Manufacturing Engineering Intern

MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING INTERN (SUMMER 2026)

Freeform is deploying software-defined, autonomous metal 3D printing factories around the world, bringing the scalability of software to physical production. Our proprietary technology stack leverages advanced sensing, real-time controls, and data-driven learning to produce digitally verified, flawless parts at unprecedented speed and cost. Our mission is to make the transformative power of 3D printing available to all industries at scale and unlock the future of innovation.

As a Manufacturing Engineering Intern 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:

Support the design and implementation of scalable manufacturing processes for new hardware and printed parts

Assist with fixturing, test procedures, and post-processing steps to improve part flow through the factory

Help develop documentation and process standards to support production scaling

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

Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in part, material, and data flow- and work with cross-functional teams to improve them

Support early production efforts and help transition R&D into 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:

Currently enrolled in a 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:

We are located in Hawthorne, CA in a 35,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, as well as easy access to the 405, 105, and 110 freeways. Our facility is in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant emerging tech ecosystem alongside many other high growth startups and enterprises.

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

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation for this role is $30/hour

Relocation assistance

Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette

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

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 internship opportunity! We truly appreciate your application and enthusiasm to join our team. Please note that our interview process will begin after we attend university career fairs in early fall. The process will include 2-3 rounds of virtual interviews. We anticipate wrapping up the interview process by late October/early November.