Manufacturing Engineer (New Grad December 2026)

About the Role

Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of scaling production for high-performance metal 3D printed parts. 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.

Key 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.
• Build and iterate on tooling, jigs, and test setups to support reliable, high-throughput production.
• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in factory processes and work with cross-functional teams to improve them.
• Support early production of high-performance printed parts.
• Contribute to CNC machining workflows, including programming, setup, and optimization of multi-axis operations for post-processing of printed parts.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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 (e.g., FSAE, Baja SAE, solar car, rocket club, robotics club).
• Experience working with hand tools, machinery, or complex hardware assembly.

Qualifications (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.
• Strong communicator who collaborates across disciplines and proactively seeks support.
• Willingness to take ownership of tasks 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.

Location

• Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility.
• Requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week).