Lead/Staff Electrical Engineer (Hardware Design)

Company: Freeform
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description LEAD/STAFF ELECTRICAL ENGINEER (HARDWARE DESIGN) 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 Lead/Staff Electrical Engineer at Freeform, you will play an integral role in the design and development of custom electronics and compute systems that bring our AI-native metal 3D printing factory systems to life. You will solve challenging problems in fields such as high-performance compute, high speed communications, embedded hardware, motion control, autonomous robotic systems, and much more. You will use a first principles approach to solving problems and tackling new areas within electrical engineering that you may not have directly worked on before. The ideal candidate is capable of running projects from cradle to grave, acting as a technical lead, and has the ability to work effectively with other engineering disciplines. 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: Rapidly design, develop and test highly reliable electronics and compute systems that enable complex autonomous systems to perform reliability, repeatedly, and scalably Drive electrical architecture, product requirements, component selection, analysis, schematic capture, prototyping, bring-up, debugging, documentation, product management, productization, manufacturing, and test Challenge assumptions and learn new design approaches Drive component selection, analysis, schematic capture, prototyping, bring-up, debugging, documentation, manufacturing, and test Hands-on debugging of the unexpected via the use of laboratory test equipment, custom instrumentation, and testing setups Model and simulate circuit designs for analysis and performance Act as a technical lead, driving schedule and ensuring a continuous rate of innovation Basic Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering discipline 10 years of professional experience designing and delivering complex electrical hardware Broad electrical engineering background; well versed in electrical engineering fundamentals and comfortable taking a first-principles approach to solving problems Experience operating as a technical lead and system owner, responsible for architectural decisions, execution quality, and technical accountability across the full lifecycle Nice to Have: Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in electrical engineering Experience with heterogeneous compute environments, including FPGA, GPU, and mixed architecture systems, with the ability to make thoughtful tradeoffs across performance, latency, and system complexity. Experience with sensors, high speed cameras/imaging systems, and similar physical telemetry systems Experience with embedded microcontroller design and firmware Experience with high-speed data acquisition systems, high-accuracy motion systems, high-speed scanning systems, optomechanical assemblies, and complex electromechanical systems Familiarity with industrial automation technologies and robotics 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 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 $160,000-$220,000, dependent on the candidate's education and experience . 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.

Keywords: Freeform, Santa Monica , Lead/Staff Electrical Engineer (Hardware Design), Engineering , Los Angeles, California