Senior Simulation Engineer - Freeform

SENIOR SIMULATION 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 Simulation Engineer at Freeform, you will be responsible for developing physics-based, 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 physics, applied mathematics, mechanical engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional experience developing physical simulation algorithms, OR PhD in one of the above fields in lieu of professional experience.
• Expertise in the field of computational solid mechanics.

Nice to Have:

• MS or PhD in physics, applied mathematics, mechanical engineering or related field highly preferred. 
• Significant experience with plasticity and implementing plasticity models.
• Experience simulating solids in a thermo-elastic and thermo-elastoplastic regime.
• Expertise in the fields of computational fluid mechanics
• Familiarity with data-driven physical modeling.
• Experience with computational geometry concepts.
• 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.
• Programming skills in Python, C++, Rust or similar enterprise development language
• Creative thinker able to apply first-principles reasoning to solve complex problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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.