FPGA Engineer

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 an FPGA Engineer at Freeform, you will be responsible for developing and integrating critical software and hardware systems to create a custom compute and control platform that enables the world’s first production scale, fully automated metal 3D printing factory. You will work with the latest and greatest in FPGA technology, such as the Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC, to develop novel high-speed data processing and hardware accelerated AI capabilities. You will work alongside a team of experienced, interdisciplinary engineers who will provide mentorship and technical growth. 

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:

• Develop real-time hardware interface IPs for Freeform’s sensing stack (high speed cameras, high speed analog signals) 
• Design and develop high performance neural network inference, DSP and image processing IPs  
• Develop custom real-time low latency communication protocols  
• End to end validation of digital designs through simulations and HITL (Hardware in the loop) 
• Integrate digital designs with embedded software  

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or master's in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering 
• 3+ years of FPGA development experience 
• Proficient in VHDL or (System)Verilog 
• Familiarity with Xilinx Vivado development environment 

Nice to Have:

• Experience with Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC 
• Experience working with Oscilloscopes and Logic Analyzers 
• Experience with embedded software development (OS based or baremetal) 
• Experience working with IO interfaces, such as UART, I2C, SPI, DDR, LVDS 
• Experience configuring and deploying GT Transceiver applications  
• Familiarity with C/C++/Rust or other system-level programming languages 
• Programmatic data analysis skills with Python, Julia, or R 
• 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 $100,000-$200,000, inclusive of all levels/seniority within this discipline.
• 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.