Head of IT Infrastructure & DevOps

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. 

In this role, you will be responsible for scaling a robust IT infrastructure that is needed to process and store petabytes worth of data generated by our fleet of autonomous printing factories. We are looking for someone who is well-versed in modern big data infrastructure technologies with a keen eye for pragmatic and simple solutions. You will oversee both on-premises and cloud-based IT infrastructure, ensuring the highest standards of availability, scalability, and security. Your role will be critical in fostering a DevOps culture, optimizing costs, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. This is a unique opportunity to build a world-class datacenter and IT infrastructure that will enable Freeform to deploy its software-defined factory technology across the globe.

All leadership roles at Freeform are technical in nature, so in addition to being a leader you will be expected to spend a significant portion of your time working alongside the team as a technical contributor architecting, developing, and testing solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, deployment, and maintenance of on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure, ensuring high availability, scalability, and security of IT systems.
• Support the Kubernetes infrastructure, including cluster management, orchestration, and scaling (on-prem and cloud).
• Architect and scale state-of-the-art storage systems for a big-data infrastructure, ensuring efficient, reliable, and secure data storage at the multi-petabyte scale.
• Foster a DevOps culture to enhance collaboration between engineering teams. Implement CI/CD pipelines and automation tools to streamline workflows and improve deployment frequency.
• 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.
• Lead and mentor the IT team by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development

Basic Qualifications:

• 8+ years of enterprise level IT engineering experience with at least 1 year of technical or personnel leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes (K8s).
• Expertise in managing a Linux-based infrastructure with Terraform, Ansible, and Kubespray.
• Experience with DevOps practices and tools.

Nice to Have:

• Proven experience in a senior IT leadership role, preferably in a startup environment.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of both corporate and engineering IT infrastructure needs, including both Microsoft and Linux-based technologies.
• Understanding of security protocols and compliance standards, such as NIST 800-171 and ITAR.
• Degree in computer science or computer engineering

Location:

• We are located in Hawthorne 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 LA’s vibrant emerging tech eco-system alongside many other high growth start-ups and enterprises. 

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.
• In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $150,000 – $250,000.
• 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.