternoon meetings with product managers to align on features, followed by a deep-dive session on integrating a neural network to detect print defects from pre-print data.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Velo3D Is Looking For
- 15+ years of C++ experience with a focus on high-performance, maintainable code in production environments.
- Deep expertise in 3D geometry processing (e.g., mesh repair, slicing, support generation) and real-time graphics.
- Proven ability to lead distributed teams, enforce code quality, and drive architectural decisions.
- Experience integrating machine learning (e.g., for anomaly detection or path optimization) into industrial software.
📝 Tips for Applying to Velo3D
Highlight specific C++ projects where you optimized performance (e.g., reduced memory footprint or improved computation speed).
Mention any experience with 3D printing, CAM, or CAD software—even if not metal additive manufacturing.
In your resume, emphasize leadership of cross-functional teams and how you improved architecture or code quality.
Showcase ML integration projects, even side projects, that relate to predictive modeling or optimization.
Tailor your cover letter to mention Velo3D's mission (cleaner energy, efficient transportation) and how your skills align.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your track record of leading engineering teams to deliver complex software products on time.', 'Specific examples of improving software architecture for scalability and performance in C++.', 'Any hands-on experience with 3D graphics or geometry processing (e.g., OpenGL, CGAL, or custom engines).', 'Your vision for integrating ML into the print preparation workflow to improve success rates.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Familiarize yourself with Velo3D's Sapphire printer technology and its unique 'SupportFree' process.
- → Read about their Flow print preparation software and how it differs from competitors like Materialise or Autodesk.
- → Look into recent press releases or case studies about their work in aerospace or energy sectors.
- → Understand the basics of additive manufacturing file formats (e.g., STL, AMF, 3MF) and common challenges.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on C++ without addressing 3D graphics or geometry—these are core to the role.
- Avoid vague leadership claims; provide concrete examples of team size, project scope, and outcomes.
- Don't ignore the ML requirement—even if you're not an expert, show willingness to learn or past ML exposure.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!