Process Engineer (Advanced R&D)

PROCESS ENGINEER (ADVANCED R&D)

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 Process Engineer at Freeform, you will have the unique opportunity to invent novel processes for the world’s most advanced metal 3D printing systems. You will deep dive into complex, multi-physics phenomena to gain a fundamental understanding of the system and use those learnings to create a new state-of-the-art process. You will work alongside an interdisciplinary team of mechanical, software, and simulations engineers to analyze massive in-situ data sets as well as post-print material characteristics and rapidly iterate on improving the printing technology with machine learning. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment, solving very audacious problems from scratch.

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:

Assist the Process Engineering team in developing a deep understanding of the metal additive process and hardware operation by analyzing massive in-situ data sets to gain insight into physical mechanisms of the printing process

Drive execution of experiments, analyze data, and develop and optimize processes on a metal additive system

Perform post-build metrology measurements and analysis of material properties such as tensile strength, surface roughness, and alloy microstructure

Generate and track quality metrics of printed customer parts such as dimensional accuracy, defect distribution, and surface roughness

Assist in the development and implementation of tool qualification procedures

Collaborate with mechanical, software, and simulations engineers to analyze data and rapidly improve printing processes

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in material science, physics, or similar engineering discipline

First principles thinker with strong fundamentals in physics

Experience with experimental design and statistical data analysis

Strong data analysis skills and ability to interpret important information from extremely large data sets

Nice to Have:

Undergraduate research experience in material science, physics, mechanical engineering

Process development experience from cutting edge industries such as semiconductor, solar, or displays

Experience with Python and/or MATLAB

Experience with statistical data analysis software such as R, JMP, or Minitab

Experience operating complex equipment

Familiarity with metallurgical sample preparation such as cutting, grinding, polishing, acid etching, and optical microscopy

Passion for developing new processes from scratch

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

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 $95,000-$140,000, inclusive of all levels/seniority within this discipline.

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.