Head of Turbomachinery Technology

Freeform • Los Angeles, CA

4d • $200,000 - $300,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts. The Head of Turbomachinery Technology will build and lead a new engineering division, set the technical direction for rotating machinery designed around metal 3D printing, and take new architectures from first-principles analysis through hardware testing in collaboration with teams developing Freeform’s printing technology. This is a hands-on founding leadership role with direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to grow the division.

The position is based at Freeform’s vertically integrated facility in Hawthorne, where technology development, R&D, and production are located together. The role requires full-time onsite presence five days a week, with very limited exceptions. Freeform describes its environment as fast-paced, cross-functional, collaborative, and data-driven.

The estimated salary range is $200,000–$300,000, in addition to a significant stock option package. The salary offered will depend on experience, education, skills, and demonstrated abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or PhD in a relevant field.
• Proficiency with CFD and FEA tools and experience correlating models to test data.
• Experience leading engineers or technical programs.
• Experience with high-speed, high-temperature, cryogenic, or supercritical fluid machinery.
• Hands-on experience with bearings, seals, and rotor balancing.
• Experience building or commissioning turbomachinery test rigs and facilities.
• Familiarity with nickel superalloys and other high-performance materials.
• Background in a startup or fast-paced R&D environment.
• Experience building a technical team from scratch.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the turbomachinery division, including its technical strategy, roadmap, team structure, and hiring.
• Lead aerodynamic and thermo-mechanical design of compressors, turbines, and pumps built for additive manufacturing.
• Define design rules, analysis methods, and validation approaches for rotating hardware produced on Freeform’s platform.
• Direct rotordynamics, structural, and life analysis, including fatigue, creep, and vibration.
• Plan and run component and rig testing, and correlate results with CFD and FEA models.
• Work with materials, process, simulation, controls, and manufacturing engineers to feed findings back into Freeform’s printing technology.
• Own schedule, budget, and technical risk for division programs.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of turbomachinery engineers.

Benefits

• Significant stock option packages.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with premium PPO and HMO options.
• Life insurance.
• Traditional and Roth 401(k).
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
• Paid parental leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent.
• Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and a fully stocked kitchenette.
• Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team-building events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed