Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

OPTO-MECHANICAL BUILD ENGINEER

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.

In this role, you will be responsible for leading 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 how we build, assemble, align, and integrate opto-mechanical systems. You will work 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 be expected to own hardware development, testing, and implementation yourself. Opto-mechanical systems lie at the heart of our technology, so this is a high-impact opportunity at a rapidly growing deep-tech company.

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

• 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 team to solve physics-based interdependencies.
• Work closely 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, and 2 years of hands-on professional experience; or a Master's degree in one of these disciplines and 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 (i.e. etching), laser cutting, long distance laser communication, etc.
• Basic understanding of image and signal processing.
• Knowledge of motion control and kinematics.
• Experience with design of fluid or thermal systems.

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.
• 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.
• 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, 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 $90,000-$200,000, dependent on the candidate's academic level (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom experience.
• 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.