Phd Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 Software Engineer at Freeform, you will play a key role in developing and deploying the software systems that power our autonomous metal 3D printing factories. You'll work with a talented engineering team from some of the world's most innovative companies across a range of projects including controls, high-speed data acquisition, high-performance computing (GPU's and FPGA's), and geometry processing pipelines that enable precise and fully automated manufacturing at scale. Your work will directly impact the performance, reliability, and scalability of our factory systems. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, takes initiative on complex technical problems, and works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver robust, high-performance software solutions. This is an opportunity to build foundational systems for a new category of manufacturing technology - where your code doesn't just run, it drives physical innovation. 

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 develop software for an advanced, production-scale metal 3D printing factory 
• Work with process, control, and mechanical engineers to integrate control algorithms into production software 
• Improve and scale out high-rate data acquisition, storage, and retrieval systems 
• Implement processes for converting customer part geometries into machine print instructions 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, or physics
• Proficiency in a systems level programming language such as C/C++ or Rust
• Experience with high-performance systems software such as hardware control software, embedded software, high-volume telemetry systems, graphics rendering, or similar

Nice to Have:  

• Experience interfacing with microcontrollers, FPGA, or GPU computing hardware 
• Experience developing embedded or real-time software systems 
• Experience writing software for industrial automation systems, rockets, spacecrafts, robotics, or related hardware that operates with the physical world 
• Experience working in a Linux or RTOS environment 
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and iterating quickly (comfortable building the plane as we fly it) 
• Strong communicator who collaborates across disciplines and proactively seeks support when needed 
• Willing to take ownership of tasks big and small, with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset 
• Strong work ethic with a refuse-to-fail mindset 
• Demonstrated indicators of excellence and/or achieving success against adversity (i.e. top academic performance, leadership in engineering clubs, first-generation college student, or other examples of resilience and achievement) 

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 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 $115,000-$150,000, dependent on the candidate's academic level (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom 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.