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Advanced Manufacturing, 3D Printing, AI, Robotics

Staff FPGA Engineer

Los Angeles, Ca (on-site)Full TimeStaff$150,000–$400,000 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Role summary

Freeform is seeking a Staff FPGA Engineer to architect and implement a custom compute platform for AI-native manufacturing systems, specifically for AI-driven metal 3D printing. This role involves developing a high-throughput, low-latency image processing pipeline and integrating FPGA solutions with GPUs for machine learning acceleration. The engineer will lead interdisciplinary efforts across software, electrical, and process engineering teams to innovate custom FPGA solutions, developing core intellectual property for a world-changing technology. Experience with SystemVerilog/VHDL, Xilinx tools, high-speed IO, and board bring-up is essential. The position is based in Hawthorne and requires full-time onsite presence.

STAFF FPGA 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.

As a Staff FPGA Engineer at Freeform, you will be responsible for architecting and implementing a custom compute platform that enables the world’s first AI-driven, intelligent metal 3D printing technology. You will use the latest and greatest in FPGA’s including the Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC to scale a high-throughput, low latency image processing pipeline. You will also have an opportunity to integrate your FPGA solutions with state-of-the-art GPUs to create an advanced machine learning acceleration platform. You will drive interdisciplinary engineering efforts between software, electrical, and process engineering teams to rapidly innovate custom FPGA solutions. High-performance computing to central to what makes Freeform’s technology unique and powerful, so this is a high-impact role in which you’ll develop core IP for a world-changing technology.

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:

  • Architect and implement FPGA solutions to scale a high-throughput, ultra-low latency image processing pipeline
  • Lead interdisciplinary efforts between software, electrical, and process engineering to drive innovation on FPGA capabilities
  • Architect and implement custom FPGA capabilities to enable real-time machine learning
  • Architect and implement new logic components for use on FPGAs
  • Implement custom algorithms on FPGAs for signal processing
  • Implement custom controllers on FPGAs

    • Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field
  • 10+ years of FPGA development experience in SystemVerilog or VHDL
  • Familiarity with Xilinx Vivado/Vitis toolchain development environment
  • Experience with high-speed IO, board bring up, and similar hardware-centric FPGA development domains

    • Nice to Have:

  • Master’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field
  • Experience with image processing or DSP
  • Experience with Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC
  • Experience with embedded software development including embedded Linux and System on Chip (SoC)-based architectures
  • Experience implementing math/advanced computations on FPGAs
  • Experience with heterogeneous computing platforms and high-speed data acquisition systems
  • Familiarity with C/C++ or other high-level programming languages
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Creative thinker able to apply first-principles reasoning to solve complex problems

    • 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
  • 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 $150,000-$400,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.
  • 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.
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