Manager of Facilities & EHS

MANAGER OF FACILITIES & EHS

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.

We are seeking a Manager of Facilities & EHS to own both our physical infrastructure and the safety systems and processes that protect our people and operations. This is a dual-mandate role: scale our current Hawthorne facility to meet growing R&D and production demands, while building the EHS framework that travels with us as we expand domestically and globally. As a vertically integrated operation, our facility spans the full manufacturing stack, from electronics and materials labs to fabrication, post-processing, and production, and our EHS leader must be comfortable operating across all of it. At the core of our process is laser powder bed fusion, which introduces specialized considerations around inert gas systems, fine metal particulates, and high-powered laser operations, but the right candidate will bring broad manufacturing EHS experience and the ability to build practical, scalable programs across every discipline we operate.

Responsibilities:

EHS

• Design and implement Freeform's EHS management system across Cal/OSHA, federal OSHA, and similar industry regulations

• Develop standards for metal powder safety: storage, loading, sieving, depowdering, recycling, and disposal of reactive and non-reactive alloys

• Manage inert gas safety (O2 monitoring, confined space, ventilation) and combustible dust program per NFPA 484/652/654, including dust hazard analyses and ESD controls

• Ensure laser safety training and compliance

• Author SOPs and training material; lead incident investigations and corrective action closure

• Manage environmental compliance, air permits, hazardous waste, chemical inventory, and emergency response planning

• Run the Preventive Maintenance program, manage facilities vendors, and ensure supplies and PPE are always stocked

Facilities & Infrastructure

• Lead buildout and operational readiness of our Hawthorne facility and future sites including production floors, labs, chemical storage, post-processing areas, and support spaces

• Specify and manage critical infrastructure: explosion-proof ventilation, inert gas distribution, compressed air, electrical, and specialty systems

• Manage construction projects end-to-end: scope, contractor selection, permitting, inspections, and commissioning

Basic Qualifications:

• 7+ years of combined facilities and/or EHS experience in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, or R&D

• Hands-on experience with EHS programs involving hazardous materials, industrial gases, lasers, or combustible dusts

• Working knowledge of Cal/OSHA, NFPA codes (especially 484, 652, 654), and California building and fire codes

• Experience leading facility buildouts including contractor management, permitting, and equipment installation

Nice to Have:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, industrial hygiene, or related field

• Direct experience with metal 3D printing processes

• Experience building EHS programs at a startup; multi-site or global facilities experience a plus

• CSP, CIH, or CHMM certification; familiarity with SCAQMD permitting and CalEPA/DTSC regulations

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.

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.

• Benefits

• Significant stock option packages

• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)

• Life insurance

• Traditional and Roth 401(k)

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays

• Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent

• Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette

• Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events

• Compensation

• As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.

• In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $130,000 – $175,000 per year. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.

• 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.