Director Additive & Advanced Manufacturing - Startup Support

About Us

The TUM Venture Labs represent a nonprofit initiative of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), a leading European technical university, in collaboration with UnternehmerTUM, Europe's foremost innovation and entrepreneurship center. Together, they are developing Europe's premiere hub for Deep-Tech and Life-Science entrepreneurship. Our domain-specific labs support high-tech startup teams from initial concept through to investment readiness, providing access to research infrastructure, industry partners, mentors, and bespoke programs.

Production technology stands at the core of Europe's economy, ensuring industrial sovereignty and resilient supply chains. The TUM Venture Lab AM plays an active role in this transformation, deeply integrated within the TUM ecosystem and located at the TUM-Oerlikon Advanced Manufacturing Institute in Garching, academically led by Prof. Peter Mayr, Chair of Additive Manufacturing at TUM.

Role Overview

Join us as Director of Additive & Advanced Manufacturing, shaping the future of additive manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic and operational development of the AM Lab (approximately 30% of your time), partnering closely with the Managing Director and your team.
• Expand Europe's powerhouse for production-oriented startups developing novel solutions and those utilizing them.
• Support technology-driven startup teams from concept to market readiness, providing specialization and resources to accelerate deep-tech ventures in additive manufacturing (around 30%).
• Foster collaborations by connecting research institutions, industrial partners, and funding bodies, opening new opportunities to facilitate science-based startups (approximately 30%).
• Build a robust network of investors, mentors, and experts to support the founding teams.
• Monitor technology trends and identify growth opportunities ahead of the curve, integrating insights beyond single disciplines under the “One Venture Lab” philosophy (about 10%).

Candidate Profile

• You hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Technology, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; a PhD is advantageous.
• You possess substantial experience in additive manufacturing, AI applied to engineering, and the development of hardware-based systems.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities including managing teams and understanding the support startups require, through personal founding experience, venture capital involvement, or work in early-stage startups.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, driven to bring technologies from research to impactful application.
• Exceptional networking skills, connecting people and ideas effectively.
• Strong organizational aptitude, responsibility, and the ability to lead with clarity, empathy, and respectful communication.
• Fluent communication skills in German and English, comfortable in meetings, presentations, and with international partners.
• Proactive and persistent in turning concepts into tangible outcomes.

Benefits

• Opportunity to establish the TUM entrepreneurial ecosystem as Europe's leading deep-tech innovation center.
• Dynamic, well-connected work environment with inspiring talent, entrepreneurs, leadership, and experts in the Munich startup ecosystem.
• Flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Flexible mobility budget via the Moovster app.
• Budget allocated to personal and professional development.
• Access to supported Wellpass membership and company bike program.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity enriches our team, and we strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, social or ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability.

Contact

Carina Schreyer, Head of People & Culture
Lichtenbergstraße 6
85748 Garching near Munich