Build Engineer

BUILD ENGINEER (NEW GRAD JANUARY 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 Build Engineer at Freeform, you will take ownership of building, assembling, and integrating complex, custom mechanical systems from scratch. You’ll work hands-on to bring high-performance hardware to life, supporting the transition from prototype to production. This role sits at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and system integration where 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 new technologies. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, can drive technically challenging projects with minimal oversight, and collaborates effectively across disciplines to deliver novel hardware solutions at scale.

3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - we look for smart, motivated engineers who love solving hard problems, working hands-on, and creating incredible technology!

Responsibilities:

Own the assembly, integration, and bring-up of complex mechanical and electromechanical systems

Develop and document scalable manufacturing and assembly procedures

Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to optimize builds for performance, precision, and repeatability

Provide real-world feedback to improve designs and make CAD modifications as needed

Create and iterate on mechanical designs, including custom tooling, test fixtures, and build jigs

Lead alignment, calibration, and precision tuning of mechanical systems

Troubleshoot issues in mechanical and electromechanical subsystems with cross-functional teams

Support the transition of systems from R&D to high-reliability production

Conduct hands-on testing and validation of mechanical performance

Basic Qualifications:

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

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

Experience working with manual mills, lathes, and other machine shop tools

Strong mechanical fundamentals and a problem-solving mindset

Passion for building and debugging complex mechanical systems

Nice to Have:

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

Experience building engines, rockets, drones, robots, cars, or other mechanical systems from scratch

Familiarity with CNC machining, welding, bonding, and fastening techniques

Experience with tooling design, fixture development, or custom fabrication

Understanding of DFM/DFA principles

Experience with metal 3D printing

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.

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)

Relocation assistance provided

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, dependent on the candidate’s education and experience.

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.