Principal Software 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 Principal Software Engineer, you will act in a technical leadership capacity responsible for driving innovative development efforts across our embedded ecosystem such as edge computing for image-based machine learning, hardware automation, and sensor fusion.  We are looking for someone who can work effectively with electrical, mechanical, and process engineering disciplines to implement complex, interdisciplinary performance requirements. As a startup, we expect this person to be hands on from architecture to implementation, writing code and solving the most complex issues. Ultimately, your contributions will result in the deployment of a highly sophisticated embedded software platform capable of processing petabytes of high-rate data on the edge and automating factory systems around the world. 

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:

• Provide architectural leadership for the development of a complex, highly integrated embedded software system 
• Take on the most challenging development and implementation efforts in our software stack 
• Lead system level integration and validation efforts 
• Provide technical project management from conception to production when required by the size/scope of the project 
• Drive communication and collaboration with the broader engineering team by working side-by-side with the electrical, mechanical, and process engineering teams 
• Innovate on system capability and performance, accelerate engineering progress, and push the bounds of Freeform’s technology forward  

Basic Qualifications:

• 10+ years of hands-on experience architecting and implementing complex embedded software systems using C/C++/Rust 
• Experience working in a high-performance compute environment (FPGAs or GPUs) 
• Experience working in a startup or leading-edge technology environment 

Nice to Have:

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field 
• Experience with hardware acceleration for machine learning or artificial intelligence  
• Experience with edge computing, high speed data acquisition, and real time closed-loop-control systems 
• Experience writing software for robotics, industrial automation systems, or related hardware 
• Creative thinker able to apply first-principles reasoning to solve complex problems 

Location:

• We are located in Hawthorne, CA in a 35,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, as well as easy access to the 405, 105, and 110 freeways. Our facility is in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant emerging tech ecosystem alongside many other high growth startups and enterprises.

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 $200,000-$400,000+ (top of range reserved for individuals with outstanding experience, technical depth, and passion). 
• 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.