Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

OPTO-MECHANI CAL 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!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…