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!

• →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.