Senior/Lead Manufacturing Development Engineer

About this role

<h2><span style="font-size: 14pt;">SENIOR/LEAD MANUFACTURING DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER</span></h2> <p class="x_MsoNormal"><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">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.</span></p> <p data-start="673" data-end="1168">As a Senior/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.</p> <p data-start="1170" data-end="1417">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.</p> <p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">&nbsp;<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sXfG6ssZ190?feature=shared" width="560" height="314"></iframe></span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Responsibilities:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li>Design and implement scalable systems and processes to automate post-print operations, reduce lead time, and enable factory throughput expansion</li> <li>Lead development and integration of new manufacturing hardware and tooling to support next-generation factory architecture</li> <li>Identify and eliminate process inefficiencies using first-principles analysis and a data-driven approach</li> <li>Act as a force multiplier for R&amp;D teams, bridging development and operations to maximize efficiency and velocity</li> <li>Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and controls engineers to co-develop factory solutions</li> <li>Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the full post-processing workflow</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Basic Qualifications:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline</li> <li>5+ years of professional experience in engineering development or manufacturing engineering</li> <li>Experience in a fast-paced hardware development or manufacturing environment</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Nice to Have:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li>8+ years of experience in hardware or manufacturing development roles</li> <li>Technical leadership experience&nbsp;</li> <li>Prior experience leading factory buildouts, production line deployment, or automation systems integration</li> <li>Background in post-processing operations (machining, heat treat, inspection, etc.)</li> <li>Hands-on experience with factory infrastructure: power systems, industrial gases, material logistics</li> <li>Familiarity with metal additive manufacturing, CNC machining, casting, or similar complex metal manufacturing processes</li> <li>ERP/MRP experience (Oracle, NetSuite, etc.)</li> <li>Strong Excel/data analysis capabilities</li> <li>Knowledge of OSHA/EHS standards</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Location:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li> <p>Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&amp;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.</p> <span data-teams="true"><span id="message-body-1771454273221" class="fui-ChatMessage__body r7802u9 ___vfhe6q0 f10pi13n ftqa4ok f2hkw1w f8hki3x f1d2448m f1bjia2o ffh67wi f1j6vpng f1pniga2 f987i1v f1ffjurs f15bsgw9 f14e48fq f18yb2kv fd6o370 ffwy5si f3znvyf f57olzd f4stah7 f480a47 fs1por5 fk6fouc figsok6 fkhj508 f19n0e5 f9ijwd5 ffzz00n f1ozlkrg f1o0qvyv f9ggezi f1xp5gbu f150uoa4 ffyari3 f16xq7d1 fo7qwa0 fxowb0n f11ghf3q f13aoclr flypziy f10kwr27 fquw1qa fftr39l f13lathq f15hsm81 f2ss68y ffb60jq f8nuap2 f13nk4fk f7jacry fq08z5q fd9af6s fr74w9q fcl9uv6 f13sm7pj f1u6qqly f16wpxbl faim3u9 f6cs3qo fa2w2z3 fd39nx6 f10gn8j9 frcqmxy f1w9ws4k f1ddxkqj fd10euv fvuz61 f1nbc6gw"><span id="content-1771454273221" class="fui-Primitive ___11tzqds f1oy3dpc f89hs3r fqtknz5 fyvcxda"></span></span></span></li> <li> <p>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.</p> <span data-teams="true"><span id="content-1776896507672" class="fui-Primitive ___11tzqds f1oy3dpc f89hs3r fqtknz5 fyvcxda"></span></span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What We Offer:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">&nbsp;</s