Freeform
Build Engineer (New Grad Summer 2026)
Freeform, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Overview
Freeform is deploying software-defined, autonomous metal 3D printing factories around the world, bringing the scalability of software to physical production. Our proprietary technology stack leverages advanced sensing, real-time controls, and data-driven learning to produce digitally verified, flawless parts at unprecedented speed and cost. Our mission is to make the transformative power of 3D printing available to all industries at scale and unlock the future of innovation. As a Build Engineer at Freeform, you will take ownership of building, assembling, and integrating complex, custom mechanical systems from scratch. You’ll work hands-on to bring high-performance hardware to life, supporting the transition from prototype to production. This role sits at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and system integration where 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 new technologies. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, can drive technically challenging projects with minimal oversight, and collaborates effectively across disciplines to deliver novel hardware solutions at scale. 3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - we look for smart, motivated engineers who love solving hard problems, working hands-on, and creating incredible technology! Location:
Hawthorne, CA What We Offer: Inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and data-driven decision making. Opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company scaling a world-changing technology. 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options). Life insurance, Traditional and Roth 401(k), relocation assistance. 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, fully stocked kitchenette; casual dress and flexible work hours; regular catered team building events. Compensation: salary is commensurate with the company’s current stage and growth; including a significant stock option package. Estimated salary range for this role is $90,000-$95,000, dependent on education and experience. Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and does not discriminate based on protected statuses. Responsibilities
Own the assembly, integration, and bring-up of complex mechanical and electromechanical systems. Develop and document scalable manufacturing and assembly procedures. Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to optimize builds for performance, precision, and repeatability. Provide real-world feedback to improve designs and make CAD modifications as needed. Create and iterate on mechanical designs, including custom tooling, test fixtures, and build jigs. Lead alignment, calibration, and precision tuning of mechanical systems. Troubleshoot issues in mechanical and electromechanical subsystems with cross-functional teams. Support the transition of systems from R&D to high-reliability production. Conduct hands-on testing and validation of mechanical performance. Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering from an ABET-accredited university or college. Hands-on mechanical or build experience from internships or engineering clubs (e.g., FSAE, Baja SAE, solar car, rocket club, robotics club). Experience working with manual mills, lathes, and other machine shop tools. Strong mechanical fundamentals and a problem-solving mindset; passion for building and debugging complex mechanical systems. Nice to Have
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering. Experience building engines, rockets, drones, robots, cars, or other mechanical systems from scratch. Familiarity with CNC machining, welding, bonding, and fastening techniques; tooling design, fixture development, or custom fabrication. Understanding of DFM/DFA principles; experience with metal 3D printing. 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; indicators of excellence in academics or leadership in engineering clubs. What To Expect
Our interview process will begin after we attend university career fairs in early fall, with 2-3 rounds of interviews. We anticipate wrapping up the process by late October/early November.
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Freeform is deploying software-defined, autonomous metal 3D printing factories around the world, bringing the scalability of software to physical production. Our proprietary technology stack leverages advanced sensing, real-time controls, and data-driven learning to produce digitally verified, flawless parts at unprecedented speed and cost. Our mission is to make the transformative power of 3D printing available to all industries at scale and unlock the future of innovation. As a Build Engineer at Freeform, you will take ownership of building, assembling, and integrating complex, custom mechanical systems from scratch. You’ll work hands-on to bring high-performance hardware to life, supporting the transition from prototype to production. This role sits at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and system integration where 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 new technologies. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, can drive technically challenging projects with minimal oversight, and collaborates effectively across disciplines to deliver novel hardware solutions at scale. 3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - we look for smart, motivated engineers who love solving hard problems, working hands-on, and creating incredible technology! Location:
Hawthorne, CA What We Offer: Inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and data-driven decision making. Opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company scaling a world-changing technology. 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options). Life insurance, Traditional and Roth 401(k), relocation assistance. 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, fully stocked kitchenette; casual dress and flexible work hours; regular catered team building events. Compensation: salary is commensurate with the company’s current stage and growth; including a significant stock option package. Estimated salary range for this role is $90,000-$95,000, dependent on education and experience. Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and does not discriminate based on protected statuses. Responsibilities
Own the assembly, integration, and bring-up of complex mechanical and electromechanical systems. Develop and document scalable manufacturing and assembly procedures. Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to optimize builds for performance, precision, and repeatability. Provide real-world feedback to improve designs and make CAD modifications as needed. Create and iterate on mechanical designs, including custom tooling, test fixtures, and build jigs. Lead alignment, calibration, and precision tuning of mechanical systems. Troubleshoot issues in mechanical and electromechanical subsystems with cross-functional teams. Support the transition of systems from R&D to high-reliability production. Conduct hands-on testing and validation of mechanical performance. Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering from an ABET-accredited university or college. Hands-on mechanical or build experience from internships or engineering clubs (e.g., FSAE, Baja SAE, solar car, rocket club, robotics club). Experience working with manual mills, lathes, and other machine shop tools. Strong mechanical fundamentals and a problem-solving mindset; passion for building and debugging complex mechanical systems. Nice to Have
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering. Experience building engines, rockets, drones, robots, cars, or other mechanical systems from scratch. Familiarity with CNC machining, welding, bonding, and fastening techniques; tooling design, fixture development, or custom fabrication. Understanding of DFM/DFA principles; experience with metal 3D printing. 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; indicators of excellence in academics or leadership in engineering clubs. What To Expect
Our interview process will begin after we attend university career fairs in early fall, with 2-3 rounds of interviews. We anticipate wrapping up the process by late October/early November.
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