HEAD OF MANUFACTURING (MACHINING)

Freeform; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Significant pre-IPO stock option packages

100% employer-paid Medical, Dental & Vision insurance

Free daily catered lunch & dinner

Job summary

Freeform in Hawthorne, CA, is looking for a Head of Manufacturing (Machining) to oversee CNC operations and lead a team. Candidates should have at least 7 years of machining experience and a Bachelor’s in relevant fields.

The role involves driving manufacturing efficiency and strategy for metal parts. The position offers a substantial pay range from $150,000 to $250,000 based on experience, alongside stock options and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of CNC machining experience, including leadership.
• Proven track record of scaling teams in high-precision environments.
• Strong operational mindset with execution and strategic balance.

Responsibilities

• Own all machining operations including CNC programming.
• Lead and mentor a team of machinists and engineers.
• Drive aggressive delivery timelines with a production-first mindset.

Skills

CNC machining experience

Leadership in machining operations

Operational mindset

Deep understanding of CNC milling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

DMG Mori 5-Axis CNC Machining Centers

Mastercam

Job description

At a Glance

Company: Freeform Technologies
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $150,000 – $250,000/year (based on experience) + Stock Options
Shift: Flexible
Overtime: As required for operational needs
Experience Level: Senior / Executive
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Why This Role Exists

This role exists because Freeform is scaling machining from advanced R&D into production-grade manufacturing at a global level.

Freeform is already delivering production-scale metal parts to aerospace, defense, and automotive customers. As demand increases, the company needs a machining leader who can own post-print machining end-to-end — from day-to-day execution on the floor to long-term strategy, capacity planning, and operational scale.

As Head of Manufacturing (Machining), you are responsible for how precision machining actually works at Freeform — today and five years from now.

The Work You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Own all machining operations, including CNC programming, setup, operation, inspection, and finishing
• Lead, mentor, and scale a team of machinists, programmers, and manufacturing engineers
• Drive aggressive delivery timelines with a production-first mindset
• Oversee daily shop operations and long-term expansion of machining capacity
• Maximize utilization of 5-axis DMG Mori machining centers, including probing, automation, and palletization
• Use inspection data and process feedback to continuously improve programs and toolpaths
• Define machining strategies and standards for precision post-processing of metal 3D printed parts
• Partner with engineering to influence part design for faster, more reliable machining
• Lead capital equipment planning, shop layout optimization, and equipment commissioning
• Define and track KPIs for throughput, quality, cost, and delivery
• Establish and enforce a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and technical excellence

This is a hands-on leadership role — not a remote, spreadsheet-only position.

Machines, Controls & Manufacturing Stack

You’ll be responsible for environments that include:

Machines:

• DMG Mori 5-Axis CNC Machining Centers

Controls:

• Siemens

CAM & Programming:

• Mastercam (directly or through team oversight)

Inspection & Quality:

• CMMs and advanced metrology systems
• On-machine probing
• GD&T-driven inspection workflows

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years of CNC machining experience, including leadership of machining operations
• Proven track record of scaling teams and machining workflows in high-mix, high-precision environments
• Deep understanding of CNC milling, tooling, fixturing, inspection, and process control
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to balance execution and long-term strategy

Preferred (Not Required):

• 10+ years in machining/manufacturing across prototype and production environments
• Direct experience machining titanium, nickel alloys, and stainless steels
• Hands-on experience with DMG Mori 5-axis machines and Siemens controls
• Experience post-machining metal additive parts or castings/forgings
• Familiarity with CMM programming, GD&T, and inspection automation
• ERP/MRP implementation and shop scheduling experience
• Experience with facility build-outs, capital planning, and equipment commissioning

Materials You’ll Be Responsible For

• Aluminum
• Stainless Steel
• Titanium
• Inconel and nickel-based superalloys

Pay, Benefits & Schedule

Pay: $150,000 – $250,000/year (DOE)

Benefits Include:

• Significant pre-IPO stock option packages
• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• Traditional & Roth 401(k)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
• Generous paid parental leave
• Free daily catered lunch & dinner
• Casual dress and flexible hours
• Team events and collaborative leadership culture