Senior/Lead Manufacturing Development Engineer
Freeform
| Company | Freeform |
| Category | Engineering |
| Location | Los Angeles |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Lead |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 8 Apr 2026 |
| Last verified | 5 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (greenhouse) |
Description
SENIOR/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 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.
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 Pare