Advanced Manufacturing, 3D Printing, AI, Robotics

Additive Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Los AngelesOnsiteInternshipJunior / Entry-levelPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

AI-native manufacturing systems
metal 3D printing
print file preparation
toolpath automation
part quality analysis
process improvement
mechanical engineering
aerospace engineering
first-principles thinking
test methods

Nice to have

Master's
process development
metal additive manufacturing
scripting
MATLAB
toolpath generation

Role summary

Freeform is seeking an Additive Engineering Intern for Summer 2027 to contribute to AI-native manufacturing systems, focusing on advanced metal 3D printing processes. Responsibilities include DFAM feedback, print file preparation, toolpath automation, quality analysis, and process improvement. Interns will own cradle-to-grave projects, utilizing first-principles thinking to analyze data, define test methods, and recommend solutions. The role requires a strong grasp of mechanical or aerospace engineering fundamentals and hands-on design experience. Experience with metal 3D printing, process development, MATLAB, DFM, GD&T, or CNC machining is a plus. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.

ADDITIVE ENGINEERING INTERN (SUMMER 2027)

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 an Additive Engineering Intern at Freeform, you will contribute to the development and scaling of our advanced metal 3D printing processes, including design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) feedback, print file preparation, toolpath automation, part quality analysis, and end-to-end process improvement. You will work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers to support all stages of print development for high-volume production. Interns at Freeform own meaningful cradle-to-grave projects. Using first-principles thinking, you will help define test methods, evaluate solutions, iterate quickly, and synthesize information from engineering drawings, in-situ machine data, post-processing results, and inspection data to draw conclusions that improve printing and downstream machining processes.

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

Responsibilities:

Own a cradle to grave project that delivers meaningful impact to critical print factory capabilities or customer print workflows

Support all stages of print development including design for additive manufacturing feedback, file preparation, printing, post-processing, and quality control

Analyze in-situ data and post-print part quality to drive continuous improvement in system performance

Use first-principles thinking to define problems, develop test methods, evaluate solutions, iterate, and provide technical recommendations

Basic Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering from an ABET accredited university or college

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

Strong grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals and comfortable taking a first-principles approach to solving problems

Nice to Have:

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

Experience with metal 3D printing or additive manufacturing processes

Experience with process development for metal additive manufacturing

Scripting experience in MATLAB or similar tools for toolpath generation

Experience with DFM and GD&T

Experience with CNC machining

Passion for improving the state of 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:

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

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation for this role:

Engineering Intern/Undergraduate: $30/hour

Engineering Intern/Masters: $32.50/hour

Engineering Intern/PhD: $35/hour

Typical working weeks include regular opportunity for overtime

Relocation assistance provided

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.

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