Staff/Lead FPGA Engineer

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 Staff/Lead 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:

• 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 $150,000-$400,000+ (top of range reserved for individuals with outstanding experience, technical depth, and passion).
• 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.