At a Glance
Company: Freeform Technologies
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $150,000 – $250,000/year (based on experience) + Stock Options
Shift: Flexible
Overtime: As required for operational needs
Experience Level: Senior / Executive
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Why This Role Exists
This role exists because Freeform is scaling machining from advanced R&D into production-grade manufacturing at a global level .
Freeform is already delivering production-scale metal parts to aerospace, defense, and automotive customers. As demand increases, the company needs a machining leader who can own post-print machining end-to-end — from day-to-day execution on the floor to long-term strategy, capacity planning, and operational scale.
As Head of Manufacturing (Machining), you are responsible for how precision machining actually works at Freeform — today and five years from now.
The Work You’ll Be Doing
In this role, you will:
- Own all machining operations , including CNC programming, setup, operation, inspection, and finishing
- Lead, mentor, and scale a team of machinists, programmers, and manufacturing engineers
- Drive aggressive delivery timelines with a production-first mindset
- Oversee daily shop operations and long-term expansion of machining capacity
- Maximize utilization of 5-axis DMG Mori machining centers , including probing, automation, and palletization
- Use inspection data and process feedback to continuously improve programs and toolpaths
- Define machining strategies and standards for precision post-processing of metal 3D printed parts
- Partner with engineering to influence part design for faster, more reliable machining
- Lead capital equipment planning, shop layout optimization, and equipment commissioning
- Define and track KPIs for throughput, quality, cost, and delivery
- Establish and enforce a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and technical excellence
This is a hands-on leadership role — not a remote, spreadsheet-only position.
Machines, Controls & Manufacturing Stack
You’ll be responsible for environments that include:
Machines:
- DMG Mori 5-Axis CNC Machining Centers
Controls:
- Siemens
CAM & Programming:
- Mastercam (directly or through team oversight)
Inspection & Quality:
- CMMs and advanced metrology systems
- On-machine probing
- GD&T-driven inspection workflows
What We’re Looking For
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- 7+ years of CNC machining experience, including leadership of machining operations
- Proven track record of scaling teams and machining workflows in high-mix, high-precision environments
- Deep understanding of CNC milling, tooling, fixturing, inspection, and process control
- Strong operational mindset with the ability to balance execution and long-term strategy
Preferred (Not Required):
- 10+ years in machining/manufacturing across prototype and production environments
- Direct experience machining titanium, nickel alloys, and stainless steels
- Hands-on experience with DMG Mori 5-axis machines and Siemens controls
- Experience post-machining metal additive parts or castings/forgings
- Familiarity with CMM programming, GD&T, and inspection automation
- ERP/MRP implementation and shop scheduling experience
- Experience with facility build-outs, capital planning, and equipment commissioning
Materials You’ll Be Responsible For
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- Titanium
- Inconel and nickel-based superalloys
Pay, Benefits & Schedule
Pay: $150,000 – $250,000/year (DOE)
Benefits Include:
- Significant pre-IPO stock option packages
- 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
- Traditional & Roth 401(k)
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
- Generous paid parental leave
- Free daily catered lunch & dinner
- Casual dress and flexible hours
- Team events and collaborative leadership culture