Production Development Supervisor

PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT SUPERVISOR (2ND SHIFT)

Freeform is deploying software-defined, autonomous metal 3D printing factories around the world, bringing the scalability of software to physical production. Our proprietary technology stack leverages advanced sensing, real-time controls, and data-driven learning to produce digitally-verified, flawless parts at unprecedented speed and cost. Our mission is to make the transformative power of 3D printing available to all industries at scale and unlock the future of innovation.

As a Production Development Supervisor at Freeform, you will sit at the intersection of operational leadership and process innovation. You will lead a team of technicians and machinists executing high-volume post-processing operations for complex metal 3D printed parts. You will develop and scale production processes, provide mentorship and guidance, and be a strong force that ensures performance, collaboration, and attitudes are aligned. You will operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where schedules evolve quickly and quality, safety, and reliability are critical. This role requires a combination of strong people leadership, hands-on manufacturing experience, and the technical depth to develop, document, and improve production processes in close partnership with manufacturing and process development teams. 

3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative individuals who love solving hard problems and building amazing technology from scratch.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise a team of technicians, machinists, and fabricators responsible for complex post-processing and machining operations
• Set daily and weekly work assignments to meet tight schedules while adapting to changing priorities
• Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to direct reports, including skills development and career growth
• Own the development, documentation, and continuous refinement of production processes - defining how work gets done, not just ensuring it gets done
• Partner closely with engineering and process development to resolve build issues and improve reliability, throughput, and first-pass yield
• Identify process gaps, design trials to address them, and drive implementation of validated improvements
• Manage shop metrics, communicate status and risks to leadership, and drive corrective actions as needed
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready shop environment while championing safety and efficiency
• Support equipment qualification, calibration readiness, and preventative maintenance programs
• Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, accountability, and inclusivity within the shop and across partner teams

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field from an ABET accredited university or college
• Experience in operational leadership and team management in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to develop, document, and improve production or manufacturing processes

Nice to Have:

• Strongly prefer candidates coming from leadership development programs like the GE OMLP or similar manufacturing rotational training programs
• Experience supervising technicians in a high-volume or high-complexity production environment
• Hands-on experience with process development methodologies, design of experiments, or lean/continuous improvement frameworks
• Familiarity with production metrics, first-pass yield, OEE, or similar operational KPIs
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document processes clearly and concisely
• Comfort working extended hours or overtime when needed to support critical milestones

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.
• 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)
• 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 
• As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. 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 $95,000-$130,000, plus a shift differential. 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.