Process Engineer (CNC Innovation)

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 Process Engineer (CNC Innovation) at Freeform, you will have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between fundamental machining physics and next-generation autonomous manufacturing. You will deep dive into the complex, multi-physics phenomena of metal cutting, specifically the mechanics of toolpath generation and plastic deformation to gain a fundamental understanding of the process with the ultimate goal of enabling Freeform to develop its own proprietary subtractive manufacturing technology. You will work alongside an interdisciplinary team of software and controls engineers to translate domain expertise into automated toolpath logic and closed-loop control systems. Ultimately, your work will contribute to Freeform’s vision of unifying the entire metal manufacturing ecosystem from autonomous 3D printing to autonomous subtractive manufacturing and post-processing. The ideal candidate possesses the academic rigor to investigate and model the mechanics and physics behind processes yet is grounded in the practical challenges of machining hard metals.

3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - we look for leaders who are organized, accountable, collaborative, and motivated to build and scale world-class hardware operations.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop a deep understanding of the physics of the machining process, focusing on plastic deformation under various cutting conditions and toolpath optimization
• Work independently to design and execute machining experiments on hard metals, analyzing data to develop and optimize automated CAM processes
• Act as the primary domain expert for CNC/CAM automation, providing the mechanical and physical insights necessary for the software team to write automation code
• Perform sample cuts and process development on-machine, ensuring a clean and actionable data stream to monitor the performance of those cuts
• Develop and implement novel toolpath strategies and force modeling to extend tool life and improve surface finish
• Collaborate with software and controls engineers to implement Closed Loop Control (CLC) systems that move beyond static feeds and speeds
• Strategize continuous improvement plans for CNC process development, focusing on scalability from prototype to high-volume production

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or similar engineering discipline
• 2+ years of process development experience in advanced CNC machining, specifically involving hard metals and complex toolpath geometries
• Hands-on experience (professional or academic) with CAM programming and operating CNC equipment
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical physics, including material properties and the mechanics of material removal
• Experience gathering and processing data sets from manufacturing equipment to drive process improvements

Nice to Have:

• Master’s or PhD (strongly preferred) in mechanical engineering, physics, or similar engineering discipline
• Research experience in machining or similar manufacturing disciplines
• Experience with difficult-to-machine materials such as nickel-based superalloys (Inconel), titanium, or other difficult metals
• Familiarity with programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or R for developing semi-mechanistic cutting models
• Experience with metrology systems (CMM, PC-DMIS) and designing automated inspection fixtures
• Passion for solving audacious problems
• Desire to build the future of autonomous manufacturing from the ground up

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.

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)
  • Relocation assistance provided 
  • 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 $100,000-$200,000, 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.