Manufacturing Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING INTERN (SUMMER 2027)

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 Manufacturing Engineering Intern at Freeform, you’ll be at the forefront of scaling production for high-performance metal 3D printed parts. You’ll work with a talented engineering team from some of the world’s most innovative companies across a range of projects to develop and refine the processes, tooling, and CNC machining workflows that enable precision manufacturing at speed and scale. This role is hands-on and fast-paced, ideal for someone eager to learn and contribute to the development of our autonomous metal 3D printing factories. You’ll focus on optimizing post-processing and machining operations, helping to bridge the gap between R&D and production.

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:

Support the design and implementation of scalable manufacturing processes for new hardware and printed parts

Assist with fixturing, test procedures, and post-processing steps to improve part flow through the factory

Help develop documentation and process standards to support production scaling

Build and iterate on tooling, jigs, and test setups for reliable, high-throughput production

Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in part, material, and data flow- and work with cross-functional teams to improve them

Support early production efforts and help transition R&D into high-rate manufa cturing

Contribute to CNC machining workflows, including programming, setup, and optimization of multi-axis operations for post-processing of printed parts

Basic Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering from an ABET accredited university or college

Hands on manufacturing or build experience from internships or engineering clubs such as FSAE, Baja SAE, solar car, rocket club, robotics club, or similar

Experience working with hand tools, machinery, or complex hardware assembly

Nice to Have:

Advanced degree (Master's, PhD) in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering

Experience with CNC machining, including 3 or 5-axis programming and/or setup

Experience with metal additive manufacturing or precision post-processing

Exposure to fixturing, DFM, or process validation

Experience scaling early-stage R&D into production

Familiarity with MRP/ERP tools and lightweight production tracking systems

Familiarity with manufacturing process development in a fast-paced hardware environment

Ability to translate high-level engineering goals into practical factory processes

Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and iterating quickly (comfortable building the plane as we fly it)

Strong communicator who collaborates across disciplines and proactively seeks support when needed

Willing to take ownership of tasks big and small, with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset

Strong work ethic with a refuse-to-fail mindset

Demonstrated indicators of excellence and/or achieving success against adversity (i.e. top academic performance, leadership in engineering clubs, first-generation college student, or other examples of resilience and achievement)

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

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation for this role:

Engineering Intern/Undergraduate: $30/hour

Engineering Intern/Masters: $32.50/hour

Engineering Intern/PhD: $35/hour

Typical working weeks include regular opportunity for overtime

Relocation assistance provided

Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette

Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events

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.