Manufacturing Engineer (New Grad December 2026)

Los Angeles, CA (On-site)·Posted today

robotics

<h2 id="Senior-Mechanical-Engineer" data-renderer-start-pos="9649">MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (NEW GRAD DECEMBER 2026)</h2> 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!   <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sXfG6ssZ190?feature=shared" width="560" height="315"></iframe> Responsibilities:   <ul> <li>Work closely with engineers to design and implement scalable manufacturing processes for new hardware and printed parts </li> <li>Support part flow through the factory by improving fixturing, test procedures, and post-processing steps </li> <li>Develop lightweight documentation and process standards to support scaling production without slowing engineering iteration </li> <li>Build and iterate on tooling, jigs, and test setups to support reliable, high-throughput production </li> <li>Help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in how parts, materials, and data move through the factory, and work with cross-functional teams to improve them </li> <li>Support early production of high-performance printed parts, helping bridge the gap between R&D and high-rate manufacturing </li> <li>Contribute to CNC machining workflows, including programming, setup, and optimization of multi-axis operations for post-processing of printed parts </li> </ul> Basic Qualifications:   <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering from an ABET-accredited university or college</li> <li>Hands on manufacturing or build experience from internships or engineering clubs such as FSAE, Baja SAE, solar car, rocket club, robotics club, or similar </li> <li>Experience working with hand tools, machinery, or complex hardware assembly </li> </ul> Nice to Have:   <ul> <li>Advanced degree (Master's, PhD) in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering </li> <li>Experience with CNC machining, including 3 or 5-axis programming and/or setup </li> <li>Experience with metal additive manufacturing or precision post-processing </li> <li>Exposure to fixturing, DFM, or process validation   </li> <li>Experience scaling early-stage R&D into production </li> <li>Familiarity with MRP/ERP tools and lightweight production tracking systems </li> <li>Familiarity with manufacturing process development in a fast-paced hardware environment  </li> <li>Ability to translate high-level engineering goals into practical factory processes  </li> <li>Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and iterating quickly (comfortable building the plane as we fly it) </li> <li>Strong communicator who collaborates across disciplines and proactively seeks support when needed </li> <li>Willing to take ownership of tasks big and small, with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset </li> <li>Strong work ethic with a refuse-to-fail mindset </li> <li>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) </li> </ul> Location: <ul> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> </ul> What We Offer: <ul> <li>We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.</li> <li>We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.</li> <li>Benefits <ul> <li>Significant stock option packages</li> <li>100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)</li> <li>Life insurance</li> <li>Traditional and Roth 401(k)</li> <li>Relocation assistance provided</li> <li>Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays</li> <li>Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent</li> <li>Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette</li> <li>Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events</li> </ul> </li> <li>Compensation   <ul> <li>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. </li> <li>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. </li> </ul> </li> <li>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. </li> </ul>

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