Phd Process Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Process Engineering Intern at Freeform, you will help develop and refine novel processes for some of the world's most advanced metal 3D printing systems. You will work closely with experienced engineers to study complex, multi-physics behavior within the printing process, building a foundational understanding of the system and applying those insights to support the development of next-generation processes. You'll collaborate with mechanical, software, and simulation engineers to analyze large in-situ data sets and post-print material characteristics, contributing to rapid iteration and continuous improvement of the printing technology using data-driven and machine-learning-enabled approaches.

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: 

• Assist the Process Engineering team in developing a deep understanding of the metal additive process and hardware operation by analyzing massive in-situ data sets to gain insight into physical mechanisms of the printing process
• Execute experiments and analyze data to improve metal additive processes
• Perform post-build metrology measurements and analysis of material properties such as tensile strength, surface roughness, and alloy microstructure
• Assist in the development and implementation of tool qualification procedures

 Basic Qualifications: 

• Currently pursuing Bachelor's degree in material science, physics, or similar engineering discipline
• Experience with experimental design and statistical data analysis
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to interpret important information from extremely large data sets
• Experience with Python and/or MATLAB

Nice to Have: 

• Undergraduate research experience in material science, physics, mechanical engineering
• Process development experience from cutting edge industries such as semiconductor, solar, or displays
• Experience with statistical data analysis software such as R, JMP, or Minitab
• 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: 

• 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
  • 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.