Manufacturing Engineering Intern (Spring 2027)

MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING INTERN (SPRING 2027)
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 Engineering Intern at Freeform, you’ll be at the forefront of scaling production for high-performance metal 3D printed parts. 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 the processes, tooling, and CNC machining workflows that enable precision manufacturing at speed and scale. This role is hands-on and fast-paced, ideal for someone eager to learn and contribute to the development of our autonomous metal 3D printing factories. You’ll focus on optimizing post-processing and machining operations, helping to bridge the gap between R&D and production.
3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative individuals who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!
Responsibilities:
Support the design and implementation of scalable manufacturing processes for new hardware and printed parts
Assist with fixturing, test procedures, and post-processing steps to improve part flow through the factory
Help develop documentation and process standards to support production scaling
Build and iterate on tooling, jigs, and test setups for reliable, high-throughput production
Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in part, material, and data flow- and work with cross-functional teams to improve them
Support early production efforts and help transition R&D into high-rate manufacturing
Contribute to CNC machining workflows, including programming, setup, and optimization of multi-axis operations for post-processing of printed parts
Basic Qualifications:
Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering from an ABET accredited university or college
Hands on manufacturing or build experience from internships or engineering clubs such as FSAE, Baja SAE, solar car, rocket club, robotics club, or similar
Experience working with hand tools, machinery, or complex hardware assembly
Nice to Have:
Advanced degree (Master's, PhD) in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering
Experience with CNC machining, including 3 or 5-axis programming and/or setup
Experience with metal additive manufacturing or precision post-processing
Exposure to fixturing, DFM, or process validation
Experience scaling early-stage R&D into production
Familiarity with MRP/ERP tools and lightweight production tracking systems
Familiarity with manufacturing process development in a fast-paced hardware environment
Ability to translate high-level engineering goals into practical factory processes
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)
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