Staff/Lead Manufacturing Development Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

STAFF/LEAD MANUFACTURING DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

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 Staff/Lead Manufacturing Development Engineer, you will lead the design and implementation of novel factory technologies to accelerate and automate our post-processing and part delivery operations. This role blends deep technical engineering development with hands-on manufacturing implementation. You will apply first-principles thinking to streamline operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and pioneer scalable, robust processes for the world's first high-throughput metal 3D printing factory.

We're looking for a highly technical and hands-on engineer with a background in hardware development and a passion for building the future of manufacturing. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role with opportunities for leadership and growth.

Responsibilities:  

• Design and implement scalable systems and processes to automate post-print operations, reduce lead time, and enable factory throughput expansion
• Lead development and integration of new manufacturing hardware and tooling to support next-generation factory architecture
• Identify and eliminate process inefficiencies using first-principles analysis and a data-driven approach
• Act as a force multiplier for R&D teams, bridging development and operations to maximize efficiency and velocity
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and controls engineers to co-develop factory solutions
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the full post-processing workflow

Basic Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in engineering development or manufacturing engineering
• Experience in a fast-paced hardware development or manufacturing environment

Nice to Have:  

• 8+ years of experience in hardware or manufacturing development roles
• Technical leadership experience 
• Prior experience leading factory buildouts, production line deployment, or automation systems integration
• Background in post-processing operations (machining, heat treat, inspection, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with factory infrastructure: power systems, industrial gases, material logistics
• Familiarity with metal additive manufacturing, CNC machining, casting, or similar complex metal manufacturing processes
• ERP/MRP experience (Oracle, NetSuite, etc.)
• Strong Excel/data analysis capabilities
• Knowledge of OSHA/EHS standards

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) 
  • 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  
  • As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. 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 $150,000-$200,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.
  • 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.