Principal Electrical Engineer (Hardware Design)

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER  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 Principal Software Engineer, you will act in a technical leadership capacity responsible for driving innovative development efforts across our broad software ecosystem including edge computing, hardware control and automation, and high-rate telemetry systems. We are looking for someone who can work effectively with electrical, mechanical, and process engineering disciplines as well as technical executives to invent and implement complex, interdisciplinary performance requirements. As a startup, we expect this person to be hands on from architecture to implementation, writing code and solving the most complex issues. Ultimately, your contributions will result in the deployment of highly sophisticated software platforms capable of processing petabytes of high-rate data on the edge and automating factory systems around the world.  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: * Provide architectural leadership for the development of a complex, highly integrated software system  * Take on the most challenging development and implementation efforts in our software stack  * Lead system level integration and validation efforts  * Provide technical project management from conception to production when required by the size/scope of the project  * Drive communication and collaboration with the broader engineering team by working side-by-side with the electrical, mechanical, and process engineering teams  * Innovate on system capability and performance, accelerate engineering progress, and push the bounds of Freeform’s technology forward   Basic Qualifications: * 10+ years of hands-on experience architecting and implementing complex software systems using C/C++/Rust  * Experience in industries such as robotics, IoT, autonomous cars, UAVs, or similar autonomy-centric environments  * Experience working in a high-performance compute environment (FPGAs or GPUs)  Nice to Have: * BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field  * Experience with edge computing, high speed data acquisition, and real time closed-loop-control systems  * Experience with hardware acceleration for machine learning or artificial intelligence  * Experience working in a startup or leading-edge technology environment  * Creative thinker able to apply first-principles reasoning to solve complex problems  * Passion for how software can be used to impact the physical world  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 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 $200,000-$400,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact. * 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.

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. We want you as a talented and experienced Electrician to help us in our mission by developing Hardware-in-the-Loop platforms for our Future Projects. You will be part of the Future Systems team, reporting to the Principal Engineer of the project and working closely with the other engineering disciplines. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES As an Electrician-HIL, your role will evolve as our testing capabilities grow. Initially, your day-to-day responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: * Design, build and wire HIL test benches, racks, and electrical harnessing for spaceflight and ground test systems * Assemble and integrate electrical infrastructure for HIL environments, including power distribution, signal routing, grounding and shielding * Support setup and operation of HIL test benches, integrating hardware with simulators, instrumentation and test equipment * Diagnose and troubleshoot signal integrity issues, intermittent connections, grounding problems, and EMI/EMC-related effects * Maintain, modify and repair test equipment wiring, connectors, harnesses and supporting electrical infrastructure * Maintain accurate wiring schematics, cable lists, test logs, and configuration documentation * Collaborate with HIL engineers, System Engineers and software teams to support test readiness and failure investigations * Contribute to continuous improvement of HIL hardware design, build process and safety practices WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU In the role as Electrician - HiL ideally, you will bring the following experience and skills: * Technical diploma or bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or related field * 3+ years of hands-on electrical work, preferably in aerospace or high-reliability/safety-critical environments * Demonstrated experience assembling and wiring HiL test benches, racks, or complex test setups * Strong ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, pin‑outs, and harness drawings * Familiarity with aerospace or industrial standards (e.g., ECSS, MIL‑STD, IPC, or equivalent) * Practical experience in cable and harness fabrication, including crimping, soldering, heat‑shrinking, and connector assembly * Proficiency with electrical and electronic test equipment, such as multimeters, power supplies, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and harness testers * Solid understanding of EMI/EMC best practices, grounding concepts, and shielding technique * Experience with spacecraft avionics, GSE, or propulsion test systems is a plus * High attention to detail, strong workmanship standards, and a safety‑first mindset * Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team   Skills and Behaviors * Strong oral and written communication skills * Strong analysis and problem-solving skills * Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks * Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done * Ability to communicate at all levels of the business * Demonstrates behaviours consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork * Space enthusiast: ready to change the global space industry Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:   * We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind  * We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them   * We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?   We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.    The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.   All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.