Staff/Lead Manufacturing Development Engineer

The role

You will lead the design and implementation of novel factory technologies to automate post-processing and part delivery operations. This role involves technical engineering development and hands-on manufacturing implementation for a high-throughput metal 3D printing factory.

What you will do

• Design and implement scalable systems and processes to automate post-print operations
• Lead development and integration of new manufacturing hardware and tooling
• Identify and eliminate process inefficiencies using first-principles analysis
• Act as a force multiplier for R&D teams
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and controls engineers
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the post-processing workflow

Required 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

Benefits

• Significant stock option packages
• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 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

About the company

Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts. Their vertically integrated facility in Hawthorne brings technology development, R&D, and production together.