Role summary
Freeform is seeking a New Grad Manufacturing Engineer for Summer 2027 to join their AI-native manufacturing systems team. This role focuses on scaling production for high-performance metal 3D printed parts by optimizing post-processing and machining operations. You will work on developing scalable manufacturing processes, improving fixturing and test procedures, building tooling, and contributing to CNC machining workflows. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering and hands-on manufacturing or build experience from internships or engineering clubs. Experience with CNC machining and metal additive manufacturing is preferred. This is a full-time, onsite role in Hawthorne, CA.
MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (NEW GRAD 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 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.
Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions. 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 $95,000-$110,000, dependent on the candidate's academic level (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom 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. 
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