Manufacturing Engineer; New Grad

Overview

Manufacturing 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 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; we look for smart, motivated, collaborative individuals who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology.

• 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

• 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

• 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
• 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

• We are located in Hawthorne, CA in a 35,000 square foot facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, with 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.

• Inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and data-driven decisions
• Opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company
• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental,…