Senior Simulations Engineer

Freeform is a stealth-mode metal 3D printing startup founded on the belief that transforming the way things are made is essential to making the world a better place. Our advanced technology stack lies at the intersection of hardware, software, and data science, creating the foundation for the world’s first fully autonomous and scalable manufacturing system. Our core team hails from several of the world’s most innovative companies such as SpaceX, Hyperloop, and Blue Origin, and we have secured significant funding from several of Silicon Valley’s top venture capital firms.

As a Simulation Engineer, you will play a critical role in developing the pre-print simulation software platform for our metal 3D printing production system.  You will be responsible for designing and developing physics-based and data-driven models that enable the first production scale, high quality, and fully automated metal 3D printing factory capability. We are looking for someone with deep knowledge in physical simulations and multi-physics phenomena who can develop sophisticated models from scratch for undefined or previously unsolved problem statements. This person needs to be comfortable working in an interdisciplinary environment that iterates quickly and decisively.

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 models describing the physics in an advanced metal 3d printing system.
• Work with data scientists to develop data-driven models of the physics of the printing process in a laser powder bed fusion system.
• Simulate geometric deformation induced by the printing process.
• Work with software engineers to integrate physics-based and data-driven models into the software simulation pipeline.
• Guide integration of 3D meshing techniques into the simulation pipeline.
• Work with software developers to architect the simulation software interface to the metal 3D printing hardware layer.
• Create reduced order models required for real time computation of physical models on specialized hardware, such as FPGAs and GPUs.
• Work with control engineers to deploy model-predictive control strategies.
• Generate and maintain documentation of designed algorithms and integrated systems.
• Integrate third-party software packages into proprietary software. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience developing physical simulation software and algorithms.
• Expertise in the fields of computational fluid mechanics and/or computational solid mechanics.
• Able to provide legal proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, which applies to U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens alike. 

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• MS or PhD in engineering, applied mathematics, or related field highly preferred. 
• Experience simulating solids in a thermo-elastic and thermo-elastoplastic regime.
• Familiarity with data-driven physical modeling.
• Experience with optimization techniques and/or control theory.
• Experience with 2D and 3D meshing techniques.
• Proficiency with high performance computing (HPC) platforms and cloud computing.
• Experience with software configuration management tools.
• Creative thinker able to apply first-principles reasoning to solve complex problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Location:

• We are located in Hawthorne 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 LA’s vibrant emerging tech eco-system alongside many other high growth start-ups and enterprises.

Why Freeform?

• We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.
• We offer a competitive compensation package that includes significant equity in the company, as well as a full suite of additional benefits including premium health care (medical, dental, and vision) and life insurance, generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for birthing parent, 401K, and PTO.
• Our work environment includes casual dress, flexible work hours, a fully stocked kitchenette, free parking, daily paid-for lunches, and regular catered team-building events.
• 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