Manufacturing Engineer Intern - CNC Machining

MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING INTERN, CNC MACHINING (SUMMER 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 (CNC Machining), you will play a critical role in achieving Freeform’s goal of becoming the world leader in the manufacturing of high-value metal 3D printed parts. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing CNC programs for precision machining operations as well as working closely with our engineers and machinist to establish machining standards for Freeform’s high-volume, vertically integrated machining workflow. You’ll use top of the line multi-axis machines - including DMG Mori and Haas - to develop complex geometries and refine machining processes for maximum efficiency, quality, and repeatability. The ideal candidate is highly technical, hands-on, and thrives in a fast-paced development environment. If you want to be at the forefront of the next era of manufacturing technology, we’d love to hear from you!

3D printing experience is not required to be successful here—we look for smart, motivated, and collaborative individuals who love tackling complex challenges and building world-class technology! 

Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing, implementing, and optimizing CNC programs for complex metal components, including post-processing of 3D printed parts
• Support programming, setup, and refinement of operations on multi-axis CNC machines (DMG Mori and Haas)
• Interpret CAD models, technical drawings, and GD&T specifications to help create precise machining programs
• Help select and evaluate cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies for efficiency and repeatability
• Assist in troubleshooting CNC programming issues, collaborating with machinists and design engineers
• Help create, maintain, and update CNC program libraries, tool databases, best practices, and process documentation
• Contribute to process improvement projects that increase productivity, reduce cycle times, and improve machine utilization
• Collaborate with additive designers on custom workholding and help identify whether design or process changes are the right fix for a given issue
• Support the design and deployment of automation solutions that enhance quality control and production rates
• Work on the production floor to gain hands-on experience with machining, setup, and troubleshooting
• Follow quality control processes, industry standards, and safety regulations
• Own an intern project from scoping through implementation, and present results to the team at the end of the term

Basic Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering from an ABET accredited university or college
• Exposure to CNC programming and machining through coursework, labs, makerspace, internships, or collegiate engineering clubs (e.g., Formula SAE, Baja, rocketry, robotics)
• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

Nice to Have:

• Experience with MasterCAM or Hypermill
• Experience with 5-axis machines
• Experience with DMG Mori and Siemens controls
• Experience machining hard metals such as titanium or Inconel
• Exposure to automation programming for probe alignment, in-situ quality checks, and adaptive process compensation based on measurement feedback
• Familiarity with metal 3D printed parts and their post-processing requirements
• Familiarity with machining castings or forgings
• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to debugging machining processes
• Experience with quality control tools, including CMM, micrometers, and thread gauges
• Ability to work with power tools, hand tools, and other shop equipment (training provided for cranes, forklifts, and other heavy equipment)
• Comfortable lifting/moving up to 50 lbs and standing for extended periods
• Willingness to work extra hours when needed

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.
• Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.

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
• Compensation and Benefits
  • The compensation for this role:
    • Engineering Intern/Undergraduate: $30/hour
    • Engineering Intern/Masters: $32.50/hour
    • Engineering Intern/PhD: $35/hour
    • Typical working weeks include regular opportunity for overtime
  • Relocation assistance provided
  • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
  • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
• 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.