Edge Compute and Data Center Architect

EDGE COMPUTE AND DATA CENTER ARCHITECT

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. 

In this role, you will architect and build the compute infrastructure and connectivity backbone for a new class of AI-native metal 3D printing factories. Each node in the factory integrates dense GPU clusters and generates massive, high-frequency data streams that must be processed in real time on the edge. You will design systems spanning heterogeneous compute (CPU/GPU), high-bandwidth interconnects (e.g., NVLink, InfiniBand), and distributed data platforms to support both real-time control loops and large-scale data processing. You will oversee both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure, ensuring high availability, scalability, and security. This is a unique opportunity to build advanced compute systems and scale them from a single deployment into a globally distributed platform. 

Responsibilities:  

• Architect and scale state-of-the-art edge compute and storage systems for a big-data infrastructure, enabling Freeform to perform real-time machine learning on the edge as well as store petabytes of physics-based data for inference
• Lead the design, deployment, and maintenance of on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure, ensuring high availability, scalability, and security of IT systems
• Optimize and manage virtualization and containerization technologies
• Design, implement, and manage the company's networking infrastructure, ensuring robust connectivity, performance optimization, and security across all network layers
• Implement and manage comprehensive security protocols to protect data, systems, and infrastructure. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to ensure the highest levels of protection
• Ensure infrastructure is built and scaled with cost and resource efficiency in mind
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations for network security operations such as NIST and ITAR

Basic Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or network engineering
• 5+ years of enterprise level data center engineering experience
• Heterogenous compute/data center infrastructure experience (CPUs, GPUs, traditional servers and storage)
• Strong knowledge of both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure

Nice to Have:  

• 10+ years of overall industry experience
• Experience with high-speed data
• Experience with Infiniband or similar high-bandwidth communication systems
• Experience scaling infrastructure for a startup environment
• Experience developing and implementing edge-compute capabilities such as data center infrastructure for ground stations, IoT, or similar hardware-centric operations
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Understanding of security protocols and compliance standards, such as NIST 800-171 and ITAR

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.

Why Freeform?  

• 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) 
  • 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 an early-stage startup, 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. 
• 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.