Mechanical Engineer (New Grad Summer 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 Mechanical Engineer at Freeform, you will own projects from concept through deployment, acting as the responsible engineer across design, fabrication, testing, and implementation. You will contribute to the architecture of cutting-edge, clean-sheet systems that push the boundaries of additive manufacturing, automation, and factory-scale integration. This includes designing complex mechanical assemblies, precision motion systems, and high-performance thermal and fluid subsystems. You will work cross-functionally with electrical and software engineering teams to integrate sub-systems into a cohesive, production-ready platform. 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 - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!  

Responsibilities:

• Act as a responsible engineer in bringing hardware from concept to production 
• Work with senior engineers to research, develop, design, and test complex mechanical components, subassemblies, equipment, and systems 
• Perform tolerance analysis of designs at the system and subsystem level 
• Plan and perform tests to analyze the feasibility, design, operation and performance of equipment, components, and systems 
• Work hands-on to build, integrate, and validate designs and newly developed systems and/or subsystems 
• Strategize continuous improvement plans to enhance system performance, reliability, and manufacturability 

 Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering from an ABET accredited university or college 
• Hands on design experience from internships or engineering clubs such as FSAE, Baja SAE, solar car, rocket club, robotics club, or similar 
• Full life-cycle hardware design experience from hand calcs to CAD to fabrication and testing 
• Well-versed in mechanical engineering fundamentals and comfortable taking a first-principles approach to solving problems 

Nice to Have:

• Advanced degree (Master's, PhD) in mechanical or aerospace engineering 
• Knowledge of motion control and kinematics 
• Experience with design of fluid or thermal systems 
• Working knowledge of electromechanical systems 
• Passion for improving the state of 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 
• 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.

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 $90,000-$95,000. 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. 

What To Expect:

• Thank you for your interest in our new graduate opportunity! We truly appreciate your application and enthusiasm to join our team. Please note that our interview process will include 2-3 rounds of interviews.