Lead Applications Engineer (Automotive)

LEAD APPLICATIONS ENGINEER (AUTOMOTIVE) 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. Freeform is hiring a Lead Applications Engineer to serve as the primary technical interface between Freeform and a portfolio of our most advanced automotive and EV customers. This person will apply their technical background and intimate understanding of automotive hardware, tooling, and production needs to translate real engineering problems into manufacturable solutions that only Freeform’s technology can unlock. You will own the technical relationship with customers, guide them through application discovery and feasibility, and help shape how Freeform’s manufacturing platform is deployed across some of the most ambitious programs in the industry. The ideal candidate comes from a strong engineering background, understands complex automotive systems, and is comfortable engaging directly with senior engineers and decision makers at highly sophisticated and cutting-edge organizations. This person should be comfortable leading deep technical discussions across performance, manufacturability, materials, qualification, and production tradeoffs, and translating those conversations into a broader, programmatic vision that helps customers understand how Freeform’s technology can unlock entirely new design and production possibilities. Responsibilities: Serve as th e primary technical point of contact f or a portfolio of automotive and EV custom ers Lead deep technical discussions with customer engineering teams across applications for automotive vehicles, tooling, and production processes Develop a deep understanding of customer system requirements, constraints, and performance drivers Translate customer needs into manufacturable solutions using Freeform’s technology, including geometry, materials, tolerances, and production considerations Clearly articulate what Freefor m’s manufacturing platform can and cannot deliver, including tradeoffs and constraints Independently answer advanced technical questions related to materials, processes, qualification pathways, and production scalability Identify where Freeform’s technology enables new designs, architectures, or performance regimes that were previously impractical or impossible Work closely with internal engineering and operations teams to align on feasibility, execution, and roadmap - but without depending on them for basic technical credibility Guide customers through early application exploration, development phases, and transition into production Build long-term, trust-based technical relationships with customer engineers, program managers, and technical leadership Provide feedback from the field to influence Freeform’s product, process, and roadmap decisions Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar technical discipline 5+ years of experience in an engineering, program management, or leadership role within the automotive, EV, or closely related industry Strong systems-level understanding of complex mechanical hardware and how components function within larger assemblies Nice to Have: Prior experience in a customer-facing technical role such as applications engineering, systems engineering, or field engineering Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders Familiarity with metal manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, casting, forging, or advanced machining Experience supporting hardware through development, qualification, and production ramp Strong intuition for design-for-manufacturing and production scalability Strategic thinker with a strong business acumen Team player, positive attitu ... (truncated, view full listing at source)