Application Guide
How to Apply for VP, Technology
at Velo3D
🏢 About Velo3D
Velo3D is at the forefront of metal additive manufacturing, enabling complex geometries that were previously impossible. Their technology is pivotal in creating cleaner energy solutions and more efficient transportation, making them a key player in the industrial revolution of 3D printing.
About This Role
As VP of Technology, you'll architect and drive the entire technology stack—from hardware to software to applications—ensuring alignment with commercial growth and manufacturing scale. This role is critical in transforming Velo3D from a small, innovative company into a scalable leader in additive manufacturing.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start with a stand-up with engineering leads to review progress on the next-gen printer, then meet with the CEO to align on quarterly priorities. Afternoon could involve deep-diving into a software architecture decision with the CTO and later reviewing a customer application case to ensure technical feasibility.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Velo3D Is Looking For
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams (hardware, software, applications) in a scaling additive manufacturing or advanced manufacturing environment.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of translating business objectives into technology roadmaps and delivering products that drive commercial success.
- Hands-on leader who can dive into technical details while also setting high-level direction and resource allocation.
- Deep understanding of end-to-end product development for complex systems, including materials integration and software platforms.
📝 Tips for Applying to Velo3D
Highlight specific examples of scaling technology teams from early-stage to growth, especially in hardware-software integrated products.
Emphasize experience with additive manufacturing or related fields (e.g., 3D printing, robotics, advanced manufacturing) in your resume and cover letter.
Tailor your application to show how your leadership directly impacted commercial growth and operational excellence, not just technical achievements.
Mention familiarity with Velo3D's technology (e.g., SupportFree printing, Flow print preparation software) to demonstrate genuine interest.
Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Led a team of 50+ engineers to deliver a new product line that increased revenue by 30%.'
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your vision for aligning technology strategy with Velo3D's mission of revolutionizing metal 3D printing for energy and transportation.", 'Concrete examples of building and leading cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complex systems.', 'How you have driven product innovation and manufacturing scale in a previous role, preferably in a similar industry.', 'Your ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a small but growing organization.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study Velo3D's Sapphire printers and the SupportFree technology—understand how it differentiates from competitors like EOS or Desktop Metal.
- → Review their recent press releases, funding rounds, and customer case studies (e.g., in aerospace or energy).
- → Familiarize yourself with their software platform (Flow) and how it integrates with hardware and applications.
- → Read about their manufacturing scale-up challenges and any public statements on production capacity or supply chain.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on software or hardware expertise without demonstrating cross-disciplinary leadership.
- Underestimating the 'hands-on' expectation—this role requires diving into technical details, not just high-level strategy.
- Ignoring the company's stage (small but scaling) and applying a cookie-cutter 'big company' approach.
📅 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!