In this employee spotlight, we dive deep into the professional journey and insights of Taylor Doty, a dynamic figure in the field of metal additive manufacturing. Taylor’s career has spanned impressive roles from engineering at GE Aviation to pioneering 3D printing technologies at Velo3D.
Taylor shares her experiences transitioning from traditional engineering roles to the cutting-edge world of 3D printing, offering a glimpse into her integral role at Divergent Technologies where she helped print an entire car, and now, her current role at Velo3D. She discusses the unique challenges and innovations in metal AM technology, emphasizing Velo3D’s distinctive approach that sets it apart from competitors, especially in terms of software, ease-of-use, and production efficiency.
I went to the University of Michigan, got my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, and then jumped straight into work with GE Aviation. I worked on the LEAP engine, owning the design of the high-pressure turbine blades—a lot of it was investment castings. I bounced around in design and analysis and even got into manufacturing. Then, I briefly worked in cost productivity, which took me to France for almost a year with GE Healthcare.
From there, I jumped into metal 3D printing with GE Additive, working closely with external potential customers, especially in motorsports and the energy sector. It was super exciting, but then this killer opportunity came up to move to California and join a startup — Divergent Technologies — when they were about 60 people. I was one of the first two additive engineers they brought on board while kicking off their first car project. Seeing it all from start to finish was a real ride, where we were basically printing a car. That was my first role where I really owned something from design through production and did a lot of the heavy lifting. I loved it. I spent almost four years there, starting as a manufacturing engineer. And during COVID, I managed our operators and oversaw all the production at our facility in Torrance.
You mentioned printing a whole car. Does that mean all the components?
Mostly the chassis. Mainly, the front and rear subframes— basically, we’d take a design, chop it into pieces, and make those pieces printable in the most efficient way possible. They’re the only ones really thinking about it that way. My first job was more about, ‘Oh, look at this one part, print this one part.’ But Divergent was more like, ‘We want to design a system, and we’re only thinking about 3D printing as the system.’ So, how can we use 3D printers better and come up with an end-to-end system? That kind of thinking about additive was intriguing to me and was really what pulled me out to California. I then moved over to work at Relativity, did a bit as a product manager handling some of their software, then moved to their powder bed additive team, managing the valves and propellant lines on their Aeon R engine, printed a bunch of components, and got them to test.
What brought you to Velo3D?
I was approached by Matt Karesh, who talked to me about Velo3D. I had never used the Velo system until I was at Relativity, and it blew me away — it was more user-friendly, and you could print things on it that you couldn’t on other machines. I was seriously impressed by the technology. Also, throughout my career I have worked with different customers and have seen enough different industries to really get a sense for some applications. There are different needs additive manufacturing can fulfill at different stages of company growth. For example, at a startup; they might need to print simple things because printing is often the fastest way to get components to test. This demand may go away as the startup scales into production. But I see with this job that our customers need to have a compelling application and a compelling business case. Often our customers use 3D printing to achieve something you can’t get from another manufacturing methodology. I am excited to utilize my expertise and help Velo3d’s current and future customers in all stages of product development.
Can you describe your role and what your typical day looks like?
My primary role involves assisting customers with their part applications. Whether they need to print parts at one of our contract manufacturers or require support for a specific application, I can help. Often, customers need assistance printing a successful prototype or demonstrating a next-generation development, so I collaborate closely with our sales team on these projects.
I also engage daily in exploratory conversations with customers who are early in the process of determining the right applications for 3D printing, suitable materials, and whether our solutions fit their needs. Beyond these discussions, I oversee deeper development processes to ensure everything progresses smoothly at our headquarters. I also work to streamline the transition of projects to contract manufacturers, which can sometimes be challenging.
One aspect I find particularly important is ensuring ongoing communication about the designs we help create. It’s disheartening when a project is stalled or there are lingering unanswered questions, so I make it a point to keep those lines open and ensure continual feedback and progress. That’s a big part of what I do and enjoy.
How would you assess the culture at Velo3D so far?
The culture here is very proactive. From the leadership down, everyone is a doer, which I deeply respect. Before joining, I spoke with many of our leaders, some of whom have been with the company for a long time, while others are more recent additions. This mix creates a dynamic atmosphere where success is a common goal.
What I appreciate is how our team goals are structured to promote collaboration. Despite this being my first job where I’m working partially remotely and traveling to meet customers, I never feel disconnected.
Everyone here is smart and brings a wealth of unique experiences across many industries, which truly enhances our work environment. I also believe that the team’s openness and drive create a supportive and positive atmosphere where everyone aims to help each other succeed.
What motivates you in your professional life?
I thrive on solving challenging problems and making a tangible difference in people’s lives, like simplifying their workflow or meeting critical deadlines. It’s fulfilling to help others, especially those new to our technology, understand and utilize it effectively. I also love the tangible aspect of our work, like delivering a machine or part that enhances someone’s operations.
What, in your opinion, sets Velo3D apart from other metal AM technology companies?
Several things set us apart, but notably, our Flow software significantly simplifies the design-to-print process. Typically, users must convert CAD models into a different format and use multiple software programs before printing, which increases the chance of errors. Velo3D’s software streamlines this process and integrates closely with our printers. Velo3D’s calibration process enhances repeatability allowing a single build file to produce the same part no matter what machine the part is printed on.
Our technology also allows for more flexible design and minimal post-processing, which is crucial for many of the designs I have worked on. For example, propellant line tubing often requires adjustments late in the production process and requires large circular tube structures that need to violate traditional design for additive rules.
In past roles, I’ve led operations where a team of people were needed to manually remove supports, adding significant time, cost, and variation in the end condition of the part. Velo3D’s approach dramatically reduces these needs, streamlining production and lowering costs.
What’s something that most people don’t know about you?
I’m quite active—I completed a Half Ironman Triathlon in Portugal and regularly participate in the Malibu Triathlon. I enjoy the challenge, especially ocean swimming, which is why I love living in California.
Absolutely! I’ve embraced the outdoors since moving here from the Midwest five years ago. While I’m not a surfer, I love the active, outdoor lifestyle California offers.
Do you have any other hobbies or interests?
I have a mix of interests that keep both my body and mind active. I’ve been playing the piano since I was a kid and enjoy the mental challenge it presents, like the pattern memorization I loved in ballet. Besides music, I’m into skiing, running, and biking.
Thank you for helping us get to know you better, Taylor!
You’re very welcome!
