Manufacturing Engineer

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (NEW GRAD SUMMER 2026)

Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.

As a Manufacturing Engineer at Freeform, you’ll be at the forefront of scaling production for high-performance metal 3D printed parts. You’ll work with a talented engineering team from some of the world’s most innovative companies across a range of projects to develop and refine the processes, tooling, and CNC machining workflows that enable precision manufacturing at speed and scale. This role is hands-on and fast-paced, ideal for someone eager to learn and contribute to the development of our autonomous metal 3D printing factories. You’ll focus on optimizing post-processing and machining operations, helping to bridge the gap between R&D and production.

3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative individuals who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!

Responsibilities:

Work closely with engineers to design and implement scalable manufacturing processes for new hardware and printed parts

Support part flow through the factory by improving fixturing, test procedures, and post-processing steps

Develop lightweight documentation and process standards to support scaling production without slowing engineering iteration

Build and iterate on tooling, jigs, and test setups to support reliable, high-throughput production

Help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in how parts, materials, and data move through the factory, and work with cross-functional teams to improve them

Support early production of high-performance printed parts, helping bridge the gap between R&D and high-rate manufacturing

Contribute to CNC machining workflows, including programming, setup, and optimization of multi-axis operations for post-processing of printed parts

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering from an ABET-accredited university or college

Hands on manufacturing or build experience from internships or engineering clubs such as FSAE, Baja SAE, solar car, rocket club, robotics club, or similar

Experience working with hand tools, machinery, or complex hardware assembly

Nice to Have:

Advanced degree (Master's, PhD) in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering

Experience with CNC machining, including 3 or 5-axis programming and/or setup

Experience with metal additive manufacturing or precision post-processing

Exposure to fixturing, DFM, or process validation

Experience scaling early-stage R&D into production

Familiarity with MRP/ERP tools and lightweight production tracking systems

Familiarity with manufacturing process development in a fast-paced hardware environment

Ability to translate high-level engineering goals into practical factory processes

Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and iterating quickly (comfortable building the plane as we fly it)

Strong communicator who collaborates across disciplines and proactively seeks support when needed

Willing to take ownership of tasks big and small, with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset

Strong work ethic with a refuse-to-fail mindset

Demonstrated indicators of excellence and/or achieving success against adversity (i.e. top academic performance, leadership in engineering clubs, first-generation college student, or other examples of resilience and achievement)

Location:

Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA’s deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.

What We Offer:

We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.

We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.

Benefits

Significant stock option packages

100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)

Life insurance

Traditional and Roth 401(k)

Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays

Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent

Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette

Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events

Compensation

Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.

In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $90,000-$95,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.

Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

What To Expect:

Thank you for your interest in our new graduate opportunity! We truly appreciate your application and enthusiasm to join our team. Please note that our interview process will include 2-3 rounds of interviews.