David Tucker

About David Tucker

A seasoned leader in digital manufacturing innovation, David brings over two decades of cross-industry experience blending product development, additive manufacturing, and human-centered transformation. Currently serving as the Director of Technology Innovation at M5D, David helps organizations accelerate digital manufacturing adoption by emphasizing the human element—ensuring that strategy, technology, and people align for long-term success.Previously, David played a pivotal role as Product Developer and Digital Manufacturing Consultant at New Wave Mfg, where they supported clients in launching new products and business models centered on additive manufacturing. During this time, they also co-instructed the MIT Professional Education Course on Additive Manufacturing, helping to shape the next generation of AM leaders.As the Founder of ImplementAM, a workshop-based AM conference acquired by SPE, David created a platform that demystified digital manufacturing and empowered professionals to unlock the potential of advanced technologies. Their work at Stanley Black & Decker, FORECAST 3D, and HP further highlights a consistent trajectory of scaling AM solutions, introducing hybrid manufacturing principles, and driving customer-centric innovation.From early roles as a Strategic Sourcing Lead and Tooling Engineer, to executive positions shaping digital transformation strategy, David has remained at the forefront of materials engineering, plastics design, and process innovation. Their work has led to millions in cost savings and efficiency gains, particularly in the automotive and consumer goods sectors.With a strong background in Design for Manufacturing (DFM), agile project leadership, and strategic consulting, David is a trusted advisor for organizations navigating the shift from traditional manufacturing to next-generation production models.

Experience

1. Director of Technology

   M5d

   Jul 2024 — Present · Detroit, MI, US

   Helping clients adopt digital manufacturing by focusing on the human element in the organization.

Education

• Wayne State University - Mike Ilitch School of Business

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration, Management and Operations

• Ferris State University

  B.S., Plastics Engineering Technology

• Portland State University

  Master’s Degree, Engineering and Technology Management

• Ferris State University

  B.S., Product Design Engineering Technology

Skills

• Design for Manufacturing
• Strategy Development
• Strategy
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (Apqp)
• Production Part Approval Process (Ppap)
• Product Design
• Six Sigma
• Blow Molding
• Machine Tools
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (Fmea)
• Associative Thinking
• Certified Project Manager
• Patents
• Program Management
• Ppap
• Automotive
• 3d Printing
• Ms Project
• Apqp
• Product Development
• Emotional and Product Design Counseling
• Strategic Communications
• Engineering
• Design of Experiments
• Manufacturing
• Risk Management
• Injection Molding
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Pmp
• Lean Manufacturing
• Procurement
• Moldflow
• Decision Making
• Project Management
• Technology Management
• Problem Solving
• Materials
• Plastics
• Continuous Improvement
• Business Strategy