Head of Electrical (Hardware Design)

HEAD OF ELECTRICAL (HARDWARE DESIGN)

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 play a critical role in leading/building our electrical engineering team which develops the nervous system of our technology stack. The ideal candidate will have extensive technical breadth in electrical engineering concepts as well as specific expertise in architecting, designing, and developing complex electromechanical systems and/or state-of-the-art robotic / automation systems. All leadership roles at Freeform are technical in nature so in addition to being a leader you will also be expected to spend a significant portion of your time working alongside the team as an individual technical contributor.  

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 technical guidance and leadership to the electrical engineering team with the goal of driving continuous improvement into the R&D process and maximizing pace of development  
• Serve as the primary technical architect for all electrical elements in the system as well as lead design, analysis, and/or simulation efforts as an individual contributor where appropriate  
• Roll up your sleeves and perform hands-on engineering work alongside your team  
• Lead system level integration and validation of design efforts (testing and troubleshooting) 
• Provide technical project management from conception to production when required by the size/scope of the project  
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration with the broader engineering team by working side-by-side with the software, mechanical, and process engineering teams  

Basic Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering  
• 10+ years of experience architecting, developing, and integrating complex electrical hardware systems  
• Broad experience across analog and digital circuity design, power systems, data acquisition, image/signal processing, and control systems  
• Successful track record of leading complex multidisciplinary projects and teams  

Nice to Have:  

• Advanced degree (Master's, PhD) in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechatronics, or robotics  
• Experience in high-tech automated hardware such as robotics, UAVs, autonomous cars, rockets, and spacecraft  
• Experience developing electrical hardware in high-performance compute environments  
• Knowledge of high-speed interfaces such as PCIe  
• Experience writing software in Python and C++ to interface with electrical hardware systems  
• Strong written and oral communication skills  

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    
  • 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 $175,000-$400 ,000. However this is a uniquely impactful role and we are open to discussing compensation packages outside of this range for the right person. 
    
• 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.