HEAD OF MANUFACTURING (MACHINING) at Freeform

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 & nickel-based superalloys

Why Leaders Choose Freeform

Leaders choose Freeform because:

• You're building a machining operation from the ground up - the right way
• Decisions are driven by data and real shop-floor experience
• Access to best-in-class 5-axis CNC equipment and automation
• Direct influence over capital investments and long-term manufacturing strategy
• Competitive executive compensation plus meaningful equity ownership
• A modern, clean, state-of-the-art facility
• A mission that goes beyond incremental improvement - this is category-defining manufacturing

Pay, Benefits & Schedule

Pay: $150,000 - $250,000/year (DOE)
Top of range reserved for leaders with demonstrated success scaling machining organizations

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

Apply

If you're ready to own and scale one of the most advanced machining operations in the world, this role is built for you.

Apply directly through hireCNC or save the job to revisit later.