
Freeform · Los Angeles
MANUFACTURING ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the spee...
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 Engineer at Freeform, you will take on one of the defining engineering challenges in advanced manufacturing:
scaling the post-processing of complex metal additive parts from early-stage operations to true production volume. The gap between
"it works" and "it works at scale, repeatably, and economically" is where this role lives.
Freeform has built what others are still trying to figure out - a fully autonomous, software-defined metal parts factory - and
post-processing is the critical path to getting there. You'll be architecting systems and processes capable of handling
extraordinary part complexity, material diversity, and production throughput simultaneously, while maintaining the agility that
lets our R&D engine keep pushing the frontier.
This is a greenfield engineering problem at massive scale, not an optimization exercise. You'll need to think in systems, move
fast without creating brittleness, and make pragmatic tradeoffs that compound in the right direction over time. The work will
touch every function in the company and your decisions will directly shape what Freeform can build, for whom, and how fast.
If you've thrived in high-velocity hardware environments where the processes didn't exist yet and the stakes were real, this role
was built for you.
cross-functional teams to improve them
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.
technology.
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.
end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven
history of high performance and impact.
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.
At Heart Aerospace we develop the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a capacity of 30 passengers, an electric zero-emission range of 200 km and an extended hybrid range of 400 km. Heart is targeting type certification of the ES-30 by the end of the decade. Your mission We are seeking a hands-on, driven Manufacturing Engineer to lead key builds for the ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft. As we continue to expand our vertical integration, this role offers a unique opportunity to take full ownership of manufacturing process development, from design to achieving production rate. You will play a critical role in Heart’s success, working closely with technicians, design engineers, and supply chain partners to bring complex components and assemblies from prototype to scalable production. This is a highly collaborative, fast-paced role at the core of our mission to revolutionize regional air travel. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: Process Development & Optimization * Design and implement scalable manufacturing processes for aircraft structures, propulsion systems, avionics, batteries, and other critical subsystems (multiple roles are open across teams) * Develop and optimize workflows to improve build efficiency, quality, and repeatability * Proactively identify and resolve production bottlenecks using root cause analysis and continuous improvement techniques Tooling & Equipment * Design and specify custom tooling, fixtures, and solutions to support precision assembly and fabrication * Collaborate with external vendors and internal teams to source or fabricate required equipment * Support automation initiatives and ergonomic improvements across the manufacturing floor Prototyping & Production Builds * Lead the execution of prototype builds and transition processes into low- and high-rate production * Work closely with technicians on first article builds, ensuring safe, efficient, and repeatable methods * Implement in-line quality checks and provide real-time troubleshooting during assembly Cross-Functional Collaboration * Partner with Design Engineering to drive DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturability/Assembly) feedback * Develop and execute sourcing strategies by assessing supplier capabilities, and managing outsourcing timelines and budgets to ensure program alignment * Ensure quality is built into the product by defining clear inspection criteria and implementing fast, cost-effective corrective actions Documentation & Standards * Create and maintain detailed work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) * Contribute to the development of manufacturing standards and best practices as the company scales * Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality requirements Skills & Requirements * Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience) * 3+ years of experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment (internship or co-op experience counts) * Proficiency in CAD (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) * Strong understanding of materials, GD&T, machining, welding, composites, and/or assembly techniques * Experience working with cross-functional teams in design, quality, and production * Bias toward action, attention to detail, and a passion for hands-on problem-solving These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have * Experience in aerospace, automotive, eVTOL, or electric propulsion manufacturing * Exposure to high-voltage systems, thermal management, or battery integration Base Pay Range: $124,000—$176,000 USD
SENIOR/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 Senior/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 * 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 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) * 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. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact. * 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.
At Heart Aerospace we develop the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a capacity of 30 passengers, an electric zero-emission range of 200 km and an extended hybrid range of 400 km. Heart is targeting type certification of the ES-30 by the end of the decade. Your mission We are looking for a highly motivated, hands-on Integration Engineer to lead the mechanical and electrical integration of critical subsystems across our hybrid-electric aircraft platform. You will be responsible for bridging design, manufacturing, final assembly, and testing to ensure that complex systems come together seamlessly from prototype through rate production. This is a cross-disciplinary role at the heart of aircraft development, where attention to detail, fast-paced execution, and strong problem-solving instincts are key. You’ll work side-by-side with design engineers, manufacturing, and technicians on the production floor to turn ambitious designs into high-performance, certifiable products. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: System Integration & Assembly * Own the integration of propulsion, battery, avionics, and structural systems into the aircraft platform * Define and document build sequences, mechanical interfaces, fastener strategies, cable routing, and fluid line installations * Support and optimize aircraft-level assembly processes, from first article to full-rate production Design Collaboration & DFM * Provide real-time design-for-assembly feedback to design engineering teams * Influence interface definitions, mounting strategies, and accessibility for maintainability * Drive resolution of interface issues between subsystems during development and build Build Floor & Hands-On Support * Act as the technical liaison on the build floor to troubleshoot integration issues and lead root cause investigations * Support technicians during assembly with guidance, documentation, and process improvements * Ensure that integration work meets engineering intent, quality standards, and certification requirements Process Development & Continuous Improvement * Create and maintain detailed work instructions, assembly drawings, and configuration documentation * Work with manufacturing and engineering teams to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and streamline assembly processes * Support integration testing and data collection during system bring-up and aircraft checkout Your place of work will be at our office located in Torrance, CA. Some domestic travel may be required Skills & Requirements * Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent experience) * 2+ years of experience in aerospace, automotive, or advanced manufacturing environments * Strong understanding of mechanical systems, fasteners, electrical connectors, harnessing, and fluid systems * Proficiency in CAD (e.g., NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks) and interpreting engineering drawings with GD&T These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have * Experience in aircraft or vehicle final assembly, particularly with electrical and fluid system integration * Exposure to configuration control, hardware traceability, and change management * Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally in high-speed development programs * Experience with electric propulsion, high-voltage systems, or thermal integration * Comfortable working hands-on with tools and hardware in a production environment Base Pay Range: $124,000—$176,000 USD