Chief Operations Officer (COO) - Precision Manufacturing Industries

We are supporting an innovative startup, MX3D, operating at the forefront of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), an advanced production technology used to 3D print metal components. The company provides comprehensive WAAM solutions, including specialized software, industrial WAAM printers, and on-demand metal printing services.

As the organization continues to scale its operations, our client is seeking an experienced Chief Operations Officer (COO) to join the senior leadership team. In this role, you are responsible for driving operational excellence across all business units and supporting the company’s next phase of growth.

MX3D builds robotic systems and software that can 3D-print large metal parts by depositing molten metal layer by layer. Their technology is based on Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)—a process that combines robotics and welding to print metal structures. 

MX3D operates with two main offerings:

Industrial 3D-printing systems Robotic metal printing setups (e.g., M-Systems) that companies can install in their own factories. Includes their proprietary MetalXL software to control the printing process.  

3D printing services They print metal parts on demand for companies that don’t have their own system yet. Parts can weigh from tens of kilos up to multiple tons

The Chief Operations Officer is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the WAAM manufacturing business, with particular emphasis on quality management, systems commissioning, and optimization of print-on-demand services. This executive role requires an energetic and experienced industrial professional who is a talented team manager, that can ensure operational efficiency, maintain the highest quality standards, and scale our manufacturing capabilities to meet growing market demand.

• External Supplier & Project Management
• Operational Excellence 
• People Leadership & Coaching
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Oversight of service operations 
• Interface with supply chain and manufacturing partners 
• Contribution to scaling operational processes 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related technical field
• 7+ years ofexperience in industrial manufacturing
• 3+ years in progessive leadership roles
• Experience in advanced manufacturing, or precision manufacturing industries

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and industrial operations
• Experience with additive manufacturing technologies is a plus
• Knowledge of automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 technologies
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software and manufacturing execution systems is a plus
• Understanding of materials science and metallurgy is a plus

Leadership & Management Skills

• Proven track record of building and scaling operational teams
• Experience managing P&L responsibility and operational budgets
• Strong project management and process improvement capabilities
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Change management and organizational development experience

Industry Knowledge

• Understanding of energy, maritime or heavy industry manufacturing
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and certification processes
• Experience with custom manufacturing and print-on-demand business models
• Familiarity with supply chain management and vendor relations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in scale-up or growth environments
• Experierce with digital manufacturing and smart factory concepts
• International operations experience
• Knowledge of software development processes (advantage for software product integration)

Personal Attributes

• Preferably based around Amsterdam, this is a role that requires presence on a daily basis.

• Competitive executive compensation package (110-120k fixed) with equity participation
• Opportunity to shape the future of additive manufacturing
• Leadership role in an innovative, high-growth technology company
• Collaborative senior management team environment
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits

How we'll proceed. Within four working days we will let you know if you qualify for the position. We will schedule an introductory interview, either digitally or in-person. During this interview we will inform you as fully as possible about the vacancy, the company and the following steps in the procedure. After consulting with you, we will introduce you to our client and then continue to guide you through the application process. The Independent Recruiters Group has a large team of specialized recruiters. Each recruiter has a strong focus on their own area of expertise. This makes them the ideal sparring partner for both the candidate and the client.