Manufacturing Development Engineer

STAFF/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 Staff/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