Job Description STAFF/LEAD FPGA ENGINEER
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.
As a Staff/Lead FPGA Engineer at Freeform, you will be responsible for architecting and implementing a custom compute platform that enables the world's first AI-driven, intelligent metal 3D printing technology. You will use the latest FPGA technologies, including the Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC, to scale a high-throughput, low-latency image processing pipeline. You will also have the opportunity to integrate FPGA solutions with state-of-the-art GPUs to create an advanced machine learning acceleration platform. You will drive interdisciplinary engineering efforts between software, electrical, and process engineering teams to rapidly innovate custom FPGA solutions. High-performance computing is central to what makes Freeform's technology unique and powerful, making this a high-impact role where you'll develop core IP for a world-changing technology.
3D printing experience is not required to succeed here — we seek smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating innovative technology!
Responsibilities:
- Architect and implement FPGA solutions to scale a high-throughput, ultra-low latency image processing pipeline
- Lead interdisciplinary efforts between software, electrical, and process engineering to drive FPGA capability innovations
- Architect and implement custom FPGA capabilities to enable real-time machine learning
- Develop new logic components for FPGA use
- Create custom algorithms on FPGAs for signal processing
- Implement custom controllers on FPGAs
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field
- 10+ years of FPGA development experience using SystemVerilog or VHDL
- Familiarity with Xilinx Vivado/Vitis toolchain
- Experience with image processing or DSP
Nice to Have:
- Master's degree in relevant fields
- Experience with Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC
- Experience with embedded software development, including embedded Linux and SoC architectures
- Experience implementing advanced computations on FPGAs
- Experience with heterogeneous computing platforms and high-speed data acquisition systems
- Familiarity with C/C++ or other high-level languages
- Excellent communication skills
- Creative problem-solving ability based on first-principles reasoning
Location:
Hawthorne, CA — a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant tech ecosystem, with easy access to major freeways.
What We Offer:
- Inclusive, collaborative culture valuing learning and data-driven decisions
- Opportunity to be an early, integral team member of a rapidly growing company
- Benefits include significant stock options, comprehensive health insurance, 401(k), relocation assistance, paid leave, catered meals, flexible hours, and team events
- Compensation: Estimated $150,000-$400,000+ based on experience and skills, with stock options included
- Equal opportunity employment — merit and qualifications are the basis for employment decisions