A3D Makers Unmasked: Dakotah Simonds
At A3D Manufacturing, our strength comes from a tight-knit team of manufacturing professionals who are passionate about turning complex designs into high-quality production parts. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Dakotah Simonds, a key member of our sales and customer success team who brings deep industry knowledge and a customer-first mindset to every project.
Tell us about your journey into manufacturing: Dakotah started in 2018 selling industry-defining industrial 3D printers. That experience sparked a shift in focus — from supporting capital equipment sales to directly helping customers with real manufacturing projects. “I grew into an interest in supporting manufacturing projects versus supporting capital equipment investments,” he explains.
A Day in the Life at A3D: No two days are the same. Dakotah spends his time meeting with customers, reviewing CAD models and drawings, generating accurate pricing, and keeping projects on track. “I see something new nearly every day,” he says. His role keeps him at the intersection of technical requirements and commercial needs, ensuring every client receives seamless support from quote to delivery.
How He Joined A3D: After working at a 300-person manufacturing company, Dakotah sought a more entrepreneurial environment. He found that fit at A3D: “I wanted to join a team that felt more like a start-up — tight-knit and that valued its employees as individuals.”
Current Focus Areas: These days, Dakotah is laser-focused on securing bigger, production-intensive projects while making sure every customer gets exactly what they need from the A3D team.
Highlights from the Shop Floor and Beyond
Most Memorable Projects
- Disney characters for parks and resorts — a quirky and fun project that still stands out.
- Adidas prototypes for 3D printed soccer and running shoes. “You can tell that the folks at Adidas really love the products they design,” Dakotah shares. Working with passionate teams on innovative footwear was especially rewarding.
On the Resurgence of U.S. Manufacturing: Dakotah views the return of manufacturing stateside as “a good and necessary shift,” particularly for stronger supply chains and superior quality control. To sustain momentum, he advocates for greater investment in skilled workers, modern technology, and policies that reduce the cost and complexity of building in America.
AI in Manufacturing: His use of large language models (LLMs) has skyrocketed: “Every single day, multiple times a day.” Just two years ago, he hadn’t started using them at all — highlighting how quickly tools are changing daily workflows. AI allows him to analyze CAD and drawings for better manufacturability at near light speed, revealing insights that have helped customers’ design decisions and material considerations.
Fun & Quirky Side: When asked to redesign one everyday object with ridiculous over-engineering, Dakotah chose a measuring cup. His vision: a multi-material smart cup with embedded sensors for volume, temperature, and density; auto unit conversion; app sync; vibration for leveling powders; and a heated jacket. “Completely unnecessary for 99% of use cases — but technically very satisfying.”
Side Quests: Outside of work, Dakotah wants to dive deeper into woodworking and furniture making. “I love working with my hands.” At home, he’s currently building Legos with his two sons.
Book Recommendation for Manufacturers: “The Machine That Changed the World” by Womack, Jones, and Roos.
Time-Travel Dream Project: If he could contribute to any historical build, it would be the Apollo 11 lunar module. “I think it would be so cool to work on a vehicle that supports life in a hostile environment.” He’d happily do it anonymously — no credit needed.
The One Manufacturing Problem He’d Love to Solve: Seamlessly scaling any design from prototype to full production with zero redesign, predictable costs, and consistent quality regardless of volume or method. “It still feels like it’s 50 years away.”
Rapid Fire Questions
- Sexiest material? Carbon Fiber. “Stronger and lighter than aluminum. That says it all.”
- Favorite material? PA12.
- Easiest process? HP Multi Jet Fusion.
- Fussiest? Metal 3D printing plus CNC post-machining.
- Best advice for 3DP noobs? “Buy a Bambu!”
- Funniest person on the shop floor? Will Glover.
- Something he’s never told anyone? “I don’t like lemon Starbursts.”
- A3D lore: Chad Wigert was his first sales manager.
- Dream print request: A lifelike banana.
What excites him most about the future: “How quickly the gap is closing between design and production. Technologies like additive manufacturing, automation, and digital workflows are making it possible to move from concept to real, production-grade parts faster and with far more flexibility than before.”
Advice for Anyone Considering a Manufacturing Career: “Be a sponge, and get involved in bringing a real product to the market. Do it yourself if you can.”
About Dakotah Simonds: Dakotah Simonds is focused on helping customers bring production-grade parts to life through additive and traditional manufacturing solutions. He works closely with clients to understand technical and commercial requirements, develop accurate project quotes, and ensure seamless execution from concept to completion. Dakotah takes a relationship-driven approach, measuring success by the outcomes his customers achieve. Based in Santa Fe, NM, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, and staying active through art, music, and outdoor pursuits like snowboarding and mountain biking.
Stay tuned for more A3D team spotlights as we introduce the talented people powering American manufacturing!
Have a project in mind? Reach out to the A3D team today.
