Additive Manufacturing Development Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company revolutionizing the metal 3D printing industry. As an Additive Manufacturing Development Engineer, you will play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge technology that enhances production capabilities. Collaborate with industry pioneers to automate processes and improve part quality through innovative solutions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility within Los Angeles' tech ecosystem, contributing to transformative projects that shape the future of manufacturing. If you're passionate about additive manufacturing and eager to make an impact, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Stock Options

Comprehensive Health Insurance

401(k)

Relocation Support

Paid Leave

Catered Meals

Flexible Hours

Team Events

Qualifications

• Hands-on design experience from internships or engineering clubs.
• Experience with full hardware design lifecycle including CAD and testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead all stages of print production development including quality control.
• Analyze in-situ data to drive continuous improvements in production.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Problem-Solving

3D Printing

CAD Design

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Job Title: Additive Manufacturing Development Engineer

Freeform is deploying software-defined, autonomous metal 3D printing factories worldwide, leveraging advanced sensing, real-time controls, and data-driven learning to produce flawless parts rapidly and cost-effectively. Our mission is to democratize the transformative power of 3D printing across industries and foster innovation.

As an Additive Manufacturing Development Engineer, you will contribute to the development of our cutting-edge metal 3D printing technology, focusing on machine functionality, part quality analysis, print file preparation, and providing DFAM recommendations for major manufacturers. You will manage projects end-to-end, from concept to delivery, and develop a deep understanding of our printing factory to enhance system capabilities using a first principles approach.

This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with industry pioneers and disrupt the metal additive manufacturing landscape with our autonomous printing technology.

Responsibilities:

1. Understand printing system capabilities and collaborate with engineering teams to automate high-volume production processes.
2. Lead all stages of print production development, including DFAM feedback, file prep, printing, post-processing, and quality control.
3. Analyze in-situ data and post-print quality to drive continuous improvements.
4. Apply first-principles thinking to problem-solving, testing, evaluating solutions, and providing technical recommendations.
5. Document application requirements, SOPs, and project next steps to align team efforts.
6. Engage with external customers to communicate Freeform's capabilities and improve DFAM processes.
7. Contribute to internal technology development through feedback and system improvements.

Basic Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
2. Hands-on design experience from internships or engineering clubs (e.g., FSAE, Baja SAE, robotics).
3. Experience with full hardware design lifecycle—from calculations to CAD, fabrication, and testing.
4. Strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering and problem-solving via first-principles approach.

Nice to Have:

1. Experience with metal 3D printing and process development.
2. Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
3. Proficiency in MATLAB or similar scripting for toolpath development.
4. Experience with DMLS or LPBF techniques.
5. Customer engagement experience.
6. Mechanical systems design expertise.
7. Passion for additive manufacturing and a detail-oriented mindset.
8. Strong communication skills.

Location:

Hawthorne, CA — situated in a state-of-the-art facility within Los Angeles' tech ecosystem, with excellent freeway access.

What We Offer:

• Inclusive, collaborative culture emphasizing learning and data-driven decisions.
• Opportunity to be an early member of a rapidly growing company with transformative technology.
• Benefits include stock options, comprehensive health insurance, 401(k), relocation support, paid leave, catered meals, flexible hours, and team events.
• Salary range: $85,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience and skills.

Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and merit-based employment.