Elementum 3D appoints Andrew Crickenberger CEO
Elementum 3D, based in Erie, Colorado, USA, has appointed Andrew Crickenberger as Chief Executive Officer, effective July 17, 2026. He succeeds company founder Dr Jacob Nuechterlein, who will become Chief Strategy Officer while continuing as Executive Chairman.
Crickenberger has more than thirty years of executive leadership experience across the aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing sectors, including corporate strategy, business transformation, mergers and acquisitions, venture investment, international partnerships and business development.
“I value the opportunity Elementum 3D has presented me and look forward to building on what its team has established within the Additive Manufacturing industry since 2014,” stated Crickenberger. “My priority is to broaden Elementum 3D’s product portfolio, strengthen its position with existing customers, and accelerate entry into new markets. Elementum 3D has built an exceptional technology platform, and I am excited to help lead the company’s next chapter of long-term growth and innovation.”
He joins Elementum 3D from NIOA Group, where he served as Chief Growth Officer and led corporate strategy and global business growth initiatives across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.
Previously, Crickenberger was Vice President of Strategy for the Aerojet Rocketdyne segment of L3Harris Technologies, where he oversaw strategic planning for advanced propulsion systems, including solid rocket motors, hypersonic propulsion, missile control systems and liquid rocket engines. He was also part of the leadership team responsible for L3Harris’ acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne and later served as Vice President of Strategy for the company’s Integrated Mission Systems segment.
Earlier in his career, Crickenberger spent twenty-five years at Northrop Grumman, holding senior leadership positions such as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for its Missile Products business. His responsibilities also included leading the commercial business at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, serving on the boards of joint ventures in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and developing strategic partnerships across Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Crickenberger holds a Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech.
“As Elementum 3D enters its next phase of growth, I am confident Andrew’s leadership experience and strategic vision make him the ideal person to guide the company forward,” Nuechterlein added. “Transitioning into the role of Chief Strategy Officer will allow me to focus on advancing our long-term technology roadmap. I am incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished and excited to see what we will achieve together under Andrew’s leadership.”
The company stated that Crickenberger and Nuechterlein will work together over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth leadership transition as part of its long-term succession plan.
