Head of Manufacturing (Machining)

HEAD OF MANUFACTURING (MACHINING) 

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 our Head of Manufacturing (Machining), you will own Freeform’s post-print machining operations end-to-end, from running and scaling our CNC machine shop to delivering high-quality, precision-machined parts that meet demanding specifications. You will lead the team responsible for solving some of the most difficult challenges in metal manufacturing – how to post-machine complex geometries while ensuring world-class quality, repeatability, and throughput.

You’ll set the vision and strategy for machining at Freeform, dig-in on technical details and processes at the ground level, grow the team and capabilities of our shop, drive process improvements, and ensure that our manufacturing operations are safe, efficient, and built to scale. This is a hands-on leadership role — you’ll work side-by-side with machinists, programmers, and engineers to solve problems on the floor while also setting long-term operational direction.

Freeform is actively delivering production-scale parts to the most iconic names in aerospace, defense, and automotive, so your work will have a direct and meaningful impact on real-world applications.

Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of Freeform’s machining operations, including CNC programming, setup, operation, inspection, and finishing.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of engineers, machinists, programmers, and technicians.
• Drive the team to meet aggressive delivery timelines with a “failure is not an option” mindset.
• Oversee the daily operation and long-term expansion of Freeform’s machine shop, including equipment selection, procurement, installation, and maintenance.
• Use inspection data to rapidly improve programs, toolpaths, and machine operations.
• Ensure maximum usage of 5-axis DMG machining center capabilities such as on-machining inspection, automated pallet changers, etc.
• Develop and implement processes to ensure high-quality, repeatable, and efficient machining of complex metal parts.
• Partner with engineering to improve how parts are printed such that post-print machining can be completed faster and with higher fidelity
• Define and track key performance metrics for throughput, quality, cost, and delivery; use data to drive continuous improvement.
• Drive strategic capital investment planning for future capabilities and capacity expansion.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of professional experience in CNC machining operations, including leadership of a machining operation.
• Proven track record of scaling machining operations and teams in a high-mix, high-precision environment.
• Experience with CNC milling operations (programming, tooling, fixturing, and inspection techniques).

Nice to Have

• 10+ years of machining/manufacturing experience, including both prototype and production environments.
• Experience with complex metal materials such as nickel-based superalloys, titanium, and stainless steels.
• Experience with post-machining metal 3D printed parts or cast/forged parts.
• Ability to program 5-axis CNC machines.
• Direct working knowledge of 5-axis DMG machines.
• Background in aerospace, defense, or similarly high-spec industries.
• ERP/MRP implementation and machine shop scheduling experience.
• Familiarity with CMM programming, GD&T, and advanced inspection methods.
• Experience in facility build-outs, shop layout optimization, and capital equipment commissioning.

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)
• 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 $150,000-$250,000, inclusive of all levels / seniority within this discipline.
• 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.