Manufacturing Engineer

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

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 Engineer, you will play a key role in establishing and scaling the processes for the production of printed parts as well as acting as a force multiplier for engineering R&D activities. We are looking for someone with experience in development operations/engineering who has worked in a dynamic hardware manufacturing environment. You will need a keen and pragmatic eye for the implementation of lightweight and efficient processes and automation needed to maximize operational efficiency while still enabling R&D to take place in parallel. This is a critical role that will work across every department at Freeform to transform the metal 3D printing industry. 

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

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or related engineering field
• Internship or professional experience in manufacturing, or build engineering 
• Experience working with hand tools, machinery, or complex hardware assembly

Nice to Have: 

• 2+ years of experience in a hands-on manufacturing or production engineering role
• 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 

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)
• 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 
• As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. 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-$120,000, inclusive of all levels / seniority within this discipline.
• 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.