Freeform
Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer at Freeform
Freeform is deploying software‑defined, autonomous metal 3D printing factories around the world, bringing the scalability of software to physical production. Our proprietary technology stack leverages advanced sensing, real‑time controls, and data‑driven learning to produce digitally‑verified, flawless parts at unprecedented speed and cost. Our mission is to make the transformative power of 3D printing available to all industries at scale and unlock the future of innovation.
Overview In this role you will lead the development and deployment of custom opto‑mechanical systems for the world’s most advanced metal 3D printing systems. You will establish and scale processes for building, assembling, aligning, and integrating opto‑mechanical systems, working with high‑power lasers, high‑speed cameras, and other proprietary hardware and software to integrate novel capabilities. This is a hands‑on role in which you will own hardware development, testing, and implementation yourself. Opto‑mechanical systems lie at the heart of our technology, making this a high‑impact opportunity at a rapidly growing deep‑tech company.
Responsibilities
Build, assemble, align, and deploy complex opto‑mechanical systems.
Develop procedures for scaling in‑house opto‑mechanical build processes from prototype to volume production.
Integrate high‑power lasers and high‑speed camera solutions.
Design mechanical solutions to integrate optical design with precision and repeatability.
Create drawings specifically to opto‑mechanical GD&T standards.
Establish and own the precision alignment process, including method, procedure, and software used.
Perform test and characterization of optical performance, including process, equipment selection, and passing criteria.
Work closely with process engineering to solve physics‑based interdependencies.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to develop a robust and scalable system architecture.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Optics/Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics with 2+ years of hands‑on professional experience; or a Master’s degree in one of these disciplines with at least one hands‑on opto‑mechanical internship.
Hands‑on experience with opto‑mechanical systems (build, assembly, alignment, etc.).
CAD experience, including GD&T and detailed drawing documentation as it relates to opto‑mechanics.
Strong mechanical engineering and physics fundamentals.
Nice to Have
Master’s degree in optical engineering or mechanical engineering.
Experience with high‑power lasers (tens to hundreds of watts).
Experience designing optics for industrial systems such as semiconductor etching, laser cutting, or long‑distance laser communication.
Basic understanding of image and signal processing.
Knowledge of motion control and kinematics.
Experience with design of fluid or thermal systems.
Location
Hawthorne, CA – 35,000 square foot, state‑of‑the‑art facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, with easy access to the 405, 105, and 110 freeways.
What We Offer
Inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and deliberate data‑driven decisions.
Opportunity to be an early, integral member of a rapidly growing company scaling 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).
Relocation assistance provided.
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, fully stocked kitchenette.
Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team‑building events.
Compensation:
Salary range intentionally wide to reflect experience, education, and unique skills; expected range $90,000–$200,000, inclusive of all levels/seniority.
Additional significant stock option package.
Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
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Overview In this role you will lead the development and deployment of custom opto‑mechanical systems for the world’s most advanced metal 3D printing systems. You will establish and scale processes for building, assembling, aligning, and integrating opto‑mechanical systems, working with high‑power lasers, high‑speed cameras, and other proprietary hardware and software to integrate novel capabilities. This is a hands‑on role in which you will own hardware development, testing, and implementation yourself. Opto‑mechanical systems lie at the heart of our technology, making this a high‑impact opportunity at a rapidly growing deep‑tech company.
Responsibilities
Build, assemble, align, and deploy complex opto‑mechanical systems.
Develop procedures for scaling in‑house opto‑mechanical build processes from prototype to volume production.
Integrate high‑power lasers and high‑speed camera solutions.
Design mechanical solutions to integrate optical design with precision and repeatability.
Create drawings specifically to opto‑mechanical GD&T standards.
Establish and own the precision alignment process, including method, procedure, and software used.
Perform test and characterization of optical performance, including process, equipment selection, and passing criteria.
Work closely with process engineering to solve physics‑based interdependencies.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to develop a robust and scalable system architecture.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Optics/Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics with 2+ years of hands‑on professional experience; or a Master’s degree in one of these disciplines with at least one hands‑on opto‑mechanical internship.
Hands‑on experience with opto‑mechanical systems (build, assembly, alignment, etc.).
CAD experience, including GD&T and detailed drawing documentation as it relates to opto‑mechanics.
Strong mechanical engineering and physics fundamentals.
Nice to Have
Master’s degree in optical engineering or mechanical engineering.
Experience with high‑power lasers (tens to hundreds of watts).
Experience designing optics for industrial systems such as semiconductor etching, laser cutting, or long‑distance laser communication.
Basic understanding of image and signal processing.
Knowledge of motion control and kinematics.
Experience with design of fluid or thermal systems.
Location
Hawthorne, CA – 35,000 square foot, state‑of‑the‑art facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, with easy access to the 405, 105, and 110 freeways.
What We Offer
Inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and deliberate data‑driven decisions.
Opportunity to be an early, integral member of a rapidly growing company scaling 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).
Relocation assistance provided.
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, fully stocked kitchenette.
Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team‑building events.
Compensation:
Salary range intentionally wide to reflect experience, education, and unique skills; expected range $90,000–$200,000, inclusive of all levels/seniority.
Additional significant stock option package.
Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
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