An additive manufacturing system includes a control system communicatively coupled to a consolidation device and configured to control operation of the consolidation device. The control system is configured to generate a model of a component. The model includes a plurality of elements and at least one region of interest. The control system is also configured to apply a strain load to at least one element of the plurality of elements and generate a build characteristic contribution profile for at least one element of the plurality of elements. The build characteristic contribution profile represents an effect of the strain load applied to the at least one element on a build characteristic of at least one location within the at least one region of interest. The control system is further configured to adjust a build parameter for a location within the component relating to the at least one element of the plurality of elements based on the build characteristic contribution profile.