Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

As an Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer at Freeform, your main responsibilities include building, assembling, aligning, and deploying complex opto-mechanical systems. You will also develop and scale in-house build processes from prototypes to mass production, integrate high-power lasers and high-speed cameras, and design mechanical solutions for optical integration. This role requires a hands-on approach to hardware development, testing, and implementation, contributing to the heart of our transformative technology.

To be eligible for the Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer position at Freeform, you should have a Bachelor's degree in optics, mechanical engineering, or physics, along with hands-on experience in building and assembling opto-mechanical systems. Proficiency in CAD, particularly GD&T and detailed drawing documentation, is essential. A strong foundation in mechanical engineering and physics is also necessary. Additional qualifications such as a Master's degree and experience with high-power lasers are advantageous.

Freeform offers unique opportunities for its Opto-Mechanical Build Engineers to be early and integral members of a rapidly growing company. You will work in a collaborative environment, contributing to a world-changing technology while developing your career. Additionally, the benefits include stock options, comprehensive medical insurance, paid parental leave, and flexible working arrangements, which all support your professional and personal growth.

Freeform is committed to supporting the career development of its Opto-Mechanical Build Engineers through mentorship, hands-on experience, and continuous learning opportunities. As you work on innovative projects, you’ll collaborate with diverse teams, enhancing your skills and exposure to new technologies. Freeform also encourages professional growth by offering significant stock options and competitive salaries that reflect your contributions to the company.

Freeform's facility is situated in Hawthorne, CA, within a state-of-the-art 35,000 square foot space designed for collaboration, R&D, and production. The location offers easy access to major freeways and is part of Los Angeles' vibrant emerging tech ecosystem, providing an exciting environment for innovation and growth.

When answering this question, share specific examples of projects you've worked on that involved opto-mechanical systems. Discuss any challenges you faced, your approach to overcoming them, and the skills you utilized. Highlight your hands-on experience with assembly, alignment, and integration of these systems.

To effectively respond, explain your methods for ensuring precision in alignment processes, such as using specific tools and techniques, like laser alignment systems, measuring instruments, or software for monitoring alignment. Discuss the importance of detail and accuracy in your work and the steps you take to mitigate potential errors.

Discuss the CAD tools you are familiar with, emphasizing your experience in GD&T and detailed drawing documentation. Provide examples of how you used these tools in a project, explaining how they contributed to the overall success of the opto-mechanical system design.

Outline your systematic approach to integrating high-power lasers, including assessing system requirements, designing for safety, and collaborating with other engineering disciplines. Highlight the importance of collaboration among mechanical, electrical, and software teams to achieve safe and effective integration.

Share a detailed story about a challenging problem you encountered in previous projects. Discuss your analytical process, the solutions you considered, and the final outcome. This showcases your problem-solving skills and your ability to work under pressure.

Provide information on any projects where you utilized high-speed cameras, discussing the context and significance within the project. If you faced any specific challenges with camera integration, explain how you overcame them and the results achieved.

Discuss your strategy for task prioritization, such as breaking projects into manageable parts or using project management tools. Emphasize the importance of communication with your team, setting deadlines, and ensuring that all aspects of the project align with overarching goals.

In your response, elaborate on the mechanical engineering principles you use to analyze and design opto-mechanical systems. This can include discussing concepts related to kinematics, material properties, and thermodynamics that ensure reliability and efficacy in your designs.

Highlight your approach to receiving and incorporating feedback. Discuss the importance of constructive criticism in engineering, and provide examples of how you have positively adapted your work in response to input from peers or supervisors.

Reflect on your passion for innovative technology and collaborative environments. Discuss how Freeform's mission to revolutionize manufacturing aligns with your career goals, and express enthusiasm for contributing to groundbreaking projects within a supportive team.