Control Engineer Intern Jobs in Santa Ana, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 Mechanical Engineering Intern at Freeform, you will contribute to the design, development, and deployment of cutting-edge, clean-sheet systems that push the boundaries of additive manufacturing, automation, and factory-scale integration. You'll work with a talented engineering team from some of the world's most innovative companies across a range of projects from mechanical design and prototyping to testing and integration - gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. This includes working on complex mechanical assemblies, precision motion systems, and high-performance thermal and fluid subsystems. You'll collaborate with electrical and software engineers to help integrate subsystems into cohesive, production-ready platforms.  

3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology! 

Responsibilities: 

• Own a cradle to grave project that delivers meaningful impact to critical print factory capabilities 
• Contribute to the design, build, prototyping, and testing of mechanical components, subassemblies, and systems  
• Assist with tolerance analysis and mechanical feasibility studies  
• Participate in hands-on builds, integration, and validation of mechanical systems  
• Collaborate with senior engineers to improve system performance, reliability, and manufacturability  

 Basic Qualifications: 

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering from an ABET accredited university or college 
• Hands on design experience from internships or engineering clubs such as FSAE, Baja SAE, solar car, rocket club, robotics club, or similar 
• Strong grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals and comfortable taking a first-principles approach to solving problems  

Nice to Have: 

• Advanced degree (Master's, PhD) in mechanical or aerospace engineering 
• Knowledge of motion control and kinematics 
• Experience with design of fluid or thermal systems 
• Working knowledge of electromechanical systems 
• Passion for improving the state of metal 3D printing 
• 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) 

Location: 

• We are located in Hawthorne, CA in a 35,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, as well as easy access to the 405, 105, and 110 freeways. Our facility is in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant emerging tech ecosystem alongside many other high growth startups and enterprises. 

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
  • 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.