Electronic & Control Development Lead

About Us

Foundry Robotics is building an AI-native robotics manufacturing company focused on deploying advanced assembly and production capability for leading robotics companies and national-security-critical hardware. Basically, we're building robots that build robots.

We are reimagining manufacturing through advanced robotics. Our mission is to rebuild the American manufacturing industry as an AI-first, assembly-focused, dual-use contract manufacturer. We aim to empower manufacturers with intelligent, efficient, and adaptable robotic systems that redefine productivity and quality. As a founding member of our engineering team, you will have a direct and significant impact on our product, culture, and ultimate success. This role is 100% in-person at our office in Emeryville, CA.

The Role

Design and own an AI-compatible automation controls system for our robotic cells. You'll architect the electronics and controls of each cell, define the interfaces between physical devices (robots, actuators, conveyance, tools) and orchestrating software (Factory OS, MES, AI models), and design the safety system that lets stochastic command sources operate safely around people. Hands-on leadership role: set direction, grow a small team, and personally drive architecture and bring-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and own the controls layer of AI-driven autonomous cells.

• Define hardware and software interfaces between devices and orchestrating / commanding software (Factory OS, MES, AI).

• Implement an AI-compatible safety schema with deterministic guardrails for stochastic command sources.

• Own the electronic architecture of cells end-to-end: power distribution, safety, I/O, motion, networking, HMI.

• Own industrial electrical hardware design (power and comms panels), directly or via subcontractors.

• Contribute to flexible conveyance design and the interfaces between conveyance and workstations.

• Build a clean device-integration layer (drivers, adapters, schemas, APIs) so new tools onboard quickly.

• Define data contracts with the Factory OS team: commands, telemetry, alarms, traceability, process data.

• Lead safety design and compliance: ISO 13849 / IEC 62061, NFPA 79, UL 508A, CE.

• Build and lead a small team of electrical, controls, and integration engineers.

What We're Looking For

Founder mentality: We love people who build like it’s their own company. You move fast, take ownership, and find a way through when the path isn’t obvious. You have the drive to make big things happen and the judgment to take smart risks along the way. If you prefer a clearly defined lane, a predictable pace, and all the answers before you start, there’s nothing wrong with that—but Foundry might not be the right fit.

• 5–10+ years designing controls systems and programming equipment in a manufacturing environment.

• Proven architecture of electrical and control systems for robotic / automated cells, end-to-end.

• Strong PLC programming (Beckhoff, Siemens, Rockwell, or equivalent) and motion / drive integration.

• Hands-on integration of robots and devices via EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, OPC UA, MQTT, REST.

• Expertise in industrial safety: risk / hazard assessment, PL evaluation, functional safety, safety PLC programming.

• Experience integrating shop-floor equipment with MES / Factory OS / orchestrator.

• Ability to take a problem from blank page to production-grade solution by working across stakeholders.

• Demonstrated technical leadership: setting standards, mentoring, owning a function.

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Working familiarity with ROS 2.

• Experience interfacing with MES / data systems.

• Functional understanding of AI models for robotic control and what it takes to deploy them safely.

• Software fluency beyond PLCs (Python, C#, C/C++, or Go).

• Custom PCB / embedded controller design experience.

• Vision, force/torque, or precision motion background.

Why Join Us?

This is one of the only places where world-class manufacturing operators, mechanical engineers, robotics researchers, and software engineers sit in the same room, building production systems together.

We are committed to being deeply embedded in the U.S. industrial base. Our focus is simple: build adaptive robotic assembly systems that make American manufacturing scalable, resilient, and competitive again.

The base salary range for this full-time position in the location of Emeryville is:

$150,000 to $250,000 USD

Compensation packages at Foundry Robotics for eligible roles include base salary, equity, and benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position, determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, interview performance, and relevant education or training. Foundry Robotics employees in eligible roles are also granted equity based compensation, subject to Board of Director approval. You'll also receive benefits including, but not limited to: Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, and generous PTO.

Foundry Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.