Someone needs to run those 3D printers. Cool stuff. Our guy is between my office and home and I can pick up parts on my ride home.
Machining is dead with 3D printing. I can get plastic prototypes in 24 hours for $30 with OK material characteristics. But there are still a few "old-school" model shops out there.
But an ID degree is a bit overkill for that and you will peak at $40-$50K at that job. Not to say that is bad, especially that is what you want to do. But if you get into the business end of npd, your take-home will be higher.
Someone needs to generate the solid models for those 3D printers also. I prefer that over running machines. Although I'd go back to that to feed myself if need be. That or back to fabrication. But I much prefer being the CAD geek.
__________________
My bikes: '81 Trek 957, '83 Trek 720, '84 Trek 770, '85 Centurion Cinelli