Process Engineer (New Grad December 2026)

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 at Freeform, you will have the unique opportunity to help invent novel processes for the world's most advanced metal 3D printing systems. You will work alongside senior engineers to deep dive into complex, multi physics phenomena, gaining a fundamental understanding of the system and using those learnings to support the creation of new state of the art processes. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of mechanical, software, and simulations engineers to analyze massive in situ data sets as well as post print material characteristics, helping rapidly iterate on improving the printing technology with machine learning.

3D printing experience is not required to be successful here, rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!

Responsibilities:

• Support the Process Engineering team in developing a deep understanding of the metal additive process and hardware operation by analyzing massive in situ data sets to gain insight into physical mechanisms of the printing process
• Assist in the execution of experiments, analyze data, and help develop and optimize processes on a metal additive system
• Perform post build metrology measurements and analysis of material properties such as tensile strength, surface roughness, and alloy microstructure
• Generate and track quality metrics of printed customer parts such as dimensional accuracy, defect distribution, and surface roughness
• Assist in the development and implementation of tool qualification procedures
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and simulations engineers to analyze data and support rapid improvement of printing processes

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, physics, mechanical engineering, or a similar engineering discipline from an ABET accredited university or college
• First principles thinker with strong fundamentals in physics
• Coursework or research experience with experimental design and statistical data analysis
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to interpret important information from large data sets
• Experience with Python and/or MATLAB

Nice to Have:

• Advanced degree (Master's, PhD) in materials science, physics, or a similar engineering discipline
• Undergraduate research experience in material science, physics, or mechanical engineering
• Process development experience from cutting edge industries such as semiconductor, solar, or displays
• Experience with statistical data analysis software such as R, JMP, or Minitab
• Experience operating complex equipment
• Familiarity with metallurgical sample preparation such as cutting, grinding, polishing, acid etching, and optical microscopy
• Passion for developing new processes from scratch
• Comfortable working in fast paced, ambiguous environments and iterating quickly (comfortable building the plane as we fly it)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• 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:

• 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.
• Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.

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  
  • 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 $95,000-$120,000, dependent on the candidate's academic level (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom experience. 
• 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.