A Guide to the 2026 Additive Manufacturing Trends and What This Means for Hiring

The additive manufacturing (AM) industry is evolving rapidly. As we approach 2026, advances in materials, automation, and sustainability are shaping both the technology landscape and the skills employers need. According to Hubs, the global 3D printing market is set to nearly triple by 2026, reaching around $44.5 billion, while AMPOWER predicts the combined metal and polymer AM market will hit €20 billion in the same period. This growth will redefine the types of skills required, moving from hands-on process expertise to digital manufacturing fluency. Here’s a look at the top trends shaping 2026, and what they mean for hiring.

Industrial-scale AM takes centre stage

High-volume, production-grade systems, such as multi-laser metal printers and large-format polymer machines, are increasingly becoming mainstream. AMPOWER forecasts more than 25% annual growth in metal AM, driven by demand in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors. This expansion means companies will need engineers and specialists who can scale AM processes to industrial volumes, combining production expertise with post-processing and process optimisation skills, so hiring teams should be looking for experience in these areas alongside technical mastery.

Material innovation and sustainability

Material science continues to be a key enabler of AM’s growth. Expect greater use of advanced metal alloys (titanium, nickel, cobalt), high-performance polymers, and composites. Sustainability is also becoming non-negotiable, with recycled powders, bio-based filaments, and spool-less systems gaining traction. This has impacted recruitment by increasing demand for materials scientists, process developers, and sustainability leads who understand both AM-specific materials and lifecycle impacts, making environmental awareness a key hiring criterion.

Automation, AI, and digital manufacturing

Automation is transforming AM workflows, from AI-driven print-path optimisation to robotic post-processing and real-time monitoring, with the goal of producing “born-qualified” parts and enabling end-to-end digital traceability. Hybrid systems combining AM with CNC or casting are enhancing flexibility and efficiency. As a result, companies are seeking engineers with both AM and digital skillsets, including automation, machine learning, and data analytics. Hiring managers will increasingly prioritise candidates who can integrate AM workflows and manage software-driven processes.

New processes and multi-material capabilities

Emerging technologies such as volumetric printing, high-speed SLA, and cold-spray deposition are moving from R&D to commercial readiness. At the same time, multi-material printing, combining rigid, flexible, or conductive materials, is unlocking new product design possibilities. This trend has shifted hiring priorities toward design engineers and R&D specialists who can capitalise on multi-material potential, as well as manufacturing engineers experienced in scaling novel AM processes.

AM for supply-chain resilience

Aerospace, automotive, and healthcare firms are increasingly using AM to localise production and reduce inventory risk. Distributed manufacturing and on-demand printing are becoming viable responses to supply-chain volatility. Consequently, employers are seeking AM integration experts, logistics planners, and application engineers who understand how to embed AM into conventional supply chains, ensuring operational continuity and responsiveness.

Quality assurance and digital security

As production ramps up, quality and data governance become mission-critical. In-process monitoring, layer-by-layer validation, and secure digital part files are now industry priorities. This means hiring in AM quality engineering, certification, and cybersecurity is expanding, especially in regulated industries like aerospace and medical, where both precision and security are essential.

The bottom line

Hiring in 2026 will increasingly favour professionals who can blend technical mastery with digital, data, and sustainability awareness. For employers, the challenge and opportunity lie in identifying people who can turn AM’s potential into a scalable, sustainable manufacturing reality.

References

• Hubs: 3D Printing Market to Triple by 2026
• AMPOWER Market Report
• 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey, 2025
• Massivit 3D: AM Trends on the Horizon, 2025
• JawsTec: 2026 3D Printing Trends
• Engineering.com: 3D Printing Market Outlook
• The Mantix Method: Emerging 3D Printing Technologies