Lead/Staff Electrical Engineer (Hardware Design)Lead/Staff Electrical Engineer (Hardware Design)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 Lead/Staff Electrical Engineer at Freeform, you will play an integral role in the design and development of custom electronics and compute systems that bring our AI-native metal 3D printing factory systems to life. You will solve challenging problems in fields such as high-performance compute, high speed communications, embedded hardware, motion control, autonomous robotic systems, and much more.
You will use a first principles approach to solving problems and tackling new areas within electrical engineering that you may not have directly worked on before. The ideal candidate is capable of running projects from cradle to grave, acting as a technical lead, and has the ability to work effectively with other engineering disciplines.3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!Responsibilities:Rapidly design, develop and test highly reliable electronics and compute systems that enable complex autonomous systems to perform reliability, repeatedly, and scalablyDrive electrical architecture, product requirements, component selection, analysis, schematic capture, prototyping, bring-up, debugging, documentation, product management, productization, manufacturing, and testChallenge assumptions and learn new design approachesDrive component selection, analysis, schematic capture, prototyping, bring-up, debugging, documentation, manufacturing, and testHands-on debugging of the unexpected via the use of laboratory test equipment, custom instrumentation, and testing setupsModel and simulate circuit designs for analysis and performanceAct as a technical lead, driving schedule and ensuring a continuous rate of innovationBasic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering discipline10+ years of professional experience designing and delivering complex electrical hardwareBroad electrical engineering background; well versed in electrical engineering fundamentals and comfortable taking a first-principles approach to solving problemsExperience operating as a technical lead and system owner, responsible for architectural decisions, execution quality, and technical accountability across the full lifecycleNice to Have:Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in electrical engineeringExperience with heterogeneous compute environments, including FPGA, GPU, and mixed architecture systems, with the ability to make thoughtful tradeoffs across performance, latency, and system complexity.Experience with sensors, high speed cameras/imaging systems, and similar physical telemetry systemsExperience with embedded microcontroller design and firmwareExperience with high-speed data acquisition systems, high-accuracy motion systems, high-speed scanning systems, optomechanical assemblies, and complex electromechanical systemsFamiliarity with industrial automation technologies and roboticsLocation: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.BenefitsSignificant stock option packages100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)Life insuranceTraditional and Roth 401(k)Relocation assistance providedPaid vacation, sick leave, and company holidaysGenerous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parentFree daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenetteCasual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building eventsCompensationOur 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 $160,000-$250,000.
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.