MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS ENGINEER

Freeform is deploying software-defined, autonomous metal 3D printing factories around the world, bringing the scalability of software to physical production. Our proprietary technology stack leverages advanced sensing, real-time controls, and data-driven learning to produce digitally-verified, flawless parts at unprecedented speed and cost. Our mission is to make the transformative power of 3D printing available to all industries at scale and unlock the future of innovation.

As a Manufacturing Operations Engineer, you will play a lead role in optimizing and scaling the production processes for Freeform’s metal 3D printing technology. You’ll oversee the development and implementation of operational strategies that streamline production, improve efficiency, and ensure we meet customer demands and production targets. This includes refining post-print processes, managing production workflows, and working cross-functionally with engineering, business development, and leadership teams to align production capabilities with business goals.

In this role, you’ll also help design and integrate new factory systems, support the transition of R&D prototypes into full-scale production, and continuously improve operations to maintain the pace of innovation. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced, hardware-focused environment and can drive process improvements to maximize productivity and quality across the board.

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!

Responsibilities:

Work cross functionally to create and implement manufacturing operations processes for the world’s first high-volume metal 3D printing factory
Ensure processes are lightweight, efficient, and enable Freeform to meet production goals, customer requirements, and part delivery schedules
Refine and accelerate post-print processes and delivery of customer parts
Build, integrate, and service printing systems and new factory architecture
Proactively engage engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, software, and process to improve the pace and efficiency of R&D operations
Work closely with business development and executive team to develop production strategies that impress customers with our exceptional speed, quality, and delivery

Basic Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET accredited university or college
2+ years of professional experience in manufacturing/engineering development operations
Experience working in a dynamic, hardware development environment

Nice to Have:

Experience helping to scale R&D operations into high-volume production
Previous experience in a hands-on hardware engineering role
Experience with metal additive manufacturing
Experience helping with a manufacturing facility buildout or with manufacturing facility operations (power, industrial gases, material storage, etc.)
MRP/ERP (Oracle, NetSuite, etc.) implementation experience
Strong Excel skills
OSHA and EHS regulation experience

Location:

We are located in Hawthorne, CA in a 35,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, as well as easy access to the 405, 105, and 110 freeways. Our facility is in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant emerging tech ecosystem alongside many other high growth startups and enterprises.

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 $90,000-$120,000, inclusive of all levels / seniority within this discipline.

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.

Apply for this Job

* Required

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Resume/CV *

Dropbox Google Drive

(File types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf)

Cover Letter

Dropbox Google Drive

(File types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf)

When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review

+ Add another education

Graduating GPA *

What is your expected graduation date? *

LinkedIn Profile

Website/Portfolio

Are you a US Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card holder)? *

Export Compliance:

Due to the nature of various Freeform customers, the person hired will have access to information and items controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), and, therefore, must be a “U.S. person” as defined in the ITAR which include U.S. Citizens, lawful Permanent Residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

If you are neither a US Citizen nor a Permanent Resident, have you been granted Refugee or Asylum status by the US Government? *

Are you currently based in the Los Angeles area or willing to relocate to the Los Angeles area? *

Are you open to working onsite 5 days a week? *

Why did you want to become an engineer? Please answer in 200 words or less. *

Why do you want to work at Freeform? Please answer in 200 words or less. *

How did you hear about us? *

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Freeform’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Gender

Are you Hispanic/Latino?

Please identify your race

Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran Status

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305

Page 1 of 1

OMB Control Number 1250-0005

Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury

Disability Status

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

Enter the verification code sent to to confirm you are not a robot, then submit your application.

Security Code *

This application was flagged as potential bot traffic. To resubmit your application, turn off any VPNs, clear the browser's cache and cookies, or try another browser. If you still can't submit it, contact our support team through the help center.

School *

Degree *

Discipline *